Robotics For 7-8 Year Olds
Find the perfect robotics kit for your 7-8 year old child. Learn about developmental context, kit recommendations, and parent survival tips.
Your child just walked in from school and said, 'Lego is boring, I want to build something that moves!' You're not sure what to make of it, but you're excited to see them interested in something new. Robotics kits can be a great way to encourage this curiosity, but with so many options out there, it can be hard to choose the right one for their age.
Developmental Context
At 7-8 years old, your child has developed some impressive skills. They can handle small screws and snap pieces together with ease. Their reading level is improving, and they can follow instructions with some visual guidance. Their attention span is around 45 minutes, and they're starting to understand cause-and-effect relationships.
However, there are some things they can't do yet. They may struggle with complex coding, multi-step planning, and debugging errors. They also might not be able to handle very small pieces or intricate designs.
The Shortlist
We've selected a few kits that are perfect for this age group. Here are our top picks:
Lego Boost - £129.99
- Why it works: It's a great introduction to robotics and coding, with a focus on creativity and fun. - What they'll build: A robot that can be programmed to perform various tasks, such as navigating obstacles or responding to sound. - First 20 minutes: Your child will unbox the kit and start building the basic robot structure. - Parent involvement: Low to Medium - you'll need to help with some of the more complex builds, but your child can handle the basics on their own. - Learning outcome: Your child will learn about sequencing and basic programming concepts. - Honest downside: The kit can be a bit pricey, and some of the builds might be too easy for more experienced kids. - Mess factor: Medium - there are a lot of pieces, but they're mostly large and easy to handle. - Who this is for: Kids who love building and creating, and are looking for a fun introduction to robotics.
Sphero Mini - £49.99
- Why it works: It's a fun, app-controlled robot that's perfect for kids who love action and adventure. - What they'll build: Nothing - the robot comes pre-built, and your child can start playing right away. - First 20 minutes: Your child will download the app and start controlling the robot, learning about basic programming concepts and obstacle navigation. - Parent involvement: None - your child can handle this one on their own. - Learning outcome: Your child will learn about cause-and-effect relationships and basic programming concepts. - Honest downside: The robot can be a bit fragile, and the app might not be as engaging for older kids. - Mess factor: Low - the robot is self-contained, and there are no small pieces to worry about. - Who this is for: Kids who love action and adventure, and are looking for a fun, easy-to-use robot.
Dash - £149.99
- Why it works: It's a fun, interactive robot that's perfect for kids who love puzzles and problem-solving. - What they'll build: Nothing - the robot comes pre-built, and your child can start playing right away. - First 20 minutes: Your child will start exploring the robot's capabilities, learning about basic programming concepts and sensor integration. - Parent involvement: Low - you'll need to help with some of the more complex activities, but your child can handle the basics on their own. - Learning outcome: Your child will learn about sequencing, sensor integration, and basic programming concepts. - Honest downside: The robot can be a bit pricey, and some of the activities might be too easy for more experienced kids. - Mess factor: Low - the robot is self-contained, and there are no small pieces to worry about. - Who this is for: Kids who love puzzles and problem-solving, and are looking for a fun, interactive robot.
Comparison Table
| Kit | Price | Screen? | Reading Required? | Build Time | Complexity Growth | Parent Help |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lego Boost | £129.99 | Yes | Some | 1-2 hours | Medium | Low-Medium |
| Sphero Mini | £49.99 | Yes | No | 0 hours | Low | None |
| Dash | £149.99 | Yes | Some | 1-2 hours | Medium | Low |
What To Avoid At This Age
Here are a few kits that might not be suitable for 7-8 year olds:
❌ Kano Computer Kit: This kit is too complex and requires a high level of technical expertise.
❌ Makeblock mBot: This kit requires a high level of programming knowledge and might be frustrating for younger kids.
❌ Parrot Mambo: This kit is more suited for older kids and requires a high level of technical expertise.
Your First Session Plan
Day 1 (30 minutes):
- Child opens box, you provide commentary on the different components.
- Child starts building the basic robot structure.
- Child starts exploring the robot's capabilities.
- Success metric: Robot moves forward once.
Day 2-3: Repeat the process, gradually increasing the complexity of the builds and activities.
Week 2: Introduce more complex programming concepts and sensor integration.
Realistic timeline: After 1 week, your child will have a basic understanding of robotics and programming concepts. After 1 month, they'll have a solid grasp of sequencing and sensor integration. After 3 months, they'll be able to design and build their own complex robots.
Parent Survival Tips
Here are a few tips to help you survive the robotics journey with your child:
- It's not working!: Check the batteries, make sure the robot is properly assembled, and consult the manual.
- I'm bored already: Try introducing new activities or builds to keep things interesting.
- Sibling fights: Set clear boundaries and encourage teamwork.
- Lost pieces: Use a storage container to keep all the pieces organized.
Realistic Expectations
After 1 week: ✅ Basic understanding of robotics and programming concepts ❌ Complex builds and programming.
After 1 month: ✅ Solid grasp of sequencing and sensor integration ❌ Advanced programming concepts.
After 3 months: ✅ Ability to design and build complex robots ❌ Advanced robotics concepts.
Next Steps
Once your child has mastered the basics, you can move on to more advanced kits like the Makeblock mBot or the Kano Computer Kit.
This week: Watch a YouTube video on robotics for kids, check out the local library for robotics books, or attend a robotics workshop.
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