Getting Started with Scratch

For many children, getting them interested in coding means introducing them to the concept of game development. However, there’s no need for this to not tie in with what you’re doing in the classroom as well. Want to test their comprehension skills? Get them to create a game based on their class novel. Want to check on their numeracy skills? Get them to create a maths quiz. There’s no reason why other curricular areas cannot be incorporated into your ICT requirements and Scratch can be a great way to do this.

In this first project, you will learn how to code a simple game in Scratch based on a scene from Roald Dahl’s The BFG. In this, using assets that are available to download, you will create a simple ‘batting’ game whereby the Bloodbottler and the Fleshlumpeater toss the BFG back and forth across the screen.

This will help children relate to the text by enabling them to create something interactive that helps bring the passage to life. The aim is that they will then begin to look at ways of bringing other parts of the text or other areas of the school curriculum to life in more relatable, interactive ways. This step-by-step guide will enable you to create the characters, backdrops and instructions you need to create an enjoyable game for your pupils.