Toys for learning about Technology. Playfully!
Research Indicates We Must Start Early
Research shows that if we don’t start encouraging coding when children are young, we’re missing an opportunity. By fourth grade, stereotypes surrounding those who feel they aren’t good at maths, science, technology, arts and engineering (STEAM) are already formed. So why do most of our STEAM and robotics programs begin in middle and high school? Why aren’t we starting early, when children are curious and open to learning new things?
Educators need to provide young learners with technology that is developmentally appropriate and allow children to learn through creativity and open-ended play.
What KIBO Robotics Offer Young Learners
KIBO, the coding robot, offers an inviting, engaging platform for children to start their journey into creating with code.
KIBO’s block-based coding language gives children control over the robot’s movements, sounds, and sensors, allowing them to express their imagination with code. And, when accompanied by our curriculum, children are able to tell stories, create characters, and explore their world with KIBO.
Learn more about how KIBO Robot can teach the fundamentals of programming in a fun and engaging way and our mission to introduce coding to children by watching Dr. Marina Bers’ Tedx Talk – Young programmers – think playgrounds, not playpens.
Stay tuned for the next blog on additional key reasons why robotics is important for young learners with STEAM learning tools.
Supporting Research:
- Bers, M. (2008), Blocks to robots: Learning with technology in the early childhood classroom. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
- Bers, M.U., (2018). Coding as a playground: Programming and computational thinking in the early childhood classroom. New York, NY: Routledge press.
- Papert, S. (1980). Mindstorms: Children, computers and powerful ideas. New York: Basic books.