Scratch is a fun way to start coding — you build programs by snapping coloured blocks together, no typing needed. This chapter introduces Scratch and gets a character moving and talking.
1Computational thinking & the Scratch interface
Computational thinking means solving a problem step by step — putting instructions in the right sequence. A computer does exactly what you tell it, in order, so the order matters!
The Scratch screen
| Part | What it is |
|---|---|
| Stage | The area where your program runs and you see the action |
| Sprite | A character/object you control (the cat is the default) |
| Blocks Palette | The coloured blocks you can use (Motion, Looks, Sound…) |
| Script Area | Where you drag blocks and snap them together |
| Costumes / Sounds | Different looks of a sprite / sounds it can play |
- Computational thinking = solving a problem in the right step-by-step sequence.
- Scratch parts: Stage (where it runs), Sprite (the character), Blocks Palette, Script Area.
- Costumes are a sprite's different looks; Sounds are the sounds it can play.
2Motion & Looks blocks
You make the sprite do things by snapping blocks together. Two common groups:
| Group | Example blocks | Does |
|---|---|---|
| Motion (blue) | move 10 steps, turn 15 degrees | Moves & turns the sprite |
| Looks (purple) | say "Hello!", think "Hmm", next costume | Speech bubbles & changing appearance |
move 50 steps say "Hi, I am Scratch Cat!" turn 90 degrees
- Motion blocks (blue) move and turn the sprite (move steps, turn degrees).
- Looks blocks (purple) show speech (say, think) and change appearance (next costume).
- You build a program by snapping blocks together in order.
3Events, Wait & a first animation
A program needs a way to start. The most common is the Green Flag event:
when green flag clicked say "Hello!" for 2 seconds move 100 steps wait 1 seconds next costume
when green flag clicked— runs the script when you click the green flag.wait 1 seconds— pauses, so movements aren't instant — this is how you control timing.
By combining moves, costume changes, waits and a sound, you create a simple animation with sound — like the cat walking and meowing.
- The 'when green flag clicked' event starts a script.
- A 'wait' block pauses the program so movements and animations have timing.
- Combine motion, costume changes, waits and a sound to make a simple animation.
★ Practical: make the cat dance
In Scratch, build a script that:
- Starts with 'when green flag clicked'.
- Makes the sprite say 'Let's dance!' for 2 seconds.
- Moves and turns the sprite a few times with 'wait' blocks between.
- Switches between two costumes and plays a sound.
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