Where is maths storytelling hiding in ScratchJr number stories?

Quick answer

Maths is hiding in ScratchJr number stories through addition, subtraction, counting, and simple problem-solving. When you create stories with characters and props, you're using maths to make your story come alive.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to create a simple number story in ScratchJr that shows addition or subtraction using characters and objects, and you will understand how these stories help you learn maths.

• You can add numbers together to make bigger numbers
• You can subtract numbers to make smaller numbers
• You can use characters and props to show maths problems
• You can tell a story that includes maths

Why this matters

Storytelling helps you understand maths better. When you create a story, you're not just playing with blocks or buttons – you're using numbers to solve problems and make your story exciting. In ScratchJr, you can use addition and subtraction to show how things change in your story. This helps you understand how maths works in real life.

Whether you're telling a story about animals, toys, or food, you're using maths to make your story more interesting. It's like being a maths detective, but instead of solving mysteries, you're solving number puzzles through stories.

How it works

Creating number stories in ScratchJr is like building a puzzle with numbers. You use characters and objects to show what's happening in your story. Here's how to make a simple number story:

1. Choose a character – This could be a cat, a dog, or any animal you like.
2. Choose some objects – These could be apples, blocks, or stars.
3. Set up your story – Decide what happens to your character and objects.
4. Use maths – Add or subtract objects to show change in your story.
5. Make it fun – Use sounds, movement, and actions to make your story exciting.

Examples you can see

Let's look at a simple story about a cat and some fish:

Story: A cat finds 3 fish. Then, it finds 2 more fish. How many fish does the cat have now?

How to show it in ScratchJr:

• Put the cat character on the screen.
• Put 3 fish on the screen.
• Use a "move" command to add 2 more fish.
• Use a "say" command to show the answer (5 fish).

This is a simple addition story. You start with 3 fish, add 2 more, and get 5 fish total.

Another example: A dog has 5 bones. It eats 2 bones. How many bones are left?

• Put the dog character on the screen.
• Put 5 bones on the screen.
• Use a "move" command to take away 2 bones.
• Use a "say" command to show the answer (3 bones).

This is a subtraction story. You start with 5 bones, take away 2, and get 3 bones left.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Number Story Hunt

Imagine you're a detective looking for number stories in your world. Here's how to find them in ScratchJr:

1. First time: Choose a character like a rabbit or a bird.
2. Second time: Choose 3 objects for your rabbit to find.
3. Third time: Use a "move" command to add 2 more objects.
4. Fourth time: Make your character say "I have 5 objects now!"
5. Fifth time: Draw a picture of your story on paper to remember it.

Can you make a story with your own character and objects? Try making 2 different number stories – one with addition and one with subtraction!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Adding the wrong number of objects.
  Why it happens: Not counting carefully or not understanding what the story is asking.
  Fix: Count your objects out loud before adding them to the story.
• Mistake: Forgetting to show the answer.
  Why it happens: Thinking the story is finished without solving the problem.
  Fix: Always use a "say" command to show the final number.
• Mistake: Using the wrong maths operation.
  Why it happens: Not understanding if the story is about adding or taking away.
  Fix: Ask yourself: "Are more things happening, or are things disappearing?"

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child with ScratchJr number stories is like reading a story together. Here's how:

1. Start simple – Begin with stories that have 1 or 2 objects.
2. Ask questions – "How many fish are there?" or "What happens when we take one away?"
3. Count together – Help them count objects before adding or subtracting.
4. Encourage creativity – Let them choose their own characters and story ideas.
5. Make it fun – Use sounds, music, or actions to make the story exciting.

Don't worry if they make mistakes – they're learning! It's normal to count wrong or forget to show the answer. The most important thing is that they're using maths to tell a story.

Practice questions

1. Question: A bird finds 4 apples. Then it finds 3 more apples. How many apples does it have now?
   Answer: 7 apples
2. Question: A mouse has 6 cheese wheels. It eats 2 cheese wheels. How many are left?
   Answer: 4 cheese wheels
3. Question: A frog jumps 5 times. Then it jumps 4 more times. How many jumps does it make?
   Answer: 9 jumps
4. Question: A squirrel has 8 nuts. It gives 3 nuts to a friend. How many nuts does it have now?
   Answer: 5 nuts
5. Question: A bee collects 2 flowers. Then it collects 6 more flowers. How many flowers does it collect?
   Answer: 8 flowers

FAQ

What is a number story in ScratchJr?

A number story in ScratchJr is a short story where you use characters and objects to show addition or subtraction problems. It's like telling a story with numbers!

Can I use any character in my story?

Yes! You can use any character you like – animals, toys, people, or even silly creatures. The important thing is that your story uses maths.

How do I know if I’m doing addition or subtraction?

If more things are happening in your story, like finding more apples, it's addition. If things are disappearing, like eating cheese, it's subtraction.

Do I need to know big maths to make a story?

No! You can start with simple numbers like 1, 2, 3, or 4. As you get better, you can use bigger numbers and more complex stories.

Can I share my story with others?

Yes! You can show your story to friends or family. They can try to guess the answer or help you make a new story.