Programming using command blocks
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can choose a command for a given purpose.
Key learning points
- A command is an instruction that you use to control something.
- Commands must be dragged into the programming area so that they can be carried out.
- Some commands can be used to move a sprite.
Keywords
Animation - a moving picture with actions made by using step-by-step commands
Command - an instruction you use to control something
Sprite - a graphic object that can be controlled by a program
Common misconception
Commands can be used wherever they are found in the program you are using.
Commands must be dragged into the programming area so that they can be carried out otherwise the program will not know which object they need to be applied to.
Teacher tip
Demonstrate the actions within the programming app you are using yourself. Pupils benefit from seeing the physical operations that need to be performed when creating programs and this is not always obvious through a slideshow.
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.In a program, what does the undo tool do?
Q2.How do you choose something on a tablet screen?
Q3.If you want to create artwork on a computer, you would use:
Q4.What should you do to move something on a tablet screen?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What do we call the place where we make a sprite move by adding blocks?
Q2.What is this an example of in ScratchJr?
Q3.The __________ is where you find the blocks to make a sprite move.
Q4.Where does the sprite move around?
To help you plan your 1 computing lesson on: Programming using command blocks, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 computing lesson on: Programming using 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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.