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Scratchjr Maths

ScratchJr counting animals maths mission

A practical mini-mission using counting animals to practise early addition through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.

Quick answer

You can use ScratchJr to create a fun counting animals maths mission where you count, add, and solve simple problems with cute animal characters.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to count animals in a ScratchJr mission and add small numbers together using animal characters and simple maths. Success signs:
  • You can count up to 10 animals in a picture or story
  • You can add 2 small numbers together (like 3 + 2)
  • You can use animal characters to show addition problems
  • You can make a simple ScratchJr mission with animals and numbers

Why this matters

Counting animals is a fun way to learn early maths. In ScratchJr, you can make your own animal counting mission where you help animals solve problems. This helps you understand how numbers work and how to add them. These skills are useful for counting your toys, sharing snacks, or even playing games with friends.

How it works

In a ScratchJr counting animals mission, you:
  1. Choose animal characters
  2. Count how many of each animal there are
  3. Add animals together to make bigger groups
  4. Use ScratchJr blocks to make your mission happen
You can start by making a simple scene with animals and then adding numbers to show how many there are. When you want to add, you can make the animals come together and count them all.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are on a mission to help a zookeeper. You need to count animals and add them together. Example 1: Counting animals You see 3 lions and 2 tigers. How many animals are there in total?
  • Count the lions: 1, 2, 3
  • Count the tigers: 1, 2
  • Now count all the animals: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • So 3 + 2 = 5 animals
Example 2: Adding animals in ScratchJr In ScratchJr, you can make 3 animals walk to a spot, then 2 more animals walk to the same spot. Then you can count how many are there altogether.
Animal Number
Lions 3
Tigers 2
Total 5

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Help the Zookeeper! You are a helper at a zoo. The zookeeper has lost track of how many animals are in the big play area. You need to count them and add them up.
  1. First, you see 4 monkeys playing
  2. Then, you see 1 elephant walking nearby
  3. Next, you see 2 giraffes eating leaves
  4. Finally, you see 3 zebras running
Now, you must add them all up to find the total number of animals. 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 = ? You can draw or use ScratchJr to show each animal group, then add them together.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Counting the same animal twice or forgetting to count one animal.
    Why it happens: It’s easy to get confused when you’re counting quickly.
    Fix: Count slowly and say each number out loud. Use your fingers or a counter to help.
  • Mistake: Adding the wrong numbers.
    Why it happens: When you see a lot of animals, it can be hard to remember how many of each.
    Fix: Write down or draw the numbers before adding them.
  • Mistake: Thinking that 0 + 3 = 0.
    Why it happens: Some children think adding zero makes the number disappear.
    Fix: Remember that adding zero means you have the same number. 0 + 3 = 3.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Playing along with the counting mission together
  • Using real animals or toys to act out the problems
  • Encouraging the child to count aloud and check their work
  • Using the ScratchJr blocks to make the mission together
  • Practising simple addition with everyday items like fruit or snacks
You can also make it fun by making up stories with the animals, like "the monkey had 2 bananas and the elephant had 1 banana. How many bananas are there in total?" What to say:
  • “Let’s count the animals together!”
  • “Can you show me how you added them?”
  • “What if we had 3 more animals?”
What not to worry about:
  • It’s okay if the child makes mistakes – they’re learning!
  • Don’t rush the child to finish quickly
  • Focus on the fun and not just getting the right answer

Practice questions

  1. How many animals are there if you have 2 birds and 3 cats?
  2. If there are 4 rabbits and 1 fox, how many animals are there?
  3. You see 5 dogs and 2 horses. How many animals are there?
  4. There are 3 lions and 4 tigers. How many animals are there?
  5. You have 1 panda and 0 zebras. How many animals are there?
Answers:
  1. 2 + 3 = 5
  2. 4 + 1 = 5
  3. 5 + 2 = 7
  4. 3 + 4 = 7
  5. 1 + 0 = 1

FAQ

What is ScratchJr?

ScratchJr is a free app that helps young children create their own stories and games using drag-and-drop blocks. It’s a great way to learn coding and maths at the same time.

Can I use ScratchJr to learn maths?

Yes! ScratchJr helps you learn counting, addition, and patterns by making your own missions with animals and characters.

How do I start a counting mission in ScratchJr?

You can choose animal characters, place them on the screen, and use blocks to make them move or count. Then you can add numbers to show how many there are.

What if I don’t know how to use ScratchJr?

It’s okay! You can start with simple steps like choosing a character, moving it, and counting. Ask a parent or teacher for help if you need it.

Why is counting animals helpful?

Counting animals helps you learn how to add numbers together. It also makes maths fun and exciting, so you want to keep learning!