Make an Interesting Story With Scratch

I can't access the Scratch desktop or Paint to draw a sprite; what can I use instead?

Use the online editor at scratch.mit.edu and either pick a sprite from the library, upload a PNG as a sprite, or use the built‑in backdrop uploader instead of Paint.

My broadcasts don't change the backdrop or hide sprites—what might be wrong and how do I fix it?

Check that the exact message text on the choice-button's 'broadcast' block matches the Stage's 'when I receive' block and that your show/hide blocks are attached to the script that runs after that broadcast.

How can I change the activity for a 5-year-old versus a 12-year-old?

For younger kids use one main character, two simple backdrops, 'say' blocks, and single-click choice-buttons, while older kids can add multiple costumes, sound recordings, variables, extra broadcasts, and branching scenes for more complexity.

How can we extend or personalize the story after finishing the basic steps?

Add animated costume changes, use sound blocks to record voices or effects, create more branch‑choice sprites that broadcast different scenes, and then save with a fun title and share it on DIY.org.