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“I have been compensated for this post in the form of a product. All opinions are mine and mine alone. This post is sponsored by Wonder Workshop”
If you are searching for that perfect Christmas gift that combines learning and fun, Wonder Workshop has you covered. Cue and Dot Creativity kit both introduce kids to the wonderful world of coding.
Dot Creativity Kit
The Dot Creativity Kit has everything needed to teach kids as young as 6 the basics of programming. The quirky robot has multiple sensors that bring it to life along with tons of accessory to inspire kids to get creative. Dot interacts using built-in expressions, sounds, and lights using motion, touch, and sound sensors. It also features four programmable buttons, real time Bluetooth, and an accelerometer that allows it to know when you are shaking, tossing, moving, or tilting it.
Dot works with three apps, Wonder, Blockly, and Go. Wonder makes learning robotics easy with picture-based language for kids. Blockly lets users take on coding challenges and create their own programming and Go lets them customize Dot and teach it how to play. The kit comes with 20 challenge cards allowing kids to play robot-enabled games. It also includes accessories for dressing Dot up, creating a lamp, or even protecting against intruders.
The Dot Creativity Kit includes:
- Dot the robot with attachable stand
- 2 building brick connectors
- 2 plastic to cardboard connectors
- 20 project cards with games & activities
- 10 costumes
- 1 squishy case
- 1 constructible mood lamp
- Over 100 stickers
- Multiple project accessories
- 1 charging cable
- 3 free downloadable mobile apps (Wonder, Blockly, & Go) with dozens of challenges, puzzles, and hours of free play
Dot is a great choice for introducing kids to programming. It is simple to use and it encourages creativity as well as problem solving skills. I love that this little robot mixes technology with hands-on play. You can pick up a Dot Creativity Kit for $79.99 on the Wonder Workshop website or at select retailers.
Cue
Cue is a cleverbot with a witty, smart, and high-spirited personality. Powered by breakthrough Emotive AI, Cue engages emotionally and he learns how to respond based on interactions with the user. The Cue app, available for Android and Apple, communicates with Cue via Bluetooth. Users can pick one of four avatars from the app, each with a different personality. The first avatar is free and additional avatars are $4.99 each. One of Cue’s main functions it text-based chatting. Through text, Cue can tell jokes, gossip about celebs, and much more.
With the app, kids can also use JavaScript text mode or simple block programming to learn the concepts of coding. They can also use the on-screen joystick to adjust Cue’s speed, record sound clips, or put him in one of three modes. Seek allows him to follow objects nearby, Avoid has Cue move away from objects, and Explore lets him go off on his on.
Features:
- 3 Proximity Sensors
- Real-time Bluetooth
- IR Robot Interaction
- 3 Processors and Sensor Fusion
- Dual Motors and Potentiometers
- 3 Microphones and Speaker
- Programmable LED and Buttons
- 2 Powered Wheels and Encoders
Cue is recommended for ages 11 and up. You can purchase it right from the Wonder Workshop website or at select retailers for $199.99.
Cue is perfect for kids of all coding skill levels. It teaches what each coding command means and how changing the variables affects how the robot responds. Removing it from the package was a little difficult, but once I got him out, everything went smoothly. It is simple to work with and is one of the most engaging robots I have ever seen. While Cue is essentially designed to teach programming, kids can take a break from learning and have fun with it. Even adults will enjoy the expressive personality.
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Check out our full 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for more gift suggestions!