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Scratchjr Maths

Where is early addition hiding in ScratchJr counting animals?

Add animals to a scene and count how many there are altogether.

Quick answer

In ScratchJr, early addition is hiding in animal counting scenes where you add animals to a scene and count how many there are altogether. You can use the “add” and “count” blocks to make animals appear and then count them all together, which is a fun way to learn how numbers grow when you put groups together.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use ScratchJr to add animals to a scene and count how many there are altogether, showing that adding groups of things makes bigger numbers. Success signs:
  • You can use the “add” block to put animals on the screen.
  • You can use the “count” block to find how many animals are there.
  • You can explain that adding animals together means counting them all as one group.
  • You can make a simple scene with animals and show how numbers get bigger when you add more.

Why this matters

In ScratchJr, you are not just playing with animals – you are doing real maths! When you add animals to a scene, you are doing addition. This helps you understand that numbers grow when you put groups together. You might not even notice, but you are building a strong foundation for later maths like number bonds, word problems, and equations. You’re also using logic and creativity to build your own story with animals, which makes learning more fun and memorable.

How it works

In ScratchJr, you can make a scene with animals, add more animals one by one, and count them all together. Here’s how it works step by step:
  1. Open ScratchJr and choose an animal to start your scene.
  2. Use the “add” block to put more animals on the screen.
  3. Use the “count” block to find how many animals are there.
  4. Try adding different animals to see how the numbers change.
This is like counting your toys, then adding more toys to your pile, and then counting them all again.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are making a scene in ScratchJr with animals:
  • Start with 3 animals: a cat, a dog, and a bird.
  • Add 2 more animals: a rabbit and a fish.
  • Now count them all together: 3 + 2 = 5 animals.
You can draw this with your hands or even use real toys to act it out:
  • Place 3 toy animals in front of you.
  • Add 2 more toy animals.
  • Count them all together: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Here’s a table showing how this looks in ScratchJr:
Animals Added Count
1 cat 1
1 dog 2
1 bird 3
1 rabbit 4
1 fish 5
You can even use this to make a story:
  • There was 1 cat.
  • Then 1 dog joined.
  • Then 1 bird joined.
  • Then 1 rabbit joined.
  • Then 1 fish joined.
  • Now there are 5 animals altogether!

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a storyteller in a magical land where animals come to life when you add them to your scene. Your mission is to:
  1. Choose a starting animal (like a cat).
  2. Add 3 more animals to your scene one by one.
  3. Count how many animals you have altogether.
  4. Write down or draw your story: “I started with 1 cat. Then I added 1 dog. Then I added 1 bird. Then I added 1 rabbit. Now I have 4 animals.”
You can even act out your scene with your toys or use real animals if you have a pet. This is like a mini maths game where you are the author of your own story and the maths hero!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to count the animals you already had before adding more.
    Why it happens: It’s easy to get excited and forget to keep track of what’s already there.
    Fix: Count your animals in order, like “1, 2, 3” and then add one more and count again.
  • Mistake: Adding animals but not using the “count” block.
    Why it happens: You might think it’s obvious how many there are.
    Fix: Always use the “count” block to make sure you know the total number.
  • Mistake: Thinking that adding animals means they disappear.
    Why it happens: Sometimes it’s hard to see that animals are still there.
    Fix: Make sure you are adding animals and not removing them. Try to keep them on the screen!

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
  • Encouraging them to tell a story while adding animals in ScratchJr.
  • Asking them to count out loud and explain how they added the animals.
  • Letting them try different animals and see how the numbers change.
  • Practising counting with real toys or snacks before and after they use ScratchJr.
  • Not worrying if they make a mistake – it’s all part of learning!
You can also make it a fun game:
  • Give your child 5 animal stickers and let them add them one by one to a scene.
  • Ask them to count how many there are after each addition.
  • See if they can make a story with their animals!

Practice questions

  1. Start with 2 animals. Add 1 more. How many are there now?
  2. Add 3 animals to 2 animals. How many animals are there altogether?
  3. Start with 4 animals. Add 2 more. How many are there?
  4. How many animals are there if you start with 1 and add 5?
  5. You have 3 animals. You add 3 more. What is the total?
Answers:
  1. 3 animals
  2. 5 animals
  3. 6 animals
  4. 6 animals
  5. 6 animals

FAQ

What is ScratchJr?

ScratchJr is a free app that helps young children make their own stories and games using simple blocks. It’s like building with LEGO, but with code!

Can I use ScratchJr to learn addition?

Yes! You can add animals to a scene and count how many there are. This is a fun way to practice addition.

Do I need to know how to read to use ScratchJr?

No! ScratchJr uses pictures and symbols, so you can make games and stories even if you can’t read yet.

How can I help my child with ScratchJr?

You can help by asking questions like “How many animals are there now?” or by making up stories together while they add animals.

Is this like real maths?

Yes! This is how real maths works. When you put groups of things together, you are adding. You’re doing the same thing as when you count your toys or your snacks.