ScratchJr Quiz: Adding and Programming Characters

A ScratchJr project can contain several characters, and each character has its own scripts. This short quiz reviews how to add and remove characters, switch between their scripts, start several scripts with the green flag, and name a project.

Try the questions before reading the answers. Readers who need an introduction to sprites and block sequences can start with this beginner's guide to Scratch. The controls are not identical to ScratchJr, but the basic idea—giving each character its own code—carries over.

ScratchJr character quiz

1. How many characters can a ScratchJr project use?

A. Only the cat
B. Exactly two
C. Multiple characters chosen by the creator
D. Only one character per page

2. How do you add a character to the current page?

A. Tap the plus sign in the character area, choose or create a character, then confirm
B. Tap the green flag and choose a character
C. Create a new project for every character
D. Add a page instead

3. How do you remove a character?

A. Delete the entire project
B. Press and hold the character thumbnail, then tap the red delete mark
C. Tap the green flag twice
D. Characters cannot be removed

4. When a project has two characters, how are their scripts organized?

A. Both characters must share one script
B. Each character has its own scripting area
C. Only the first character can be programmed
D. Each character must be placed on a different page

5. What does the Start on Green Flag block do?

A. Starts its attached script when the green flag is tapped
B. Changes the character's color
C. Saves the project
D. Deletes all scripts

6. How can several characters begin acting at the same time?

A. Put a Start on Green Flag block at the beginning of the relevant script for each character, then tap the green flag
B. Tap every character as quickly as possible
C. Put all blocks in the background editor
D. Add a separate page for every character

7. Where can you name a ScratchJr project?

A. In the character library
B. On the Project Information screen opened from the yellow tab
C. In the Motion block category
D. Projects cannot be named

Answers and explanations

1. C. A project can include several characters. Add only those the story or game needs so the stage remains easy to manage.
2. A. The plus sign beneath the character list opens the character library. Select an existing character or create one, then confirm the choice.
3. B. Pressing and holding a thumbnail reveals the red delete mark. Check that you selected the correct character because deleting it also removes its scripts.
4. B. Tapping a character thumbnail selects that character and displays its scripts. Switching characters changes the code shown in the scripting area.
5. A. Start on Green Flag is a triggering block. Only scripts that begin with this block respond to the green flag.
6. A. A green-flag starter on each relevant character lets those scripts start from the same event. They can then move independently or coordinate with message blocks.
7. B. Open Project Information from the yellow tab and enter a descriptive project name. ScratchJr stores projects in the My Projects area.

Practice with two characters

1. Create a new project and add a second character.
2. Select the first character and build Start on Green Flag ? Move Right ? Say.
3. Select the second character and build Start on Green Flag ? Move Left ? Say.
4. Tap the green flag and watch both scripts start.
5. Change one movement value so the characters stop near each other instead of passing.
6. Name the project from the yellow Project Information tab.

For a more advanced interaction, replace one green-flag starter with Start on Bump or coordinate the characters with Send Message and Start on Message. The official ScratchJr multiple-character tutorial demonstrates the interface, while the official block guide explains every triggering block.

For more child-friendly coding ideas, see this roundup of programming games and apps for kids.