Computers are a critical part of modern life, and it’s likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future. This means that it’s important that kids not only learn how to use computers, but also that they understand how they actually work. It’s for this reason that it’s important for children to learn how computer programming works, and the earlier they are first exposed to the principles behind such coding the better. Now, you might think that this is asking too much, but there’s a surprisingly large range of rather fun toys aimed at children as young as three to help them learn about coding, and one of the best that I’ve come across is the Fisher-Price Think and Learn Code-a-Pillar.
What Is This Product? The Think and Learn Code-a-Pillar is a set of colour-coded modules, each representing a single command, that can be linked together to program the Code-a-Pillar to take a specific path across the room (see video below). Also provided is a target which you can place anywhere on the floor and challenge your child to program the Code-a-Pillar so that it’ll hit one of these targets. The programming is done by rearranging the modules that make up the Code-a-Pillar so that when it’s started, it will take a path that will allow it to reach the intended location. It’s that simple, and it’s that fun. It may take your child several attempts to actually hit the target (by re-arranging the modules into different configurations), but that’s where the learning comes in as they have to think about things like which commands have to be run in which order to make the Code-a-Pillar move along the required path. And this is exactly how computer coding works!
Product ISBN: 978-0756615185. Recommended Retail Price (RRP): £49.99/US$49.99. To purchase in the UK, click here. To purchase in the USA, click here.
What Age Of Child Is It Aimed At? The Code-a-Pillar specifies that it’s aimed at children aged three to six, but I suspect older children will quite enjoy it too, and younger ones will like the colours and sounds it makes.
Core Life Skills This Product Will Help Develop: Critical Thinking Skills – Problem-solving, critical thinking, Forward planning; Interpersonal Skills – Cooperation; Working as a group (if used with other children); Physical Skills – Hand-eye coordination; Practical Skills – Understanding how computers work; The basic principles of computer programming/coding.
How Can You Use This Product To Help Develop A Child’s Core Life Skills? The best way to use the Code-a-Pillar is to give it to your child and let them play with it. For younger children, you will most likely have to help them fit the modules together, but older ones can simply be left to get on with it. Start by letting your child see what happens when the modules are connected in different orders, and once they understand the basic principles behind how it works, then introduce the target and the idea that they have to program the Code-a-Pillar to reach a specific destination. If they don’t reach it first time, then encourage them to start again from the same location and see if they can re-program it by re-arranging the modules to take a path that will take them closer to the target. By repeating this a number of times, they’ll eventually reach the target through a process of trial and error (similar to the debugging that is done with real computer code). Once they’ve reached their target, you can move it to a new location and they can start again. After they’ve used the Code-a-Pillar a number of times, you can start introducing them to the basic ideas behind programming and how it can be used to make computers or other robots do specific tasks, like analyse a data set, search for a specific website, make a phone call or build a car.
You can find more suggestions of products that will help children (including older ones) learn coding here, and in the video below:
Links To Purchase This Product
To purchase the basic Code-a-Pillar set, click on the image below, or click here. If you’re child enjoys playing with the basic Code-a-Pillar set, then you can consider purchasing some of the expansion packs that are available for it which allow it to do more things and take more complex, and longer paths. You can find out more information about these by clicking here.To Purchase In The UK
To purchase the basic Code-a-Pillar set, click on the image below, or click here. If you’re child enjoys playing with the basic Code-a-Pillar set, then you can consider purchasing some of the expansion packs that are available for it which allow it to do more things and take more complex, and longer paths. You can find out more information about these by clicking here.To Purchase In The USA
About The Author: This post was written by Colin Drysdale, the creator of How To Raise A Happy Genius.
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