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Coding And Maths

ScratchJr maths: story sequencing

Use ScratchJr-style projects for ages 5 to 7 to put events in order and count steps in a story.

Quick answer

ScratchJr maths: story sequencing helps children learn to put events in the right order and count steps in a story by using coding blocks to create a sequence of actions. This builds early maths skills like counting, patterns, and logical thinking.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to:
  • Put story events in the correct order
  • Count how many steps are in a story
  • Use simple coding blocks to create a story sequence
  • Understand that order matters in stories and maths
Success signs:
  • You can tell a story with the right order of events
  • You can count the number of actions in a story
  • You can use the “when I tap” and “move” blocks to make a story
  • You can explain why the order of steps matters

Why this matters

Story sequencing helps children understand how things happen one after another. In maths, this is like counting steps, ordering numbers, or understanding patterns. When you use ScratchJr to make a story, you're learning how to think logically and plan steps. This is useful in school when you need to follow instructions, solve problems, or even write your own story. It’s also great for games and everyday life. For example, when you get ready for school, you follow a sequence: brush teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast, and then go. In ScratchJr, you can make a story that follows a similar order.

How it works

In ScratchJr, you can make a story by using blocks to show what happens in order. Here’s how:
  1. Choose a story – Think of a simple story with a beginning, middle, and end.
  2. Plan the steps – Decide what happens first, second, third, and so on.
  3. Use blocks – Use blocks like “when I tap” and “move” to show each step.
  4. Test your story – Tap the blocks to see if your story works in the right order.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you’re making a story about a cat going to the park. Step 1: The cat wakes up. (Use the “when I tap” block to start the story.) Step 2: The cat walks to the park. (Use the “move” block to show the cat walking.) Step 3: The cat plays with a ball. (Use another “move” block or a “say” block to show the cat playing.) Step 4: The cat goes home. (Use another “move” block to show the cat walking home.) In ScratchJr, you can make each step with a block. If you use the “move” block 3 times, your story has 3 steps. You can also make the cat say something, like “I’m going to the park!” Here’s a simple table showing how to build your story:
Step Action Block Used
1 Cat wakes up When I tap
2 Cat walks to park Move 10 steps
3 Cat plays with ball Say “Playing!”
4 Cat goes home Move 10 steps

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Cat’s Journey You are a detective who needs to find out what the cat did today. You have 4 clues. Each clue is a block from a ScratchJr story. Your job is to put the clues in the right order to tell the story of the cat. Clue 1: “The cat walks to the park.” (Use “move” block) Clue 2: “The cat wakes up.” (Use “when I tap” block) Clue 3: “The cat plays with a ball.” (Use “say” block) Clue 4: “The cat goes home.” (Use “move” block) Can you put the clues in the right order? First clue: When I tap Second clue: Move Third clue: Say Fourth clue: Move Now try making your own story with these clues in the right order.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to use the “when I tap” block to start the story. Why it happens: The story doesn’t begin. Fix: Always start with a “when I tap” block to begin the story.
  • Mistake: Putting the steps in the wrong order. Why it happens: Not thinking about the logical sequence of events. Fix: Think about the story before placing blocks. Use a drawing to plan first.
  • Mistake: Using too many blocks without a clear plan. Why it happens: Trying to do too much at once. Fix: Start with just 3 or 4 steps and add more later.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Encouraging the child to talk through their story before coding
  • Helping them draw a simple picture of the story steps
  • Asking questions like: “What happens first?”, “What happens next?”
  • Letting the child test their story and fix it if needed
  • Not worrying if the story isn’t perfect at first – it’s all about learning!
What to say: “Can you tell me what happens first in your story?” What not to do: Don’t rush or tell them the right order – let them figure it out.

Practice questions

  1. What block do you use to start a story in ScratchJr? Answer: When I tap
  2. How many steps are in this story: Wake up → Walk to school → Eat breakfast → Go to class? Answer: 4 steps
  3. Which block helps you show a character saying something? Answer: Say
  4. What happens if you put the steps in the wrong order? Answer: The story won’t make sense
  5. If you use 5 move blocks in a story, how many steps does it have? Answer: 5 steps

FAQ

What is story sequencing?

Story sequencing is when you arrange events in the right order to make a story. It helps you understand how things happen one after another.

Why is sequencing important in maths?

Sequencing helps you count steps, understand patterns, and solve problems. It’s like learning how to count in order or follow a recipe.

Can I use ScratchJr to make a story about my pet?

Yes! You can make a story about your pet going to the park, eating food, or playing with toys. It’s a fun way to learn about order and steps.

What if I don’t know how to start my story?

You can draw a picture of your story first. Then, use the blocks to match what you drew.

How can I practice story sequencing at home?

Try telling a story with your child and ask them to put the steps in the right order. You can also use toys or pictures to act out a story and then code it in ScratchJr.