5 Mind Blowing Toys to introduce Programming to kids (Even Toodlers and Preschoolers!)

Parents often worry about their children spending too much time online, or on smartphones and tablets. However, in the era of internet of things, learning programming is an utmost essential skill your child would need in his or her future life.

There are smart gadgets out there that can help kids develop programming skills while providing them with a safe environment to explore, play and grow. Kids can get concepts of programming even before the lear to read!

We have here 5 gadgets that provide a new form of interaction for the toddlers and Preschoolers. Some of them are created to help your child pick up a new programming language, others, essential problem-solving skills. These smart toys are very different from the toys today’s adults grew up in but if you are a parent who want to give your child a headstart in technology, these may be the gadgets that can help.

1. Cubetto

Primo is a toy to help your child to learn programming, even before they learn how to read. It is made up of three main elements: a robot called Cubetto, an interface for input of instructions, and instruction blocks which delivers instructions of how the robot should move.

2. Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar

This unique caterpillar learning toy encourages kids to experiment as they play, helping them to develop coding, sequencing and critical thinking skills.Code-a-Pillar features 9 easy-to-connect segments that preschoolers can arrange and rearrange to “tell” the toy how to move: forward, left, right, wiggle, dance or even wait for a couple seconds before moving again. Kids can configure the segments in such a way that the Code-a-Pillar can reach targets they set up throughout the room. There’s even a motorized head segment with lights, sounds and blinking eyes that brings Code-a-Pillar to life! Ready … set … code! When kids connect the segments—in tons of different ways—to make Code-a-Pillar move left, then right, then forward, or wherever– that’s sequencing!

3. Robot Turtles

Not to be confused with the teenage mutants, Robot Turtles is a board game and ebook that teaches the fundamentals of programming to kids aged 3 – 8.

Preschoolers can learn programming one turtle move at a time. Robot Turtles takes seconds to learn, minutes to play and provides endless learning opportunities. Through fun play and Code Cards, players move their Robot Turtles around the game board to reach a prized jewel. With every move preschoolers learn programming, from coding to functions, and get a jumpstart on 21^st century thinking skills. This might be a coding board game for little programmers, but the entire family will love playing it, too.

4. Kano  – Computer & coding  kits for all ages

The Kano lets kids assemble their own actual computer, using a Raspberry Pi-powered board, basic wiring, and modular display unit.

5. Puzzlets

Pairing with a tablet or computer, Puzzlets looks like an old-fashioned tile game but actually introduces complex coding and programming challenges. Kids use the tiles to move characters through 120 progressively more difficult levels.