Motion and Movement Blocks

Active learning works for Motion and Movement Blocks because young programmers need to physically visualize and test how sprites shift directions and positions. Moving their bodies to mimic sprite behavior and sketching predicted paths builds spatial reasoning before they translate ideas into code.

• Year 2
• Computing
• 4 activities
• 20 min–45 min

Learning Objectives

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

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 30 min·Pairs

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.

Prepare & details

Predict where a sprite will end up after a sequence of motion blocks.

Facilitation Tip: During Pair Prediction Challenge, have students sketch the predicted path on mini whiteboards before testing to make thinking visible.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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.

Prepare & details

Design a short animation where a character moves in a specific pattern.

Facilitation Tip: In Small Group Animation Design, ask each group to assign roles so every voice shapes the sequence before coding begins.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 25 min·Whole Class

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.

Prepare & details

Evaluate the effectiveness of different motion blocks for achieving a desired movement.

Facilitation Tip: For Block Showdown, limit each team to two minutes of presenting so the whole class stays engaged and comparisons stay focused.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 20 min·Individual

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.

Prepare & details

Predict where a sprite will end up after a sequence of motion blocks.

Facilitation Tip: In Fix the Path, provide a ‘block bank’ of cut-out ScratchJr blocks so students rearrange them physically before editing the app.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Teaching This Topic

Teach motion blocks by treating them as choreography rather than abstract commands. Students should stand up and act out each block before touching devices to anchor direction and distance in muscle memory. Avoid rushing to code; insist on prediction sketches and short verbal rehearsals first. Research shows that physical movement paired with visual prediction strengthens sequencing skills in early programmers.

What to Expect

Successful learning looks like students predicting outcomes accurately, debugging sequences independently, and explaining how each block changes a sprite’s position or orientation. Clear verbal justifications and sketched paths show they grasp sequencing and turning effects.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

During Pair Prediction Challenge, watch for students who assume the sprite always moves right regardless of prior turns.

What to Teach Instead

Have pairs trace the sprite’s path on a grid with a finger after each block, calling out its new facing direction before moving to the next block.

Common Misconception

During Pattern Parade, watch for students who use ‘jump’ the same way they use ‘move’ to cover distance.

What to Teach Instead

Place a small obstacle on the table and ask groups to test whether a jump clears it, prompting them to measure forward movement separately from upward motion.

Common Misconception

During Block Showdown, watch for students who swap block orders without noticing the change in outcome.

What to Teach Instead

Ask teams to swap one block at a time and record the sprite’s new final position on sticky notes, reinforcing that order defines the path.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

After Pair Prediction Challenge, collect students’ path drawings and written sentences explaining the sprite’s final spot to check understanding of sequencing and turning effects.

Quick Check

During Small Group Animation Design, listen for students to predict what happens next after adding a turn block and ask them to demonstrate the change with their bodies.

Discussion Prompt

After Block Showdown, present two different sequences that reach the same spot and ask students to vote, then justify their choice using terms like ‘sequence’ and ‘turn’ to assess vocabulary use and reasoning.

Extensions & Scaffolding

• Challenge students who finish early to create a zig-zag path that avoids two obstacles using only four move and two turn blocks.
• Scaffolding for struggling students: Provide a pre-labeled grid and sticky arrows so they focus on block order instead of drawing paths.
• Deeper exploration: Introduce the ‘glide’ block and ask students to recreate a curved race track with three straight segments.

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.