Joining command blocks
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can connect commands together to make a program.
Key learning points
- Backgrounds are still images and do not move.
- In ScratchJr, programs must start with a start block and end with an end block.
- Algorithms are used to plan what you want the program to do.
Keywords
Background - the still picture behind sprites
Program - a set of ordered commands that can be run by a computer to complete a task
Algorithm - a precise set of ordered steps which can be followed by a human or a computer to do a task
Common misconception
The items in the background can move.
The background is a static image and the parts it shows are part of the same picture and therefore cannot move. Only sprites can move as they are separate objects.
Teacher tip
Programming animations on a computer is a lot like how a school play is planned and performed. The backdrop in a play is usually a painted canvas and the actors are given commands to carry out movement as well as a script to know what order to say the lines in.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device with block-based programming software. Examples in this lesson use ScratchJr https://oak.link/scratch-jr
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What are the blocks that make sprites move called?
Q2.Where do we place command blocks?
Q3.Where do the command blocks start?
Q4.What is a moving picture with actions made using step-by-step commands called?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a program?
Q2.In ScratchJr, how do you make a program begin?
Q3.What is an a set of instructions that can be turned into a program called?
Q4.How does a program end?
To help you plan your 1 computing lesson on: Joining command blocks, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 computing lesson on: Joining command blocks, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 1 computing lessons from the Creating animations in programs unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.