Scratch Programming Basics

Grade 3 · Technology · Study Guide

Learn how to create simple programs and animations using Scratch, a beginner-friendly coding platform.

Scratch is a free programming language created at MIT that lets you make interactive stories, games, and animations. You build programs by snapping together colorful blocks of code, just like puzzle pieces.

In Scratch, the character or object you program is called a sprite. Sprites live on a stage, which is the background area where your project runs. You can choose from many sprites in the Scratch library or even draw your own.

Code blocks in Scratch are grouped by color. Motion blocks (blue) move your sprite around the stage. Looks blocks (purple) change how your sprite appears. Sound blocks (pink) play music and sounds. Control blocks (yellow) tell your sprite when to start or wait.

When you click the green flag at the top of the stage, your program begins. You can click the red stop sign to stop it. Programs in Scratch run in a sequence, meaning the blocks run from top to bottom, one at a time.

Scratch is used by millions of kids around the world to learn coding. It teaches important skills like problem-solving, creativity, and logical thinking in a fun way.

Key terms

Sprite
A character or object that you program in Scratch
Stage
The background area where your Scratch project runs
Block
A piece of code in Scratch that you snap together to give instructions
Script
A stack of connected blocks that tells a sprite what to do
Sequence
Running code blocks one after another, from top to bottom
Loop
A block that makes a set of instructions repeat multiple times

Flashcards

Sprite
A character or object you program in Scratch
Stage
The background where your Scratch project runs
Script
A connected stack of code blocks
Green Flag
The button you click to start your Scratch program
Loop
Makes instructions repeat multiple times
Sequence
Running code one step at a time from top to bottom
Motion Block
A blue block that moves a sprite on the stage
Control Block
A yellow block that tells a sprite when to start, wait, or repeat

Questions

  1. What is a sprite in Scratch?

    1. The background of a project
    2. A character or object you program
    3. A type of code block
    4. The green flag button
    Show answer

    Answer: A character or object you program

    A sprite is the character or object you program in Scratch. The background is called the stage.

  2. In Scratch, code blocks run from top to bottom in order.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    Scratch runs blocks in sequence, meaning it goes from the top block to the bottom, one at a time.

  3. Which color are Motion blocks in Scratch?

    1. Purple
    2. Yellow
    3. Blue
    4. Pink
    Show answer

    Answer: Blue

    Motion blocks are blue in Scratch. They control how a sprite moves around the stage.

  4. You click the green _____ to start your Scratch program.

    Show answer

    Answer: flag

    The green flag button starts your Scratch project when clicked.

  5. You can only use sprites that are already in the Scratch library and cannot draw your own.

    Show answer

    Answer: False

    You can draw your own sprites in Scratch using the built-in paint editor.

Get a personalized course on Scratch Programming Basics built around your child.