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Scratchjr Maths

ScratchJr move blocks maths mission

A practical mini-mission using move blocks to practise counting through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.

Quick answer

By using ScratchJr move blocks, you can practice counting and learn how to move your character a certain number of steps!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use ScratchJr move blocks to make your character move a specific number of steps and count how many steps you've moved. Success signs:
  • You can tell how many steps a move block will make your character go
  • You can make your character move forwards or backwards using move blocks
  • You can count how many steps your character moved
  • You can plan a path for your character using more than one move block

Why this matters

Learning how to make your character move in ScratchJr helps you understand counting, directions, and planning. It's like a fun game where you're the one designing the path. When you play with move blocks, you're also learning how to solve small puzzles and follow instructions. These skills help you in school with maths, reading, and even in games and sports where you need to count steps or plan moves.

How it works

Move blocks in ScratchJr are simple tools that make your character move. Here's how they work:
  1. Find the move block in the motion category
  2. Click on the number in the block to change how many steps it moves
  3. Click the block to make your character move that many steps
  4. Use more than one move block to make longer paths

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're playing a game where your character needs to go from one side of the screen to the other. Example 1: Simple move
  • Click on the move block
  • Change the number from 10 to 5
  • Click the block
  • Your character moves 5 steps forward
Example 2: Counting steps
  • Move 3 steps forward
  • Move 2 steps forward
  • Count how many steps in total
  • 3 + 2 = 5 steps
Example 3: Making a path
  • Move 4 steps forward
  • Move 3 steps right
  • Move 2 steps forward
  • Count all the steps
  • 4 + 3 + 2 = 9 steps

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You are a brave explorer looking for treasure in a big jungle. Your character needs to move through the jungle to find the treasure chest.
  1. First, move 5 steps forward to reach the big tree
  2. Then, move 3 steps to the right to get past the bush
  3. Next, move 2 steps forward to find a small cave
  4. Finally, move 4 steps to the right to reach the treasure chest
Challenge: Count how many steps you made in total to find the treasure!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to click the move block to make it work
    Why it happens: Kids are excited to change numbers and forget to click
    Fix: Always click the block after changing the number
  • Mistake: Adding the wrong numbers when counting steps
    Why it happens: Kids might count the same step twice or miss one
    Fix: Use your fingers or a counter to keep track of each step
  • Mistake: Thinking move blocks always move forward
    Why it happens: Kids might not notice that blocks can be set to move in different directions
    Fix: Try different move blocks and see how they move your character

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Encouraging children to try different numbers in the move blocks
  • Counting steps together as the child makes moves
  • Using the adventure idea to make the learning more fun
  • Helping children understand that each move block is one step
  • Not rushing the child – let them explore and make mistakes
What to say:
  • "Let's try making your character move 7 steps forward"
  • "Can you count how many steps we made together?"
  • "What happens if we change the number in the move block?"
What not to worry about:
  • Children may make mistakes – that's part of learning
  • It's okay if they don't get it right the first time
  • Focus on the fun of moving the character

Practice questions

  1. How many steps does your character move if you use a move block with the number 6?
  2. If you use two move blocks, one with 4 steps and one with 3 steps, how many steps in total?
  3. Can you make your character move 10 steps forward using 2 move blocks?
  4. What number should you put in a move block to make your character move 8 steps?
  5. If you move 5 steps forward, then 3 steps right, how many steps did you make?
Answers:
  1. 6 steps
  2. 7 steps
  3. Yes, for example 5 and 5, or 4 and 4, or 3 and 5
  4. 8
  5. 8 steps

FAQ

What is a move block in ScratchJr?

A move block is a tool in ScratchJr that makes your character move a certain number of steps. You can change the number to make it move more or fewer steps.

Can I make my character move backwards?

Yes, you can use move blocks with negative numbers to make your character move backwards. But in ScratchJr, you might need to use different blocks or change settings to do this.

How can I practice counting with move blocks?

You can practice by using several move blocks and counting the total steps. For example, if you use blocks with 3, 2, and 5 steps, count 3 + 2 + 5 = 10 steps.

Is it okay to make mistakes when using move blocks?

Yes, making mistakes is part of learning. Try again and see what happens. Each mistake helps you understand how the blocks work better.

Can I use move blocks in other games or apps?

Yes, many apps and games use similar ideas to make characters move. The skills you learn with ScratchJr move blocks can help you in other places too.