When tech is introduced in a way that enhances critical thinking, it can enhance education and create a comfort level with the world our kids are entering. Here are a few of our favorites to start them on the path.
Cubetto
Preschool to Kindergarten
Cubetto is the only screen-less programming system, powered by a coding language made of colorful blocks that lets children three and up write their first computer programs. Kids use coding to guide a friendly wooden robot named Cubetto, through stories, challenges and illustrated maps by placing uniquely shaped hardwood blocks in different patterns on the control panel.
$225, www.primotoys.com
Osmo Coding with Awbie
Elementary School
These nicely crafted blocks snap together like LEGOs in front of an iPad, to guide the character Awbie on a journey through a digital forest to snack on strawberries. Designed for kids aged 5-12, this uses the company’s Reflective AI tech which allows an iPad to “see” objects in front of it.
$49 Coding Element Kit, with $75 Starter Kit for Multiple Gaming Options, www.playosmo.com
Think and Learn Code-a-Pillar
Preschool to Kindergarten
This critter’s motorized head and easy-to-connect segments offer endless combinations, encouraging experimentation while developing important skills like problem solving, planning & sequencing and critical thinking. Kids can mix up the segments and put them back together to send the creature in a different direction every time or follow a target plan to use the specific movements to reach a goal.
$50, www.fisher-price.mattel.com
“Code This Drone” Kit
Middle School to High School
This kit allows kids to experiment with drone-coding via a sequence of training puzzles in a virtual environment, and then build programs to control a physical Parrot Travis drone to fly up, down and dodge obstacles, do tricks and program a controller to race with friends.
$99, www.tynker.com
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