This week's goal

You make the character walk with the arrow keys and add a simple win or lose rule.

Scratch Editor opens the Sensing block group to detect key presses and collisions
Photo Scratch Editor: Sensing group helps the game recognize key presses, color touches or other character touches.

Challenge 1: four arrow keys

Step 1: Events group in Scratch
Step 1 — Use event “when key pressed” to start each control script.

Create four scripts: when arrow key pressed and then replace change x/y. Children test each key and explain why left/right changes x and up/down changes y.

Challenge 2: maze wall

Step 2: Control group in Scratch
Step 2 — Open Control to use if…then block for maze rules bow.

Draw a wall line with a clear color. In the test loop, use if it touches the color… then returns to the starting position. Let your child intentionally choose the wrong color and observe why the rule doesn't work.

Challenge 3: win condition

Step 3: Sensing group in Scratch
Step 3 — Use Sensing to check for touching the color or touching the star.

Set a star as destination. If you touch the star, say "I won!" and stop. Ask the child: "If you check the star first before checking the wall, will the game be different?"

Step-by-step lesson scenario

  1. Only do one arrow key first, then multiply the four directions.
  2. Draw a wall of a single color and choose the correct color in the color touch block.
  3. Add a destination and a win rule; Don't add a clock or multiple levels yet.
  4. Intentionally touch the wall to test if the rule really works.

Tip: only add one rule at a time. A maze with too many rules will make it difficult for children to know which part the mistake is.

Karotto: practice the conditions before making the game

Karotto puts the conditions into small challenges such as choosing a path or responding when encountering obstacles. Children learn to understand "if... then..." in a clear goal lesson, then carry that thinking to the Scratch maze.

See Karotto on the App Store →
Go to week 5: Variables and scores →