Computing · Year 2 · Creative Programming with ScratchJr · Autumn Term

Motion and Movement Blocks

Using motion blocks to make sprites move, turn, and jump.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• KS1: Computing - Programming

About This Topic

In Year 2 Computing, students explore motion blocks in ScratchJr to make sprites move forward, turn, and jump. They predict a sprite's final position after a sequence of blocks, design short animations with specific movement patterns, and evaluate which blocks best achieve desired effects. This hands-on programming aligns with KS1 standards for creating and debugging simple programs, fostering early computational thinking through sequencing and prediction.

Motion blocks introduce key concepts like direction, distance, and orientation, which connect to mathematics lessons on position and direction, as well as physical education through simulating real-world movements. Students learn to stack blocks logically, test predictions against outcomes, and refine sequences, building problem-solving skills essential for future programming units.

Active learning shines here because students immediately see results on screen, encouraging trial-and-error experimentation. Pair programming and peer sharing turn abstract coding into collaborative play, making errors valuable learning moments and boosting confidence in computational concepts.

Key Questions

1. Predict where a sprite will end up after a sequence of motion blocks.
2. Design a short animation where a character moves in a specific pattern.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of different motion blocks for achieving a desired movement.

Learning Objectives

• Design a sequence of motion blocks to guide a sprite through a specific path on the ScratchJr stage.
• Predict the final position and orientation of a sprite after executing a series of motion commands.
• Compare the outcomes of different motion block combinations to achieve a desired sprite movement.
• Explain how the order of motion blocks affects the sprite's overall path.

Before You Start

Introduction to ScratchJr Interface

Why: Students need to be familiar with the ScratchJr environment, including where to find blocks and how to drag them onto the coding area.

Basic Block Stacking

Why: Students should have prior experience dragging and connecting blocks in a simple sequence to make a sprite perform a basic action, like saying 'hello'.

Key Vocabulary

Sprite	A character or object on the screen that can be programmed to move and interact.
Motion Block	A programming command in ScratchJr that tells a sprite to move, turn, or change its position.
Sequence	The order in which programming blocks are placed and executed, which determines the sprite's actions.
Orientation	The direction a sprite is facing on the screen.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Motion blocks always move the sprite in the same direction regardless of turns.

What to Teach Instead

Turning blocks change the sprite's facing direction before the next move. Active prediction sketches and repeated testing in pairs help students visualize orientation changes and correct sequences step by step.

Common Misconception

Jumping moves the sprite the same distance as moving.

What to Teach Instead

Jump blocks send the sprite up and forward briefly, unlike straight-line moves. Hands-on trials with obstacles reveal differences, and group discussions clarify when to use each for effective paths.

Common Misconception

The order of blocks does not matter as long as the right ones are used.

What to Teach Instead

Blocks execute sequentially from top to bottom. Collaborative debugging stations let students swap orders and observe results, reinforcing the importance of logical sequencing.

Active Learning Ideas

Pair Prediction Challenge: Sprite Paths

Pairs select a sprite and stack 4-6 motion blocks to reach a target. They sketch predictions on paper first, then program and test in ScratchJr. Discuss why the sprite ended up in a certain spot and adjust blocks.

30 min·Pairs

Small Group Animation Design: Pattern Parade

Groups design a 10-second animation where a character follows a pattern like zigzag or circle. Use move, turn, and jump blocks. Test, record the sequence, and swap with another group to replicate.

45 min·Small Groups

Whole Class Evaluation Share: Block Showdown

Students present one animation. Class votes on the most effective block choices for smooth movement. Discuss alternatives and vote again after tweaks.

25 min·Whole Class

Individual Debug Quest: Fix the Path

Provide a buggy sequence that misses a target. Students predict the error, test it, and insert or change blocks to succeed. Note changes in a journal.

20 min·Individual

Real-World Connections

• Robotics engineers program robots to move along specific paths in factories or for exploration missions, similar to how sprites follow sequences of motion blocks.
• Animators use software to control the movement of characters in films and video games, deciding how they walk, jump, or turn to tell a story.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with a simple grid and a starting sprite. Ask them to draw the path the sprite will take after following these blocks: 'Move Right 2 spaces', 'Turn Clockwise 90 degrees', 'Move Up 1 space'. Then, ask them to write one sentence about why the sprite ended up in that specific spot.

Quick Check

During a programming session, observe students as they connect motion blocks. Ask: 'What do you predict will happen when you add this 'turn' block?' or 'How can you make your character move backwards?'

Discussion Prompt

Show students two different sequences of motion blocks that result in the same final position but different paths. Ask: 'Which path do you think looks better for a character running a race? Why?' Encourage them to use vocabulary like 'sequence' and 'turn'.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do motion blocks support Year 2 programming goals?

Motion blocks teach sequencing, prediction, and debugging as per KS1 Computing standards. Students stack blocks to control sprites, test outcomes, and refine for accuracy, building core skills for creative programs. Links to maths directions strengthen cross-curricular understanding.

What are common challenges with ScratchJr turns and jumps?

Students often overlook how turns affect subsequent moves or confuse jump distances. Short prediction activities followed by testing resolve this. Encourage verbalising steps during pair work to catch errors early and celebrate fixes.

How can active learning enhance motion block lessons?

Active approaches like pair prediction and group animation design make coding interactive. Students experiment freely, see instant feedback, and learn from peers, turning potential frustration into engagement. This builds resilience and deeper grasp of sequences over passive demos.

How to assess motion block animations in Year 2?

Observe predictions matching outcomes, pattern accuracy, and evaluation comments. Use simple rubrics for sequencing logic and creativity. Peer feedback during shares provides evidence of understanding, aligning with curriculum progression.