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Scratchjr Maths

ScratchJr story pages maths mission

A practical mini-mission using story pages to practise sequencing through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.

Quick answer

By using ScratchJr story pages, you can learn to sequence events in a story using numbers and actions – just like following steps in a recipe or building with blocks.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use numbers and simple actions to create a story sequence in ScratchJr that shows the order of events clearly. Success signs:
  • You can arrange story events in the right order using numbers or actions
  • You can explain why the order of events matters in a story
  • You can use a ScratchJr story page to show what happens next
  • You can create a simple story with at least 3 events in the right order

Why this matters

Sequencing is a super important skill that helps you understand how things happen one after another. Whether you're following a recipe, getting ready for school, or telling a story, knowing the order of events helps you make sense of the world. In ScratchJr, you can make your own story and show how events follow each other. This helps you learn how to think step by step, which is useful for maths, reading, and even building with LEGO or playing games.

How it works

In ScratchJr, you can create a story by placing pictures or actions in order. Each step is a part of the story, and you can number them or use simple words like "first", "then", "next", and "finally". Here's how to do it:
  1. Choose your story – Think of a simple story like "The Little Red Hen" or a trip to the park.
  2. Plan the events – Write or draw what happens in your story in order. For example, "First, the hen finds wheat", "Then, she plants it", "Next, she harvests it", "Finally, she bakes bread".
  3. Use ScratchJr – Place your story events in the right order using the blocks or pictures in ScratchJr.
  4. Try it out – Play your story and see if it makes sense. If not, change the order!

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you’re telling a story about a trip to the beach. Here’s how you could plan it:
  1. First, you pack your bag with sunscreen and a towel
  2. Then, you walk to the beach
  3. Next, you build a sandcastle
  4. Finally, you swim in the sea
In ScratchJr, you can make a story page for each step. You can use blocks or draw pictures to show what happens next. For example:
Step What happens ScratchJr block or picture
1 Pack your bag Picture of a bag
2 Walk to the beach Picture of walking
3 Build a sandcastle Picture of sandcastle
4 Swim in the sea Picture of swimming
You can also add sounds or actions to make your story more fun. For example, you could make a "splash" sound when you swim.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Story Sequence Mission You are a detective who needs to solve a mystery! Someone has mixed up the order of events in a story, and you must fix it. You have 4 story cards that are out of order. Your mission is to put them in the right sequence. Cards:
  1. It was raining heavily
  2. The dog ran to the park
  3. It started to rain
  4. The dog got wet
Your challenge: Put the cards in the correct order to tell the story. Then, use ScratchJr to make a story page for each event.
  1. First, write the correct order of the cards:
  2. Then, make a ScratchJr story page with 4 steps:
  3. Next, add a picture or action for each step:
  4. Finally, play your story to see if it makes sense!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Not putting events in the right order
    Why it happens: It's easy to forget the sequence or get confused when you're thinking fast.
    Fix: Use words like "first", "then", "next", and "finally" to help you keep track.
  • Mistake: Adding too many steps at once
    Why it happens: Some children want to make a big story and get overwhelmed.
    Fix: Start with just 3 or 4 events and build up from there.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to check if the story makes sense
    Why it happens: Sometimes it's fun to make up a story, but it's important to make it logical.
    Fix: Read your story out loud or ask a friend to listen.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
  • Encouraging them to think of a simple story they like, like a trip to the zoo or a bedtime routine
  • Helping them list the steps in order using words like "first", "then", "next", "finally"
  • Using real-life examples to show how sequencing works – like getting ready for school or making a sandwich
  • Letting them make mistakes and try again – that’s how they learn!
  • Playing their story together and asking questions like "What happens next?" or "Why did that happen?"

Practice questions

  1. What is the first step in making a sandwich?
    Answer: Get the bread
  2. What comes after "the sun rises" in a morning routine?
    Answer: The birds sing
  3. Which word shows the last event in a story?
    Answer: Finally
  4. What is the correct order for a story about going to the park?
    1. First, you go to the park
    2. Then, you play on the swings
    3. Next, you eat lunch
    4. Finally, you go home
    Answer: 1, 2, 3, 4
  5. What is a good way to remember the order of events?
    Answer: Use words like "first", "then", "next", "finally"

FAQ

What is sequencing in a story?

Sequencing means putting events in the right order, like a story that starts at the beginning and ends at the end.

How does ScratchJr help with sequencing?

ScratchJr lets you make a story page with events in order using pictures or actions, so you can see the story come to life.

Why is it important to learn sequencing?

Sequencing helps you understand how things happen, which is useful for reading, maths, and everyday life.

Can I use any story in ScratchJr?

Yes! You can use any simple story you like, like a trip to the shop, a bedtime story, or a trip to the park.

What if I get the order wrong?

That’s okay! You can change the order and try again. Learning from mistakes is part of how you grow.