VietNam
It’s no secret that despite all the Government and society’s push for digital literacy learning at very young age, many Vietnamese children still find traditional coding methods abstract and intimidating. This is where the magic of coding robots comes in. In this article, KidsEdu shares perspectives why playful STEM toys companion like the Whalesbot coding kits that KidsEdu incorporates in our preschool STEM activities can transform coding from lines on a screen into tangible, interactive experiences.
As children guide their robots to program them to tell stories, or build complex contraptions, they’re not just playing. They’re mastering essential abilities like problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and most importantly the creativity to shape the world around them. However, a question nagging the minds of many parents continues to be: are STEM toys just expensive toys, or are they truly worth the investment? Let’s break down this question into smaller questions and try to find the answers to them.
First question: What can my kids get from learning how to code and robotics?
Starts with Introducing your Kids to STEM Education
STEM education serves as a foundation for children’s intellectual growth. Derived from the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, STEM fosters a holistic educational approach. Robotics kit, designed specifically for young learners, play an important role in making STEM education engaging and accessible. Jumping on a STEM learning journey with a coding robot opens up a world of possibilities. It turns abstract concepts into concrete experiences, sparking curiosity and laying the foundation for lifelong STEM education. As kids interact with these innovative tools, they not only understand the basics of coding but also gain insight into various STEM disciplines. They will not only gain coding ability but educational insights, So imagine if they can play and enhance their abilities at the same time, such as:
Develop Problem Solving Skills
Coding, in essence, is a series of logical instructions that solves a problem. By engaging with best STEM toys, children learn to break down complex problems into manageable steps, as part of a critical skill called “computational thinking skill”. This decomposition process fosters problem-solving skills, which are an important asset in facing the challenges of the digital era. As they face coding challenges, children develop resilience and perseverance, which are essential qualities for success in any field.
Fostering Creativity in the Digital Age
Creativity emerges as a driving force behind innovation. STEM toys empower children to express their creativity in a digital world. Through coding, they become architects of their own digital creations—whether it’s designing games, animations, or interactive stories. This fusion of creativity equips children with the experience needed to thrive in a digital society.
Nurturing Critical Thinking Abilities
Coding is more than just writing lines of code; it involves understanding the logical flow of instructions and predicting outcomes. Coding robots stimulate critical thinking by encouraging children to anticipate how their code will impact the robot’s actions. This process of reasoning and predicting outcomes lays the groundwork for developing strong critical thinking abilities, which are essential for making informed decisions in various aspects of life.
The early exposure to coding through robots serves as a basic foundation for their development. From problem-solving and creativity to critical thinking, coding becomes a vehicle for nurturing the efficiency that will empower children to thrive in a technologically driven world. The journey begins with coding robots, making STEM education an exciting adventure for children.
Second question: How do I, as a parent, choose the best coding robot for my child?
Age-Appropriate Design
At KidsEdu, we recommend parents look into robotic product lineup that addresses different age groups, ensuring age-appropriate designs and functionalities. For example, for toddlers aged 3-5, the WhalesBot A3 model features rounded-edge bricks, vibrant colors, and a storytelling approach to make learning safe and engaging.
Screen-Free Coding for Healthy Development
KidsEdu strongly recommends screen-free coding methods, safeguarding young eyes from excessive screen time. The WhalesBot A3 and WhalesBot B3 Pro models utilize coding cards and a coding pen, providing tactile and visual coding experiences for children aged 3-6.
Comprehensive STEM Learning
The WhalesBot B3 Pro, WhalesBot D3 Pro, and WhalesBot E7 Pro models offer a 24-in-1 STEM robotic kit, introducing children to various STEM concepts. From building and coding to experimenting with sensors, each model provides a comprehensive study experience.
Gradual Learning Paths
WhalesBot understands the importance of a gradual STEM teaching curve. The D3 Pro model, designed for ages 6-8, offers a structured study path that adapts to a child’s developmental stage, ensuring a balance between challenge and achievement.
Free, fun preschool STEM resources for parents
What have been your child’s experience with his/her first STEM/robotic kit? Do share with us in the comment below, and get in touch with us for more preschool STEM news and resources, like these free AR-enabled coloring books for 3-5 years -old children.
Source: https://www.whalesbot.ai/blog/why-every-kid-needs-a-coding-robot
