X Tables
Coding And Maths

ScratchJr maths: counting animations

Use ScratchJr-style projects for ages 5 to 7 to make characters hop, clap or move while counting.

Quick answer

You can use ScratchJr to make your characters count by making them hop, clap, or move while counting numbers.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to make a character in ScratchJr move and count numbers from 1 to 10 using animation blocks. Success signs:
  • You can make a character move one step at a time while counting
  • You can use the "repeat" block to make a character count to 10
  • You can make a character say or show a number as it counts
  • You can create a simple counting animation that works with your own character

Why this matters

Using ScratchJr to count with animations helps you understand numbers and counting in a fun way. When you make your character move and count, you are learning about number sequences, patterns, and how to use blocks to make things happen. This is like learning to tell a story with code! It also helps with your maths skills, especially with counting, number recognition, and understanding how numbers grow one by one.

How it works

To make a counting animation in ScratchJr, you need to:
  1. Choose a character (called a sprite)
  2. Use the "move" block to make the character move
  3. Use the "repeat" block to count from 1 to 10
  4. Use the "say" block to show numbers
  5. Use the "wait" block to slow down the animation
Let’s walk through this step by step with simple examples.

Examples you can see

Imagine you have a cat character and you want it to count from 1 to 5. Here’s how you can do it:
  1. First, you choose the cat sprite
  2. Then, you add a "move 10 steps" block
  3. Next, you add a "repeat 5 times" block
  4. Inside the repeat block, you put a "say 1" block
  5. Then, you add a "wait 1 second" block
  6. Finally, you add a "move 10 steps" block inside the repeat
Here is how it looks in a table: ScratchJr Counting Animation Steps
Step Action Block Used
1 Choose a character Sprite selection
2 Move character Move 10 steps
3 Start counting Repeat 5 times
4 Count a number Say 1
5 Pause animation Wait 1 second
6 Move again Move 10 steps

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Counting with a Dancing Dinosaur! You are going on a journey with your dinosaur friend, and you want to count from 1 to 10 while dancing. Here’s how to make it happen:
  1. Choose a dinosaur sprite
  2. Make it say "1" and move 10 steps
  3. Repeat this 10 times so it counts to 10
  4. Each time it says a number, make it jump a little
  5. At the end, make it say "I counted to 10!"
This is like a mini dance party where your dinosaur counts and moves. You can try it with different numbers or even make it count backwards from 10 to 1!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to put the "move" block inside the "repeat" block
    Why it happens: The character moves once, not 10 times
    Fix: Make sure the move block is inside the repeat block
  • Mistake: Not using "wait" blocks to slow down the animation
    Why it happens: The animation goes too fast to see the numbers
    Fix: Add a "wait 1 second" block after each move
  • Mistake: Saying the wrong number
    Why it happens: Confusing which number to say
    Fix: Make a list of numbers and check them one by one
  • Mistake: Not starting the animation
    Why it happens: Not clicking the green flag
    Fix: Click the green flag at the top of the screen

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Encouraging children to try different numbers and characters
  • Letting children make up their own counting adventures
  • Using the "wait" block to slow down the animation so it's easier to follow
  • Helping children understand that the repeat block makes things happen more than once
  • Practising counting together before and after coding
How to help in 5 minutes:
  1. Ask your child to choose a character
  2. Guide them to make it say a number and move
  3. Let them repeat the process to count to 5
  4. Ask them to tell you what they did
  5. Encourage them to try counting to 10

Practice questions

  1. What block makes a character move?
  2. Which block makes a character say a number?
  3. How many times do you repeat to count from 1 to 5?
  4. What block helps slow down the animation?
  5. Can you make a character count from 1 to 10? How?
Answers:
  1. The "move" block
  2. The "say" block
  3. 5 times
  4. The "wait" block
  5. Use "repeat 10 times" and "say" blocks with numbers 1 to 10

FAQ

What is ScratchJr?

ScratchJr is a fun app where you can make your own stories and animations using blocks. It's great for learning to code and maths at the same time.

Can I use ScratchJr to learn counting?

Yes! You can make characters count numbers, move, and say numbers to help you learn counting.

Do I need to know how to read to use ScratchJr?

No, ScratchJr uses pictures and simple words, so you can use it even if you're still learning to read.

What age is ScratchJr good for?

ScratchJr is great for children aged 5 to 7, but older children can also enjoy it.

Can I make my own counting animations?

Yes! Once you learn the blocks, you can make your own counting adventures with any character you like.