In our latest social media poll, Totem parents shared that the June holidays’ biggest challenge is keeping the kids entertained. With the economy pinching pennies, staycations have become our new best friend, but how do we make staying at home as exciting as a trip away?
This June, we’re gearing up to take your family on an adventure to the future. Whether you’re at home with the kids or leaving them in the capable hands of the nanny, we’ve got your back.
While you wait to hear if you’ve won, we've rolled out a treasure trove of fun, free coding games suitable for all ages. Take a look at the links lower down.
Why Coding and Robotics can be Critical for Every Kid
In today’s digital age, coding and robotics skills are essential for ensuring a bright and prosperous future. Here’s why:
Promotes Problem-Solving Skills:
Coding helps kids think critically and solve problems creatively. They learn to troubleshoot, iterate, and improve, just like little engineers. A study from Ben-Gurion University found that robotics projects significantly boost problem-solving abilities in young children, helping them to navigate new challenges with confidence and come up with innovative solutions—skills that will serve them well throughout their life.
Boosts Creativity:
Programming sparks out-of-the-box thinking and innovation. Kids love coming up with unique solutions, fostering a mindset of creativity. Coding and robotics also encourages children to think creatively and critically, helping them develop ideas that could one day change the world. Creativity is more than just art; it’s about seeing possibilities and finding new ways to approach familiar problems.
Develops Technical Skills:
Early exposure to engineering and computer science lays a solid foundation for future careers. These technical skills are highly sought after and will be even more critical in the future job market. Research from the University of California, San Diego highlights how robotics promotes 21st-century skills in kids, preparing them for careers in fields like AI, data science, and engineering. By learning to code, your child is gaining a head start on a future filled with opportunities.
Promotes Teamwork and Collaboration:
Many robotics projects require teamwork, teaching kids how to communicate and collaborate effectively. It’s a fun way to build these crucial social skills. Studies from Nanyang Technological University have shown that involvement in robotics fosters collaboration and problem-solving abilities, and that working together on a project helps children learn the value of teamwork and the importance of sharing ideas and responsibilities early on.
Fosters Future Careers:
With technology infiltrating every industry, coding and robotics knowledge can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Companies shaping the future—from Google and Facebook, to Amazon and Microsoft, all highly value these skills, making them essential for a bright future. Your child’s understanding of coding could lead to a career in fields as diverse as game design, app development, or even medical technology. The possibilities are endless!
Ready, Set, Code!
While you’re waiting to see if you’ve won our amazing Bag to the Future Competition prize, why not get your kiddos started with some fantastic free coding games?
Mini McFlys: Preschool to Grade 3
Rodo Codo has designed a great game to get the little ones learning the basics of sequencing and logic, all while fostering a love for learning that will set the stage for future success.
Tinkering Tweens: Grades 4 to 7
Again, Rodo Codo has something special for slightly older kids who are ready to have their analytical thinking and perseverance put to the test with a hands-on, minds-on experience that blends learning with fun.
Ciphering Seniors: Grades 8 to 12
CodinGame has developed a series of seriously fun coding puzzles for seniors, where they can compete in coding battles, and even create multiplayer games.
We hope you enjoy this exciting journey to make your June staycation one to remember.
Let’s turn holiday boredom into innovative potential and set our kids up for a future filled with success!
Happy coding! 🚀✨
