Introduction to Events and Control blocks
Introduction to Events and Control Blocks
Every animation needs a spark—something to start the action. In ScratchJr, that spark comes from Event Blocks. And once the action begins, Control Blocks help manage how long it lasts, how often it repeats, and when it stops.
Whether you're using ScratchJr on a tablet, mobile device, or PC, these blocks are the heartbeat of your project. They teach young learners how to organize ideas, respond to inputs, and control timing—skills that are essential in coding, storytelling, and civic awareness projects.
| Block | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Green Flag | Starts the code when the green flag is tapped |
| Tap Block | Starts the code when the character is tapped |
| Broadcast & Receive | Sends and receives messages between characters |
| Start on Page | Runs the code when the page opens |
1. Event Block
Event blocks are special blocks in ScratchJr that tell a program when to start or what should happen first. They are like saying, “Now start!” to the characters.
- Select a character.
- Drag an event block (like the green flag) to the coding area.
2. Add Action Blocks
Action blocks in ScratchJr are the blocks that make characters do something. They tell a sprite how to move, turn, jump, grow, shrink, or speak on the screen.
These blocks bring the characters to life.
- Add movement, speech, or animation blocks after the event block.
3. Add Control Blocks
Control blocks in ScratchJr help us control when and how long a character does something. They are used to wait, repeat, and manage the order of actions.
These blocks help make animations smooth and well-timed.
- Insert a wait block between actions to slow things down.
- Use a repeat block to loop an action.
4. Use Broadcast for Events
Broadcast blocks in ScratchJr are used to send messages from one character to another. They help different sprites talk to each other and work together.
- One character can send a message using a Broadcast block.
- Another character can respond using a Receive block.
Why These Blocks Matter
Events and Control Blocks help children understand cause and effect, timing, and sequencing—core concepts in both coding and storytelling.
They also encourage planning and logical thinking, which are valuable in civic projects, classroom presentations, and everyday problem-solving.
These blocks work the same way across all ScratchJr platforms— whether you're tapping on a tablet, clicking on a PC, or swiping on a mobile device.
The interface may look slightly different, but the logic stays the same.