For some users, creating animations in Scratch can be difficult if they are not familiar with programming and using a block language. However, Scratch is designed to facilitate the overall process and has plenty of resources and tools to do so.
What is the benefit of Scratch?
A wide range of ready-made blocks makes creating animations in Scratch easy and affordable because it doesn't require writing code from scratch. In addition, Scratch provides examples of projects that you can use as a starting point for implementing your own ideas.
Overall, if you're new to programming, you'll need some time to get used to the program. However, Scratch is a fairly simple tool — even kids can use it to create their own creative projects.
We have prepared a simple tutorial that will help you and your child create your first Scratch animation.
So, follow these steps:
1. Open the project in Scratch and create a new sprite to use as an animation object.
2. Add a sprite to the scene and select it.
3. Click on the “Costumes” button and create a few additional costumes for the sprite to make it animated.
4. Use motion blocks and costume changes to animate the sprite. You can use blocks from the blue “MOVE” commands and the purple “APPEARANCE” commands: “Turn in direction”, “Go to X, Y”, “Resize”, “Change costume” and “Change X”, “Change Y” to create an animation.
5. Use control blocks like Repeat Always or Repeat 10 Times to create animations that go on for several steps.
6. Add sound effects to make the animation even more interesting. You can use the Play Sound block to play them in different places in the animation.
7. Save the animation and start it by clicking on the green flag in the upper left corner above the scene to see what it looks like. If necessary, make changes and repeat the process until you get the perfect result.
8. Give the project a name. Share your animation with others by clicking on the Share button and submitting it to Scratch. Start the project again and enjoy the animation you created!
9. You can save the project to your computer. To do this, open the File tab and click Save to Your Computer.
10. You can also share your project with a friend. Copy the link in your browser and send it via email or social media.
If you want your child to become a Scratch pro, sign up for a free trial class at ProgKids Online School! Under the guidance of experienced teachers, children will easily and quickly learn how to create their own creative animations and other projects.
Natalya Guskova, Progkids teacher
