Scratch Coding for Kids
In Scratch, the blocks you use to code are grouped into different colored categories. But did you know that each block has a special shape too? The shape of each block in Scratch tells you how the block works and how it can be connected to other blocks. Let’s explore each block category in Scratch, what the blocks do, and what their shapes mean!
Motion (Blue)
- Purpose: The Motion blocks make your sprite move.
- What you can do: Make your sprite walk, jump, turn, or glide across the stage.
- Block Shape: Most blocks here are stack-shaped. These are rectangle-shaped blocks that can stack on top of or below other blocks like building bricks.
- Example Block: Move (10) steps—You can stack this with other blocks to make your sprite move!
Looks (Purple)
- Purpose: The Looks blocks change how your sprite appears.
- What you can do: Make your sprite talk, change costumes, or change colors.
- Block Shape: Most blocks here are stack-shaped, but some are reporter blocks (oval-shaped) that give information like the costume number.
- Example Block: Say “Hello!” for 2 seconds—Stack this block to make your sprite talk!
Control (Orange)
- Purpose: Control blocks manage the flow of your program, like repeating actions or waiting.
- Block Shape: Most control blocks are C-shaped or stack-shaped. The C-shape can wrap around other blocks, like a loop or a hug.
- Example Block: Repeat (10)—This C-shaped block repeats the code inside it 10 times!
Sound (Pink)
- Purpose: The Sound blocks add sounds to your project.
- What you can do: Play sound effects, background music, or record your voice.
- Block Shape: These blocks are stack-shaped because they fit right into your code to control sounds.
Example Block: Play sound “Meow”—This block makes your sprite play a sound.
Events (Yellow)
- Purpose: Events blocks start the code when something happens, like clicking the green flag or pressing a key.
- Block Shape: These blocks are hat-shaped. A hat block sits at the top of a script and kicks things off—it can’t have anything above it!
- Example Block: When green flag clicked—This block starts your code when the green flag is clicked.
Variables (Dark Orange)
- Purpose: Variables store information like scores, time, or custom data.
- Block Shape: These are oval-shaped or stack-shaped blocks. Oval reporter blocks give the value of a variable, and stack-shaped blocks change the variable’s value.
Example Block: Set my variable to (0)—A stack block that sets a variable to a specific number.
Sensing (Light Blue)
- Purpose: Sensing blocks allow your sprite to detect things, like touching another sprite or sensing the mouse pointer.
- Block Shape: Most are hexagon-shaped or reporter blocks. Hexagons are used for conditions (like asking questions), and reporter blocks give information.
Example Block: Touching (mouse-pointer)?—This hexagon block checks if your sprite is touching something.
Operators (Green)
- Purpose: Operators handle math and logic in your project.
- Block Shape: Most are oval-shaped reporter blocks, but some are hexagon-shaped for comparisons or conditions.
Example Block: Pick random (1) to (10)—This oval reporter block gives a random number, which can be plugged into other blocks.
My Blocks (Red)
- Purpose: My Blocks let you create your own custom blocks to reuse in your project.
- Block Shape: These are stack-shaped blocks. You can design your own block to perform a series of actions!
- Example Block: Custom blocks will appear here once you create them!
Block Shapes and How They Work
- Stack Blocks (Rectangles): These are the most common blocks. You stack them on top of each other to build a sequence of actions, like “Move 10 steps” and “Say Hello!”
- Hat Blocks: These blocks start scripts and go at the top. They “wear a hat,” so no blocks can go above them!
- C-Blocks: These are like loops that wrap around other blocks, such as “Repeat 10 times.” They’re great for repeating actions.
- Reporter Blocks (Ovals): These blocks give you information, like a number or word. You can place them inside other blocks that need data.
- Boolean Blocks (Hexagons): These blocks answer “true” or “false” questions, like “Is touching the edge?” They fit into spaces that check for conditions.
Now you know what each category does and how to recognize the blocks by their shapes and colors. With these building blocks, you can bring your creative ideas to life, whether it’s making characters move, adding sounds, or creating exciting animations!
Ready to create your own Scratch projects? Keep experimenting and have fun coding!