In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, it is essential for children and young adults to develop skills in coding, programming, and other STEM subjects. With the increasing demand for technology-related jobs, it is crucial for the younger generation to be equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the future workforce. To make learning these skills fun and engaging, there are a variety of toys, games, and kits available that can help children understand the basics of coding and expand their STEM knowledge through play.
One of the innovative toys that stand out in this space is Osmo Coding. Osmo uses physical blocks with a tablet to teach coding to kids aged 5-12. The game system allows kids to play with physical items in the real world while still benefiting from the power of iPad technology. With unique command blocks that can be sequenced with other commands, kids can easily make complex sequences for characters to follow. Osmo Coding is a great way to introduce coding concepts in a fun and interactive way.
Another popular choice is the Sphero Bolt, a programmable robot ball that kids love. With a Scratch-like coding environment, kids can set simple commands to control the ball’s movements, colors, and actions. The latest version of Sphero robots allows programming with JavaScript, making it a versatile tool for learning coding. The hands-on nature of Sphero Bolt makes it a great starter for kids who enjoy active learning.
For younger children, the Coding Critters MagiCoders by Learning Resources offers a creative and magical approach to coding and STEM. With interactive fantasy animals that can perform various actions, kids can learn spatial awareness, sequential logic, and basic coding skills in a playful way. The Coding Critters MagiCoders set is designed to engage kids‘ imaginations while teaching them essential coding skills.
PlayShifu Tacto Coding is another tablet-based coding adventure that connects to a tablet for interactive coding experiences. With figurines and story-based games, kids can learn fundamental coding concepts like inputs-outputs, loops, sequencing, and branching. The game grows with the child as they become more attuned to coding basics, providing a wide range of challenges for different age groups.
Let’s Start Coding Code Rocket is a fun kit that introduces kids to coding through a codeable rocket. With built-in LED lights, buttons, and a speaker, kids can control the rocket’s movements and lights using block languages like Scratch or Blockly. The kit allows kids to learn coding concepts while having fun with interactive features like laser blasters, Morse code messages, and countdown sequences.
Botley The Coding Robot 2.0 is a screen-free coding toy that offers a fun and active learning experience for kids aged 5-9. With the ability to program sequences of up to 150 steps, Botley 2.0 can perform various actions like avoiding obstacles, following lines, and transforming into different characters. The robot’s tactile nature and Montessori approach make it a great tool for hands-on learning.
Makeblock mBot Neo Robot Kit is a versatile robot-building kit for beginners that uses block-based Scratch coding and advanced Python programming. With intelligent functions like voice control and smart camera, mBot Neo teaches kids basic to advanced coding skills while allowing for creative robot projects. The kit comes with over 20 lessons supporting computer science education, making it a valuable tool for teaching coding and robotics.
For older kids and teens, the Petoi Bittle Robotic Dog offers a sophisticated quadraped robot that can be programmed using various coding languages like Python and C++. With voice control and lifelike movements, Bittle provides an immersive coding experience for kids interested in robotics. The robot’s open-source platform allows for customization and advanced programming, making it a rewarding investment for aspiring coders and robotic enthusiasts.
PYXEL A Coder’s Best Friend is a rechargeable interactive coding robot pet that helps children learn coding from entry-level Blockly to more advanced Python. With a tablet or computer, kids can code PYXEL to walk, make sounds, express emotions, and change color. The robot’s interactive features like sensors, speaker, and programmable expressions provide a hands-on coding experience for kids aged 8 and up.
The Learning Resources Space Rover Deluxe Coding Activity Set is a screen-free coding activity for small groups of young children in a classroom or coding club. With 20 coding challenges and hands-on construction, the set teaches STEM fundamentals and sequential logic through interactive gameplay. The set includes coding cards, maze tiles, and activity guides for a fun and educational coding experience.
Agent Asha Gift Pack from Bright Little Labs is a spy adventure book and activity pack that teaches kids how to code and become critical thinkers. With interactive spy training activities, secret agent membership cards, and an immersive online world, the pack introduces coding principles through storytelling and hands-on activities. The pack is designed for kids aged 7-11 and offers a fun and engaging way to learn coding and computer science.
DJI RoboMaster S1 is a coding toy from the well-known drone brand that offers an engaging robot for learning to code. With a build-it-yourself kit and programmable behaviors, the S1 teaches kids how to code through hands-on robotics projects. The robot’s interactive features and multiplayer games provide a fun and educational coding experience for kids aged 14 and up.
Artie 3000 and Artie Max are Lego-based coding kits that combine art with coding for older kids. With customizable designs and coding capabilities, the kits allow kids to build and code their own creations using block-based programming languages. The kits offer a creative and hands-on approach to learning coding and robotics, making them ideal for kids aged 7-12.
imagiCharm is a coding device designed for teen girls and boys to learn Python coding principles through interactive tutorials. With a customizable LED matrix and Python coding language, imagiCharm offers a fun and engaging way to learn coding and programming. The device is aimed at teenagers aged 8-13 and provides a creative platform for learning coding skills.
In conclusion, there are a variety of toys, games, and kits available that can help children and young adults learn coding, programming, and other STEM skills in a fun and engaging way. From physical robots and coding blocks to interactive apps and subscription boxes, these tools offer a hands-on approach to learning essential technology skills. By incorporating play and creativity into coding education, these toys can inspire the next generation of tech-savvy innovators and problem solvers.