Coding literacy is quickly becoming a key part of the modern education system.
Parents need to be prepared to introduce their children to coding language even before they hit Kindergarten. There are so many great products out there that exist to help parents ensure their children are getting the help they need at home, and Scholar's Choice is here to help! Here are some tips for introducing coding into your home if you are new to the concept or simply want to know more:
First it is important to know some of the skills that are practiced when you introduce coding toys into your children's lives:
1. Early Math Skills If math involves fun projects when students are young, it won't be nearly as daunting when they reach older grades.
2. Creative Thinking Coding involves planning ahead and understanding next steps. Children will begin to think about the future in a creative, constructive way.
3. Complex Thinking The younger children are when they are introduced to programmatic ideas, the better they will understand complex processes in the future.
4. Understanding the World Around Them Children will grow up understanding how coding affects nearly every aspect of our lives, from phones to video games.
Choosing Your Coding Tools
Children will learn best with tools that are suited to their age and ability. Scholar's Choice is constantly researching and seeking out the best coding and robotics resources and tools for all ages, so we always have many to choose from. Here are some helpful suggestions on which toy is best for your family.
1. Bee Bot (Ages 3+)
Bee-Bot’s simple and child friendly layout is a perfect starting point for teaching control, directional language and programming. We love that Bee Bot is rechargeable so parents don't have to worry about batteries!
Future Coders Robot Races lets children become a robot as they race around a 5'x5' track to solve challenges! Children will dance, spin, and jump their way to the finish line as they learn early coding logic ideas by mapping a path from point A to point B. Robot Races is great for kinesthetic learners and active players that don't like staying still.
Jack the robot mouse follows commands to teach hands-on coding concepts. Students can create a step-by-step path for Jack using the 30 double-sided coding cards to provide the perfect introduction to coding concepts. The challenge cards provide great beginner, intermediate, and advanced challenges as kids build their skills.
Botley the Coding Robot is an adorable toy that introduces coding fundamentals in a hands-on way. Botley can detect objects and be programmed to go around objects with if/then logic. He can also follow looping commands, take on obstacle courses, follow black lines, and has hidden features to unlock! Botley's advanced features allow him to grow with kids and last many years.
Snapino is a great introduction for older children to the open-source Arduino hardware/software coding environment. Snap Circuits snap together easily and make prototyping circuit designs simple. There are many Snap Circuit sets that can be added together to make larger circuits and more complex systems. This kit includes 20 projects that gradually introduce students to Arduino coding with sketches (programs) already written for operating the 14 included parts.
BLOG FAQ
Introducing Coding into Your Home
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What skills do children develop through coding toys? Introducing coding toys at a young age helps children develop early math skills, creative thinking, complex problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of how coding impacts various aspects of the world around them.
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How can parents choose the right coding tools for their children? Parents should consider their child's age and abilities when selecting coding tools. Scholar's Choice offers a variety of options suited for different age groups, ensuring that children can learn effectively and enjoyably.
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What are some recommended coding toys for younger children? For children aged 3 and up, Bee-Bot provides a simple and child-friendly introduction to control and programming. Future Coders Robot Races and Code and Go Robot Mouse are also excellent options for ages 4 and 5, offering interactive learning experiences.
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What features make Botley a suitable coding toy for kids? Botley the Coding Robot is an adorable toy that introduces coding fundamentals in a hands-on manner. It can detect objects, follow looping commands, navigate obstacle courses, and has hidden features to unlock, making it engaging and educational for children aged 5 and up.
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Are there coding toys available for older children? Yes, Snapino is an ideal choice for children aged 12 and up. It provides an introduction to the open-source Arduino hardware/software coding environment, allowing older kids to explore circuit design and coding concepts through hands-on projects and experimentation.