New
New
Year 1
Joining command blocks
I can connect commands together to make a program.
New
New
Year 1
Joining command blocks
I can connect commands together to make a program.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Backgrounds are still images and do not move.
- In ScratchJr, programs must start with a start block and end with an end block.
- Algorithms are used to plan what you want the program to do.
Keywords
Background - the still picture behind sprites
Program - a set of ordered commands that can be run by a computer to complete a task
Algorithm - a set of instructions that can be turned into a program
Common misconception
The items in the background can move.
The background is a static image and the parts it shows are part of the same picture and therefore cannot move. Only sprites can move as they are separate objects.
Programming animations on a computer is a lot like how a school play is planned and performed. The backdrop in a play is usually a painted canvas and the actors are given commands to carry out movement as well as a script to know what order to say the lines in.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Children will need access to a tablet device with the ScratchJr app installed.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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4 Questions
Q1.
What are the blocks that make sprites move called?
circles
calls
Q2.
Where do we place command blocks?
in the middle
on the stage
Q3.
Where do the command blocks start?
the stage
the programming area
Q4.
What is a moving picture with actions made using step-by-step commands called?
animal
action
Exit quiz
Download exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.
What is a program?
still images that do not move
the place behind a sprite
Q2.
In ScratchJr, how do you make a program begin?
tap on the stage
tap on the programming area
Q3.
What is an a set of instructions that can be turned into a program called?
an animal
an animation
Q4.
How does a program end?
with a green start block
with a blue movement block