Programming in a block-based environment
I can use sprites in Scratch and customise them.
Programming in a block-based environment
I can use sprites in Scratch and customise them.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Blocks in Scratch can be used to control the movement of a sprite.
- A sprite has three features that can be changed: code, costumes and sounds.
Keywords
Sprite - a graphic object that can be controlled by a program
Blocks - ready-made programming commands that carry out actions
Costume - a costume changes the appearance of a sprite
Common misconception
Point in direction turns the sprite the amount of degrees from which it is already facing.
The point in direction block includes numbers which represent the turn in degrees from the upward reference point. 90 degrees makes the sprite face right, 180 degrees faces down, -90 faces left and 0 makes the sprite face the top.
To help you plan your year 3 computing lesson on: Programming in a block-based environment, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 computing lesson on: Programming in a block-based environment, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 computing lessons from the Programming sequence using sound unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
All pupils require access to devices that have or can access the online version of Scratch. Starter programs are linked to the lesson and can be remixed as required.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions

Exit quiz
5 Questions




Moves the sprite forward 10 steps in the direction it is facing.
Turns the sprite clockwise 15 degrees from where it is facing.
Points the sprite to face towards the ground.