How to Use Scratch: Learn to Code with Scratch, Plus
Examples
Create & Learn Team
Jun 15, 2023 • 7 min read
Have you always wanted to help your child learn to code with Scratch, but not been sure
where to start? Don't worry, we're here to help. At Create & Learn, we aim to make
coding understandable and fun for all students.
Today, we're going to walk you through the basics of beginning Scratch coding,
including how to set up your free account. We'll also share what the different types of
blocks are, and how to think about putting them together to create something great,
such as fun projects with Scratch.
Learn Scratch with live expert guidance by joining our award-winning Scratch classes:
Scratch Ninja (grades 2-5); Scratch Junior (grades k-2); Accelerated Scratch (grades 5-
9) - designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT. Start with a free Scratch
class!
Free Intro to Scratch Coding
Friday, 3/1/2024
Enroll Free
8:30 AM - 9:25 AM Western Indonesia Time
Sunday, 3/3/2024
Enroll Free
2:00 AM - 2:55 AM Western Indonesia Time
Code games and Monday, 3/4/2024
Enroll Free
animations with the #1 8:30 AM - 9:25 AM Western Indonesia Time
beginner classes
Tuesday, 3/5/2024
Enroll Free
7:00 AM - 7:55 AM Western Indonesia Time
Learn to How to Use Scratch
First we'll answer a few common questions about Scratch. Later we'll reveal some fun
projects to try!
What is Scratch coding?
Scratch is a free block-based coding platform that allows you to create your own
games, stories, and animations. On Scratch, you can program many different types of
projects, such as a Magic Pen, Wizard Tag Game, Geometry Dash, Basketball Game,
Pacman, or Snake. Scratch is designed for students age 8-16, but can be used by
everyone.
Scratch code
Scratch CODE is an online studio where anyone can add any project they made with
Scratch. You're also able to explore projects shared by other kids, and can even
comment on them. Another great place to show off your projects once they're complete
is our kids coding projects page.
How do I learn to code with Scratch?
Here we'll get started learning Scratch coding in a few simple steps. You can also follow
along with our YouTube video.
Get Started with Scratch Guide: 5 Tips & Tricks for Beginners 🎉
1. Start a new project
To code in Scratch, first open the page on Scratch at MIT. Next, click on the “create”
button to make a new project. You should have a screen that looks like this:
2. Drag the code blocks
The code blocks are on the left hand side of the screen. To code, click and drag the
blocks to the large center space. On scratch, the characters and objects are called
“sprites.” You can add or delete as many sprites as you want. Each time you add a
sprite, it will appear on the stage.
3. Click on sprites to code for them
Click on each sprite to code for that particular sprite. There are hundreds of fun sprites
to choose from. Whether it’s a soccer player, a butterfly, or a ballerina, our students in
our Scratch Ninja course never cease to amaze us with their creative choices and story
lines.
To code, you can drag blocks of code from the left hand side and connect them
together. Each sprite, as well as the background, will have its own code.
These blocks can make sprites move, make sounds, and change color. And when
connected together form a series of actions to build your games, animations, and other
projects.
4. Watch your code run
After you’ve coded your project, you can click on the Green Flag to see your code run on
the Stage.
If you want to save or share your project, make sure it’s saved under your account. If you
already have an account, click “Log In.” If you need to make an account, click “Join
Scratch” and follow the instructions (make sure you have a parent with you!).
How to do Scratch programming with
basic coding blocks
There are many different types of blocks on Scratch and we're always excited to learn
which blocks are our students favorites.
Notice how most of the blocks are shaped with a special notch at the top and the
bottom; this is so that they can connect together! Here are some of the most important
blocks:
Events blocks in Scratch
These yellow colored blocks have a special shape, with the bump at the top. These
blocks are “starting blocks,” meaning they must go at the top of any chunk of code we
create. They tell us when the code will be run.
How it works: Run the code when the green flag is clicked (when the program begins).
Most of the time, we use this block
How it works: Run the code when a key is pressed. Use the dropdown menu to choose
which key you want!
How it works: Run the code when the sprite is clicked.
Scratch motion blocks
These blue colored blocks allow your sprite to move, rotate and glide.
How it works: This block allows you to move your sprite. It will move in the direction
your sprite is facing.
How it works: These blocks allow you to rotate your sprite to the right or to the left.
How it works: This block lets your sprite "jump" to a position. You can click on the
dropdown menu to see the different options!
How it works: This block allows your sprite to smoothly glide across your screen to a
position of your choosing.
How it works: These blocks allow you to adjust the direction that your sprite is facing.
Try combining a motion block with an event block to see what happens!
