Cubetto – Practical coding in the Early Years

A newly launched playset is a perfect accompaniment for early years setting, being one of the easiest ways for children to start learning computer programming, consisting of a friendly wooden robot named Cubetto, a physical programming console, a set of expandable coding blocks, a collection of beautifully illustrated maps and an activity book. By placing the blocks in different patterns on the control panel, children create sequences of instructions that program the robot’s movement. In the process, they develop computational thinking skills that help them understand the basic principles of coding — all of this, in a very age-appropriate way that respects a child’s natural way of learning.

easiest way for children to start learning computer programming, consisting of a friendly wooden robot named Cubetto, a physical programming console, a set of expandable coding blocks, a collection of beautifully illustrated maps and an activity book. By placing the blocks in different patterns on the control panel, children create sequences of instructions that program the robot’s movement. In the process, they develop computational thinking skills that help them understand the basic principles of coding — all of this, in a very age-appropriate way that respects a child’s natural way of learning.

Maps and activity books help children and parents get started with play, by navigating Cubetto through stories and challenges. Planning these mini adventures helps children learn more than coding. They learn to tell stories, to communicate, and to think critically and independently.

“Learning in early years should be easy and fun,” says CEO and Co-Founder Filippo Yacob. “The beauty of Cubetto is that it encourages coding through hands-on play – making learning much more enjoyable while also developing logical thinking, sequencing and coding skills.” Cubetto provides gender-neutral play that boosts a child’s creativity, critical thinking, spatial awareness and communication skills. Cubetto is the only coding toy that can be used by sighted and non-sighted children in the same setting, creating an equal learning environment that promotes inclusive play.

By combining movement, touch and sound, Cubetto also helps children with disabilities strengthen their sequencing and communication skills. “What I love most about Cubetto is that it will give girls and boys all over the world the opportunity to learn the basic building blocks of coding, without being glued to a computer screen. As a mom, that’s my dream,” said investor Randi Zuckerberg.

Cubetto represents a major benchmark in the field of computer programming, as it significantly lowers the age barrier for learning to code by removing screen-based interaction. In March 2016, Cubetto became the most funded ed-tech project in Kickstarter’s history by raising $1.6 million from 6,553 backers. Post-Kickstarter campaign, Primo Toys has already shipped 20,000 pre-orders to more than 90 countries, and will be shipping units for the holidays starting today — while stock lasts.

Cubetto launches at a time when many parents wish and school curriculums require students to learn computing from three years old and up, and schools are starting to use toys to teach STEM skills. However, many children still lack exposure to the fundamentals of computer science at a young age, which Cubetto addresses. “All young children should be empowered to influence the future direction of the digital world,” says Yacob. “We’re proud that Cubetto teaches them the basic concepts of programming before they learn to read or write. It’s the perfect tool for schools that teach coding.” Cubetto just beat Lego at this year’s Junior Design Award, winning “Platinum” for “Best Toy Design for Ages 3-5”.

Additionally, Cubetto designers join the likes of Apple and Audi as this year’s recipient of a Best of Best – Red Dot Design Award 2016, as well as a German Design Award. Cubetto has also been honored with awards such as the Gold Lion for product design at the 2016 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the Product Innovation Award at GESS in Dubai, the Maker of Merit Ribbon at Maker Faire 2013 and 2014 in Rome, the Innovation Award Nomination at Opening Minds 2014 in Chicago, and the Movers and Shakers award at EdTechxEurope 2016. Cubetto has also been exhibited at MIT and the MoMA Design Store in New York City.

Cubetto, the award-winning, Montessori-approved coding toy for children ages 3 and up, is now available for purchase priced £159 on www.primotoys.com.