Robotics For 7-8 Year Olds
Introduction to robotics kits for 7-8 year olds, including Lego Mindstorms and Sphero Mini. Learn what to expect, and how to choose the right kit for your child.
Your child just walked in from school and said, 'Lego is boring, I want to build something that moves!' You're thinking of introducing them to robotics, but you're not sure where to start. Don't worry, you're not alone! Many parents are unsure about what robotics kit is suitable for their child's age.
Developmental Context
At 7-8 years old, your child has developed some impressive skills. They can read instructions, have a longer attention span of around 45 minutes, and are beginning to understand cause-and-effect relationships. Their fine motor skills are also improving, allowing them to handle small pieces and snap them together.
However, there are some things they cannot do yet. They might struggle with handling very small screws, reading complex instructions, or debugging errors without guidance. They also might not be able to plan multi-step projects or understand abstract concepts like variables.
The Shortlist
Here are some robotics kits that are perfect for 7-8 year olds:
Lego Mindstorms - £329.99
- Why it works: It's a great introduction to robotics and programming using a familiar brand.
- What they'll build: A variety of robots, including a line-following car and an obstacle course navigator.
- First 20 minutes: Your child will unbox the kit, sort the pieces, and start building their first robot.
- Parent involvement: Medium - you'll need to help them with some of the more complex builds and programming.
- Learning outcome: They'll learn about sequencing, sensors, and motors.
- Honest downside: It can be expensive and overwhelming for some children.
- Mess factor: Medium - there are a lot of pieces to keep track of.
- Who this is for: Children who love building and creating, and are not afraid of a challenge.
Sphero Mini - £49.99
- Why it works: It's a fun, app-controlled robot that introduces programming concepts.
- What they'll build: Nothing - it's a pre-built robot, but they'll learn to control it using code.
- First 20 minutes: Your child will download the app, connect to the robot, and start playing games.
- Parent involvement: Low - the app is easy to use, but you might need to help with some of the more complex coding concepts.
- Learning outcome: They'll learn about programming, sensors, and cause-and-effect relationships.
- Honest downside: The battery life can be short, and some children might find it too easy.
- Mess factor: Low - it's a self-contained robot.
- Who this is for: Children who love technology, games, and puzzles.
Comparison Table
| Kit | Price | Screen? | Reading Required? | Build Time | Complexity Growth | Parent Help |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lego Mindstorms | £329.99 | Yes | Yes | Long | High | Medium |
| Sphero Mini | £49.99 | Yes | No | Short | Medium | Low |
| Makeblock mBot | £69.99 | Yes | Yes | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Dash Robot | £149.99 | Yes | No | Short | Low | Low |
What To Avoid At This Age
Some robotics kits that are not suitable for 7-8 year olds include:
- ❌ Lego Boost - it's too simple and might not challenge them enough.
- ❌ Kano Computer Kit - it's more focused on computer building than robotics.
- ❌ littleBits Code Kit - it's more geared towards older children who have experience with programming.
Your First Session Plan
Day 1 (30 minutes):
- Your child opens the box, and you provide commentary on what each piece does.
- They start building their first robot, with your guidance.
- They learn to control the robot using the app or programming language.
- Success metric: the robot moves forward once.
Day 2-3: Repeat the process, and introduce more complex builds and programming concepts.
Week 2: Encourage your child to experiment with different sensors and programming languages.
Realistic timeline: After 1 week, your child will have built and programmed their first robot. After 1 month, they'll have mastered the basics of programming and robotics. After 3 months, they'll be able to design and build their own complex robots.
Parent Survival Tips
Here are some tips to help you survive the robotics journey with your child:
- It's not working! → Check the connections, and make sure the robot is properly calibrated.
- I'm bored already → Introduce new challenges, or encourage your child to experiment with different programming languages.
- Sibling fights → Set boundaries, and encourage your children to take turns and work together.
- Lost pieces → Use a storage container, and label each piece to keep track of them.
Realistic Expectations
After 1 week: ✅ your child will have built and programmed their first robot. ❌ They won't have mastered programming languages yet.
After 1 month: ✅ your child will have learned the basics of programming and robotics. ❌ They won't be able to design and build complex robots yet.
After 3 months: ✅ your child will be able to design and build complex robots. ❌ They won't be experts in robotics and programming yet.
Next Steps
Once your child has mastered the basics of robotics and programming, you can move on to more advanced kits like the Lego Mindstorms EV3.
This week: Watch YouTube videos, or check out library books on robotics and programming to learn more.
Related Posts
Check out our other posts on robotics and programming for children:
