Fisher-Price Code ‘n Learn Kinderbot
(Fisher-Price $59.99)
Unlike many beginning coding toys, this one has a very intuitive design.
The color buttons that run the Kinderbot are right on top and point in the directions forward, left, right, and back. It’s easy for kids to see the connection between the directions they give and the movements the Kinderbot will make. It can and should be played with in "free coding" mode, with the child taking charge before moving on to the learning challenges and secret codes, that dictate what to do. We were impressed with the way our four-year old tester “got it” and the eagerness with which he continues to experiment with it. He quickly noticed that the color keys he hit then light up on the Kinderbot’s head, reflecting the code he tapped. He also learned quickly that the yellow button cleared the code and the pink button activated the bot. The supplied codes for getting the Kinderbot to make a circle, a triangle, or square were not of immediate interest. Since the Kinderbot doesn’t draw (with pencil or crayon) concrete shapes on the floor, it may be asking a lot of preschoolers to see the non-concrete shape the bot is making as it moves to make four lines for a square or three for a triangle. That said, this is a toy that empowers kids to make their own codes to send the bot around a chair or an obstacle course. To predict outcomes and test them. It comes with a few accessories and a secret code booklet that challenges more learning, but for starters, allow plenty of time for free coding.
Ages: Preschool, Early School
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2019
