Where is patterns hiding in ScratchJr dance routines?

Quick answer

In ScratchJr dance routines, patterns hide in the repeated sequence of movements you create. You can make a pattern like jump, spin, jump, spin, and the computer will repeat it over and over again.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to create and recognise repeating movement patterns in ScratchJr dance routines using simple steps like jump, spin, and turn.

• You can make a pattern using 3 or more movements.
• You can repeat your pattern using the "repeat" block.
• You can identify the same pattern in a friend's dance routine.
• You can change one part of a pattern and see how it changes the whole routine.

Why this matters

Patterns help us understand how things repeat and change. When you make dance patterns in ScratchJr, you are learning about sequences, repetition, and logic. These skills help you with maths, music, and even learning how to solve problems in your daily life. You might use patterns when you're cooking (add 2 eggs, 1 spoon of flour, 2 eggs, 1 spoon of flour), or when you're walking (left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot).

How it works

Creating patterns in ScratchJr is like making a recipe for a dance. Here's how you do it:

1. Choose your dance moves: Pick 3 or more simple moves like jump, spin, turn, or walk.
2. Arrange them in order: Put them together to make a sequence like jump, spin, jump.
3. Use the repeat block: Click the repeat block to make your sequence happen more than once.
4. Test and adjust: Watch your dance and see if it looks good. Change it if needed.

Examples you can see

Let's look at a simple dance pattern:

• Step 1: Jump
• Step 2: Spin
• Step 3: Jump
• Step 4: Spin

This is the pattern: jump, spin, jump, spin. You can repeat it by using the repeat block. In ScratchJr, you can see this pattern as a loop of blocks that keeps going.

Here's another example with a more complex pattern:

• Step 1: Walk forward
• Step 2: Turn right
• Step 3: Jump
• Step 4: Turn left
• Step 5: Walk forward

This pattern is: walk, turn, jump, turn, walk. If you repeat this pattern, your character will dance in a circle.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Pattern Dance Challenge

Imagine you are a dance detective. You need to find patterns in a series of dance moves. Here's your mission:

1. First step: Choose a simple pattern with 3 moves like jump, spin, jump.
2. Second step: Use ScratchJr to make your pattern.
3. Third step: Repeat your pattern 4 times using the repeat block.
4. Fourth step: Ask a friend to guess your pattern.
5. Fifth step: Change one move in your pattern and see how it changes the dance.

When you're done, you'll be a pattern detective and a great dancer!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Forgetting to repeat the pattern.
• Why it happens: The child might think the pattern is finished after one loop.
• Fix: Remind them to use the repeat block to make the pattern happen again and again.

• Mistake: Mixing up the order of the moves.
• Why it happens: The child might get confused when making a longer pattern.
• Fix: Help them write down the order of moves or use visual cues like drawings.

• Mistake: Not using the repeat block correctly.
• Why it happens: The child might not understand how many times to repeat.
• Fix: Start with small numbers like 2 or 3 repeats and increase as they get more confident.

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child with patterns in ScratchJr can be fun and educational:

• Encourage creativity: Let them choose their own dance moves and patterns.
• Ask questions: "What pattern did you make?" "How many times did you repeat it?"
• Use everyday patterns: Point out patterns in daily life like "clap, stomp, clap, stomp".
• Be patient: It takes time to learn how to repeat patterns correctly.
• Make it a game: Play pattern games together to make learning more enjoyable.

Remember, the goal is not perfection, but understanding how patterns work. Celebrate small successes!

Practice questions

1. Question: What is the pattern in jump, spin, jump, spin?
2. Answer: The pattern is jump, spin, and it repeats.

2. Question: If you repeat the pattern walk, turn, jump 3 times, how many moves will you have?
3. Answer: You will have 9 moves (3 moves × 3 repeats).

3. Question: What pattern would you make with jump, spin, walk, jump, spin, walk?
4. Answer: The pattern is jump, spin, walk, and it repeats.

4. Question: If your pattern is turn, jump, turn, and you repeat it 4 times, how many moves in total?
5. Answer: 12 moves (3 moves × 4 repeats).

5. Question: How many times do you repeat a pattern if it has 4 moves and you do it 5 times?
6. Answer: You repeat it 5 times.

FAQ

What is a pattern in ScratchJr?

A pattern in ScratchJr is a sequence of actions or moves that you repeat. For example, jump, spin, jump is a pattern.

Why do we use patterns in dance?

Patterns make dance more interesting and easier to follow. They help the dancer know what to do next and make the routine feel more organised.

Can I change my pattern?

Yes! You can change any part of your pattern to make it different. For example, change a jump to a spin.

How do I know if I made a good pattern?

A good pattern is one that you can repeat and that looks fun. If you like it and it's easy to follow, it's a good pattern!

What if I forget the pattern?

That's okay! You can write it down or use visual aids like drawings or stickers to help you remember.