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Scratchjr Maths

Where is comparison hiding in ScratchJr character sizes?

Compare bigger, smaller, taller and shorter in playful scenes.

Quick answer

In ScratchJr, you can use character sizes to compare things like bigger, smaller, taller, and shorter. When you make a character bigger or smaller, you're showing a difference in size, which is a way of comparing objects.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use character sizes in ScratchJr to show and compare how big or small things are. Success signs:
  • You can make a character bigger or smaller in ScratchJr
  • You can show two characters with different sizes
  • You can describe how one character is bigger or smaller than another
  • You can use size to make a story or game more interesting

Why this matters

Comparing sizes helps you understand the world around you. When you play games or make stories, using different sizes can make your characters more fun and interesting. In ScratchJr, you can make your characters look different by changing how big or small they are. This is a great way to learn about comparing things and using math to make your projects come alive.

How it works

In ScratchJr, you can change how big or small a character is using the "size" button. When you click on a character, you can see different options. One of them is "size". You can change the size by dragging the slider or by typing a number. The bigger the number, the bigger the character. The smaller the number, the smaller the character. Let’s look at how to do this step by step:
  1. Open ScratchJr and choose a character
  2. Click on the character
  3. Find the "size" option
  4. Change the size to make it bigger or smaller
  5. Try it with two different characters

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are making a story about a big elephant and a small mouse. You can use ScratchJr to make two characters:
  • Make the elephant character 150% size
  • Make the mouse character 50% size
Now you can see how big the elephant is compared to the mouse. You can even make them move around the screen to show how they look next to each other. Here’s another example: You are making a game where a tall tower and a short tower are fighting. You can:
  • Make the tall tower 200% size
  • Make the short tower 100% size
This shows the difference in height clearly. You can also use this idea in a story about a big tree and a small flower.
Character Size What it shows
Big Elephant 150% Bigger than normal
Small Mouse 50% Smaller than normal
Tall Tower 200% Taller than normal
Short Tower 100% Shorter than normal

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s go on a mini adventure to make a story about a magical forest where characters have different sizes! Adventure: The Magic Forest
  1. First, choose a big dragon character (size 180%)
  2. Then, choose a tiny fairy character (size 40%)
  3. Make the dragon say "I am big!"
  4. Make the fairy say "I am small!"
  5. Have them meet in the middle of the screen
  6. Draw a comparison: "The dragon is bigger than the fairy"
  7. Try it with a tree and a flower
Challenge: Can you make a character that is the same size as your dragon?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to click on the character before changing the size
    Why it happens: The child might not understand that they need to select the character first
    Fix: Always click on the character before trying to change its size
  • Mistake: Thinking that a bigger size number makes the character smaller
    Why it happens: Confusion between size numbers and actual size
    Fix: Remember that a bigger number means a bigger character
  • Mistake: Not using different sizes to show a clear comparison
    Why it happens: Not understanding the purpose of size comparison
    Fix: Use size differences to show clear differences in characters

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Encouraging children to try different size numbers
  • Asking questions like "Which character is bigger?" or "How do you know?"
  • Playing with the size settings together
  • Helping children make stories with different-sized characters
  • Using real-life comparisons to help with understanding
Five-minute tips:
  1. Ask your child to make two characters with different sizes
  2. Have them describe how the characters look
  3. Play a game where you compare sizes of objects at home
  4. Encourage them to make a story using size comparisons
  5. Use everyday items to show bigger and smaller

Practice questions

  1. What size should you make a character to make it bigger than normal?
  2. What size should you make a character to make it smaller than normal?
  3. If one character is 120% and another is 80%, which is bigger?
  4. Can you make a character that is 100% size?
  5. How can you use size to make a story more interesting?
Answers:
  1. You should make it bigger than 100%
  2. You should make it smaller than 100%
  3. The one that is 120% is bigger
  4. Yes, 100% is normal size
  5. By showing differences that make the story more fun and clear

FAQ

What does "size" mean in ScratchJr?

In ScratchJr, size is how big or small a character looks on the screen. It is shown as a percentage. 100% is normal size, more than 100% makes it bigger, and less than 100% makes it smaller.

Can I change the size of a character after I've added it?

Yes, you can always change the size of a character. Just click on the character and then change the size using the slider or number.

Why should I use different sizes in my ScratchJr projects?

Using different sizes helps make your characters more interesting and shows comparisons. It can help tell a better story and make your project more fun to play with.

Can I make a character that is 200% size?

Yes, you can make a character as big as 200% or even bigger if you want to!

How can I practice comparing sizes at home?

You can use everyday items like toys, books, or food. Compare how big or small they are. Try to make one item look bigger or smaller than another.