Coding

1. Scratch

2. What is scratch?
• Scratch is a free educational programming language (a
language that code instructions can be written in).
• It was developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group and it
is free to use! You just need to create a free account.
• It is aimed towards children aged 8-16 but can be used by
anyone.
• The characters on scratch are referred to as ‘Sprites’.

3. We will be giving you step by step instructions to create a short
clip using coding. Once you become familiar with the features of
scratch please then involve your children in the coding process.
Work together and create another small video using different
codes and commands. Watch the video on the next slide, we will
be creating a short clip after the video.
How does Scratch work?

4. Once you have watched the video please follow this link to the
scratch website and then follow the step by step instructions on the
next slides.

5. When you reach the website click on
create

6. When you click create you
will see this on your screen.
You can watch the
video or click on the
cross to get rid of it.

7. Scratch has 3 areas
A coding area,
This is where
you drag your
codes in.
A block
palette. This is
where all the
codes are
stored
A stage area,
your codes
will affect the
stage.

8. We need to start dragging codes from
this side to the middle.
We always start with this code. This
code is in the events section and is
‘when green flag clicked’. This just
means we are ready to start coding.
Feel free to choose another
sprite/charcter by clicking on this
icon.
This icon lets
you choose a
background.

9. I have
changed my
background
and sprite.
Your next Key code is in the motion section and is the ‘go to x and y’, this is key because you need to
think about where your character will start with. Which place do you want your character to be in.
Before you drag that code in the middle place your character in the area where it will start off with.
Then x and y coordinates will change, then drag that code in the middle.
When you drag your codes in
the middle remember to place
them onto the bottom of the
code already placed. It will
snap on like a jigsaw.

10. Making your sprite move
Once positioned you drag the ‘glide 1 sec x
to y’ code to the middle. If you want your
character to move slowly increase the
seconds. You do not need to touch the x and
y coordinates it will already be done for you.
To make your character move you drag
your character where you want it to
move.

11. Making your sprite say something
If you go into the Looks section you will
find the ‘say hello for 2 seconds’ code.
Drag that code into the middle and clip it
on. If you want to add your own message
in just click in the Hello box and delete
hello and type your own message in.

12. See if it works!
Click on this green
flag to see if your
codes are working

13. Next steps
If your short clip worked the way you wanted it to, well done!
Please play around with the different codes and see if you can make it
do something different.
Try adding two sprites in your project.
If you feel comfortable get your children involved!
If your short clip didn’t end up the way you wanted please don’t give
up and try again.
Coding involves critical thinking, systematic problem solving, and lots
of perseverance.