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Scratchjr Maths

ScratchJr shape scenes maths mission

A practical mini-mission using shape scenes to practise geometry through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.

Quick answer

You can use ScratchJr shape scenes to learn about geometry by creating and exploring different shapes, their properties, and how they fit together in fun digital adventures.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to identify and describe shapes in your world, use shapes to build scenes in ScratchJr, and understand how shapes can be combined to make new things. Success signs:
  • You can name at least 5 different shapes
  • You can describe how shapes are the same or different
  • You can create a simple scene using shapes in ScratchJr
  • You can explain how shapes fit together to make a bigger picture

Why this matters

Geometry is all around us, from the square tiles on the floor to the circular wheels on your bike. Learning about shapes helps you understand how the world works. In ScratchJr, you get to play with shapes digitally, which helps you think about how they fit together and how you can use them to create art and stories. This is important for your future learning in maths, art, and even building things like houses or castles.

How it works

In ScratchJr, you can make a shape scene by:
  1. Choosing shapes from the shape library
  2. Placing them on the screen
  3. Changing their size, colour, and position
  4. Using shapes to create a story or picture
You can also use shapes to make new things by combining them. For example, two triangles can make a square, or a circle and a rectangle can make a house.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are building a garden in ScratchJr. You might use:
  • A circle for a sun
  • A rectangle for a house
  • A triangle for a roof
  • A square for a flower bed
  • A hexagon for a honeycomb
You can also make a robot by combining shapes:
  • A circle for the head
  • A rectangle for the body
  • Two triangles for the arms
  • Two squares for the legs
In real life, you might look at a pizza slice, which is a triangle. Or a stop sign, which is an octagon. Or a door, which is a rectangle.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Shape Detective Mission You are a shape detective who must find and collect shapes to build a magical forest in ScratchJr. Here’s how your mission works:
  1. First stop: Find a square. It could be a tile on the floor or a book cover. Place it in your ScratchJr scene.
  2. Second stop: Find a circle. It could be a plate, a coin, or a ball. Add it to your scene.
  3. Third stop: Find a triangle. It could be a slice of pizza or a traffic sign. Add it to your scene.
  4. Fourth stop: Combine two shapes to make a new one. For example, two triangles can make a square. Try it in ScratchJr.
  5. Fifth stop: Create a story with your shapes. Maybe the square is a house, the circle is the sun, and the triangle is a tree.
Now, draw or build your shapes on paper first, then use them in ScratchJr. What story can you tell?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking all shapes have corners.
    • Why it happens: Children often think only shapes like squares and triangles have corners, not circles or ovals.
    • Fix: Show that circles have no corners, but they have a round edge. Ask: "Can you touch the edge of a circle with your finger?"
  • Mistake: Mixing up shapes by name.
    • Why it happens: Children may confuse a square with a rectangle or a triangle with a diamond.
    • Fix: Use real-life examples. For example, a book is a rectangle, but a slice of pizza is a triangle.
  • Mistake: Not realising shapes can be combined.
    • Why it happens: Children may think shapes are separate and can’t be used together.
    • Fix: Try cutting out shapes and putting them together to make new pictures. Then use them in ScratchJr.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help by:
  • Playing shape games with your child. For example, ask them to find shapes around the house.
  • Encouraging your child to draw or build with shapes before using ScratchJr.
  • Discussing how shapes fit together. For example, "What happens when you put two triangles together?"
  • Helping your child use the ScratchJr tools to change shape size, colour, and position.
  • Practising shape names and properties with real-life examples.
If your child is struggling, try this:
  • Use everyday objects to show different shapes (a plate for a circle, a book for a rectangle).
  • Ask them to tell you a story using the shapes they’ve drawn.
  • Use simple questions like "What shape is this?" or "How many sides does this have?"
Remember, it’s okay if they don’t get it right the first time. Learning about shapes is a fun and exciting journey!

Practice questions

  1. What shape has 4 equal sides and 4 right angles?
  2. Which shape has 3 sides and 3 corners?
  3. What shape has no corners and is perfectly round?
  4. Can you make a rectangle using two triangles? How?
  5. What shape is the top of a pizza?
Answers:
  1. Square
  2. Triangle
  3. Circle
  4. Yes, by placing two right-angled triangles together with their longest sides touching
  5. Circle

FAQ

What is ScratchJr?

ScratchJr is a free app that helps children aged 5-7 create their own stories and games using drag-and-drop coding. It uses simple blocks to make things move, change, and interact.

Can I use ScratchJr for learning shapes?

Yes! ScratchJr has a shape library where you can choose and use different shapes to build scenes, stories, and games. It’s a fun way to learn about geometry.

What shapes can I use in ScratchJr?

You can use basic shapes like circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, and more. You can also make your own shapes using the drawing tools.

How can I make a story with shapes in ScratchJr?

You can place shapes on the screen to make a scene. For example, use a circle for the sun, a rectangle for a house, and a triangle for a roof. Then, use the motion blocks to make them move or change.

Why are shapes important in real life?

Shapes help us understand the world. They are used in buildings, art, nature, and everyday objects. Knowing shapes helps you think about how things fit together and how to solve problems.