Dash & Dot: An Exciting Way to Teach Kids Programming

Dash & Dot are interactive robots designed to teach kids the fundamentals of coding in a fun and engaging way. Produced by Wonder Workshop, these robots are ideal for children aged 6 and up, offering a range of activities that grow with the child’s skills. Let’s explore the features of Dash & Dot and how they can be used to introduce kids to programming.

What Are Dash & Dot?

Dash is a mobile robot with wheels that can move around, while Dot is a stationary robot that acts as a companion and controller for Dash. Both robots come equipped with sensors, lights, and sounds, providing a rich interactive experience. They can be programmed using a variety of apps that cater to different skill levels, making them suitable for both beginners and more advanced young coders.

Key Features of Dash & Dot

1. Interactive and Engaging Design
   • Dash can move in all directions, make sounds, and display lights, while Dot can interact with Dash and respond to commands.
   • Their friendly, colorful design is appealing to kids, encouraging engagement and play.
2. Sensors and Inputs
   • Dash is equipped with infrared sensors, microphones, and distance sensors, allowing it to detect obstacles, respond to voice commands, and navigate its environment.
   • Both robots can be programmed to react to their surroundings, adding an interactive dimension to coding activities.
3. Versatile Programming Apps
   • Go: An introductory app that allows kids to control Dash’s movements and sounds.
   • Path: Kids can draw a path on a screen that Dash will follow, teaching basic sequencing and navigation.
   • Blockly: A visual programming language that lets kids create more complex programs using drag-and-drop code blocks.
   • Wonder: An app for advanced users that introduces more complex programming concepts and custom behaviors.

How to Use Dash & Dot for Teaching

1. Introducing Basic Commands
   • Start with the Go app to familiarize kids with controlling Dash’s movements and sounds. They can drive Dash around and make it play sounds, helping them understand cause and effect.
2. Learning Sequencing and Navigation
   • Use the Path app to teach sequencing by drawing paths for Dash to follow. This helps kids understand the importance of order in programming and how different commands work together.
3. Exploring Blockly for Visual Programming
   • Once kids are comfortable with basic commands, introduce them to Blockly. They can drag and drop code blocks to create programs that make Dash move, light up, and interact with its environment.
   • Example: Program Dash to navigate around obstacles, using loops and conditionals to create more sophisticated behaviors.
4. Advanced Programming with Wonder
   • For older or more experienced kids, the Wonder app offers a deeper dive into programming. They can create custom behaviors and use more advanced concepts like variables and events.

Engaging Activities with Dash & Dot

1. Obstacle Courses
   • Set up an obstacle course and challenge kids to program Dash to navigate through it. This encourages problem-solving and iterative thinking as they refine their code to avoid obstacles.
2. Storytelling and Role-Playing
   • Combine Dash & Dot with storytelling by creating scenarios where the robots play characters. Kids can program Dash to act out parts of the story, enhancing creativity and narrative skills.
3. Coding Challenges
   • Provide specific challenges, such as making Dash deliver a message to Dot, or programming Dash to follow a sequence of lights. These activities promote critical thinking and coding skills.
4. Team Projects
   • Encourage teamwork by having kids work together on a project. They can brainstorm, plan, and program Dash & Dot to complete a task, fostering collaboration and communication.

Real-Life Example

In my classroom, Dash & Dot have become invaluable tools for teaching programming. One memorable project involved a “Rescue Mission” scenario. The kids had to program Dash to navigate through a series of obstacles to reach Dot, who was “stranded” on the other side of the room.

The students worked in teams, brainstorming different approaches and testing their code. They had to adjust their programs based on the obstacles Dash encountered, which taught them the importance of debugging and iterative improvement. The excitement and teamwork were incredible, and the kids were proud of their accomplishments when Dash successfully completed the mission.

Conclusion

Dash & Dot offer a versatile and engaging way to introduce children to the world of programming. Their interactive design, coupled with a range of programming apps, makes them suitable for a wide range of ages and skill levels. By incorporating Dash & Dot into your teaching toolkit, you can create a fun and interactive learning experience that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

Whether you’re a parent or an educator, Dash & Dot can help you inspire the next generation of coders and innovators. Ready to get started? Explore the endless possibilities with Dash & Dot and watch your kids’ skills and confidence grow as they embark on their coding adventures!