ScratchJr number stories maths mission

Quick answer

Learning outcome

• You can choose a maths problem to solve in your story
• You can use ScratchJr blocks to show your story steps
• You can count, add, or subtract numbers in your story
• You can share your story with a friend or family member

Why this matters

How it works

Examples you can see

• Step 1: Choose a character, like a little apple picker
• Step 2: Use a "move" block to make the picker walk to the apple tree
• Step 3: Use a "say" block to show how many apples you picked: "I picked 3 apples!"
• Step 4: Use another "move" block to walk to a basket
• Step 5: Use a "say" block to show how many apples you now have: "I have 3 apples."

• Step 1: Choose a party character
• Step 2: Use a "repeat" block to show friends coming in
• Step 3: Use a "say" block to show "1 friend came in, now I have 1"
• Step 4: Keep repeating until you have 5 friends
• Step 5: Show "5 friends are at the party!"

Try it as a mini adventure

1. First time: Choose a problem to solve – how many toys are in your room, how many books you read, or how many flowers you planted
2. Second time: Draw your character (like a robot, a fairy, or a dragon) and name them
3. Third time: Use the "move" block to make your character go to the place where the problem happens
4. Fourth time: Use the "say" block to tell how many items you have at first
5. Fifth time: Use another "move" block to show what happens next
6. Sixth time: Use another "say" block to show how many items you have now
7. Seventh time: Add a sound or a picture to make your story special
8. Eighth time: Tell your story to a friend or family member

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Forgetting to add numbers in the "say" block
  Why it happens: The character might show a story but not tell the numbers.
  Fix: Always use a "say" block with a number to show how many items you have or how many are added or taken away.
• Mistake: Not using the right blocks for the story
  Why it happens: Sometimes children get confused about what blocks to use.
  Fix: Start with simple blocks like "move" and "say" before adding sounds or repeat blocks.
• Mistake: Making the story too long or too short
  Why it happens: It's hard to keep track of steps when you're new to ScratchJr.
  Fix: Keep your story simple – 3 to 5 steps is enough to start.

Parent and carer guide

• Choosing a simple maths problem together, like "How many toys are in the room?"
• Encouraging your child to draw their character and give it a name
• Helping them use the "move" and "say" blocks to tell the story
• Letting them be creative with sounds and music to make their story exciting
• Not worrying if the story isn't perfect – the focus is on learning maths through storytelling

Practice questions

1. How many friends are at a party if 2 come in and then 3 more come in?
2. If you have 5 balloons and 2 pop, how many do you have left?
3. If you plant 3 flowers and then plant 4 more, how many flowers do you have?
4. How many cookies are there if you have 2 plates with 3 cookies on each?
5. If a robot picks up 6 blocks and then drops 2, how many does it have left?

1. 5 friends
2. 3 balloons
3. 7 flowers
4. 6 cookies
5. 4 blocks

FAQ

What is a number story?

A number story is a short story that uses numbers to show a problem and how to solve it.

How do I use ScratchJr to make a number story?

You choose a problem, add characters, use blocks to show what happens, and use "say" blocks to show numbers.

Can I use any numbers in my story?

Yes! You can use any numbers you want, from 1 to 100, or even bigger numbers if you're ready for a challenge.

What if I don't know how to use the blocks?

Start with simple blocks like "move" and "say". You can ask a friend, family member, or teacher for help.

Why is it fun to make number stories?

It's fun because you get to be creative, tell your own adventure, and learn maths at the same time!