Children are naturally curious and intuitive, and KUBO Robots tap into these traits beautifully. These hands-on, screen-free robots allow students to explore coding using creativity and critical thinking, all whilst having fun.
KUBO’s colour-coded blocks (Tagtile®) make coding accessible for young learners. By simply placing the blocks in a sequence, students program KUBO to move and complete tasks. It’s a simple, yet powerful way to introduce them to key coding concepts like logic, sequencing and problem-solving.
KUBO Works in the Classroom
In my Foundation Year Learning Group, I paired students up and let them explore how KUBO worked. Their response? “KUBO is so cute and loves to follow instructions!” Students quickly figured out that to make KUBO move, they needed to gently connect the head to the body and place him on the map’s tag tiles. The real ‘aha’ moments happened when they began selecting tag tiles to choose KUBO’s path, debugging along the way. Immediate feedback helped them adjust their code to reach their desired destination. This process helped them practice analytical reflection and problem-solving in a hands-on, engaging way.
Troubleshooting
Some students took additional time to understand how to program KUBO to turn a corner. To help with this, we practiced tracing the tag tiles commands with our fingers, then tested the coding by having KUBO follow the path.
Fun Ways We Use KUBO
- Mathematic Challenges: Program KUBO to follow paths based on shortest and longest distances between two locations.
- Creative Storytelling: Have students create stories and program KUBO to act them out by visiting a range of different locations.
- Collaborative Learning: Pair up students to problem-solve together, fostering teamwork and communication.
The KUBO Robots are powerful tools that empower students to take control of their learning experiences, making them an exciting addition to my classroom.
About The Author
Ann Miller | Junior School Teacher
Ann is an experienced and dedicated classroom teacher with over a decade of expertise in primary education. Currently teaching at Kardinia International College in Geelong, Victoria, where she continues to inspire and engage her students with innovative teaching methods.