Robotics

Robotics For 7-8 Year Olds

Find the best robotics kits for 7-8 year olds and learn how to get started with programming and building robots.

Your child just came home from school and said that Lego is boring now. They're looking for a new challenge, something that can spark their curiosity and creativity. You've heard about robotics kits, but you're not sure if they're suitable for a 7-8 year old. You want to know if it's the right time to introduce your child to the world of robotics.

Developmental Context

At 7-8 years old, your child has developed some impressive skills. They have refined their fine motor skills, can handle small screws and snap pieces together, and can read instructions with ease. Their attention span is around 45 minutes, and they can understand cause-and-effect relationships and plan multi-step actions. However, they may still struggle with debugging errors and understanding complex programming concepts.

There are some things that your child cannot do yet. They may struggle with handling very small components, understanding abstract programming concepts, and debugging complex errors. They may also need help with reading and understanding instructions, especially if they are not familiar with technical vocabulary.

The Shortlist

We've selected four robotics kits that are suitable for 7-8 year olds. Here are our recommendations:

Kit 1: Lego Mindstorms - £299.99

Why it works: Lego Mindstorms is a great introduction to robotics, with a perfect balance of building and programming. 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 and start building their first robot. Parent involvement: Medium. Learning outcome: Your child will learn to sequence 3-step commands and understand cause-and-effect relationships. Honest downside: The kit can be expensive, and some children may find the programming aspect challenging. Mess factor: Medium. Who this is for: Children who love building and creating things.

Kit 2: Dash Robot - £149.99

Why it works: Dash Robot is a fun and interactive way to introduce programming concepts. What they'll build: A variety of projects, including a dance party and a obstacle course. First 20 minutes: Your child will unbox the kit and start playing with the robot. Parent involvement: Low. Learning outcome: Your child will learn to sequence commands and understand basic programming concepts. Honest downside: The kit may not be as challenging for more experienced children. Mess factor: Low. Who this is for: Children who love playing and experimenting with new things.

Kit 3: Sphero Mini - £49.99

Why it works: Sphero Mini is a fun and interactive way to introduce programming concepts. What they'll build: A variety of projects, including a mini golf course and a maze. First 20 minutes: Your child will unbox the kit and start playing with the robot. Parent involvement: Low. Learning outcome: Your child will learn to sequence commands and understand basic programming concepts. Honest downside: The kit may not be as challenging for more experienced children. Mess factor: Low. Who this is for: Children who love playing and experimenting with new things.

Kit 4: Makeblock mBot - £69.99

Why it works: Makeblock mBot is a great introduction to robotics, with a perfect balance of building and programming. 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 and start building their first robot. Parent involvement: Medium. Learning outcome: Your child will learn to sequence 3-step commands and understand cause-and-effect relationships. Honest downside: The kit can be challenging for some children, especially those who are new to programming. Mess factor: Medium. Who this is for: Children who love building and creating things.

Comparison Table

| Kit | Price | Screen? | Reading Required? | Build Time | Complexity Growth | Parent Help | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Lego Mindstorms | £299.99 | Yes | Yes | 2 hours | High | Medium | | Dash Robot | £149.99 | Yes | No | 1 hour | Medium | Low | | Sphero Mini | £49.99 | Yes | No | 30 minutes | Low | Low | | Makeblock mBot | £69.99 | Yes | Yes | 1.5 hours | Medium | Medium |

What To Avoid At This Age

Here are some products that may not be suitable for 7-8 year olds:

❌ Lego Technic: This kit is too advanced for 7-8 year olds, and may be frustrating for them.

❌ Arduino Starter Kit: This kit is too complex for 7-8 year olds, and requires a high level of programming knowledge.

❌ Raspberry Pi: This kit is too advanced for 7-8 year olds, and requires a high level of programming knowledge.

Your First Session Plan

Day 1 (45 minutes):

Child opens box, you provide commentary on the different components.
Child starts building their first robot, with your guidance.
Child starts programming their robot, with your help.
Success metric: Robot moves forward once.

Day 2-3: Repeat the process, with increasing complexity.

Week 2: Introduce new programming concepts, such as loops and conditionals.

Realistic timeline: After 1 week, your child will have a basic understanding of programming concepts. After 1 month, they will be able to build and program more complex robots. After 3 months, they will be able to create their own projects and experiments.

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 assembled.

I'm bored already → Introduce new programming concepts or challenges to keep your child engaged.

Sibling fights → Set clear boundaries and rules for sharing the robotics kit.

Lost pieces → Use a storage container to keep all the components organized.

Realistic Expectations

After 1 week: ✅ Your child will have a basic understanding of programming concepts. ❌ They will not be able to build complex robots yet.

After 1 month: ✅ Your child will be able to build and program simple robots. ❌ They will not be able to create their own projects and experiments yet.

After 3 months: ✅ Your child will be able to create their own projects and experiments. ❌ They will not be able to program complex algorithms yet.