BitsBox Learning to Code for Kids
Royal (7), ever the middle child, wants to try everything. He wants to play violin, drums, piano, ukulele, guitar, and probably every other instrument in existence. He wants to take karate, gymnastics, dance, art classes, cooking classes, etc.
And he really wants to steal Baloo’s BitsBox and learn to code himself. I have two theories for his motivation but mostly it boils down to the fact that coding is seriously awesome and BitsBox is seriously fun.
In fact, Baloo makes BitsBox look so simple and fun that I’m convinced at this point that any motivated person could pick up coding. Not that coding is simple, but BitsBox makes it a fun learning experience rather than a long and arduous process.
(We received this product for this review. All of the opinions in this post and mine (and my kids) ? )
This is our third review of BitsBox to share our (Baloo’s) journey with learning to code. It inadvertently turned into Royal and Baloo learn, but that’s great, too! BitsBox covers a wide range of ages and I’m happy they’re both able to use it. Make sure to check out the first review on teaching kids to code and the second review of teaching kids javascript.
BitsBox is Open Ended
I think any toy or tool that intends to teach has to be open ended. Kids have to be able to manipulate the factors to really learn and grasp what they are doing. But making open ended toys and tools isn’t always easy. BitsBox comes with cards and a specific code for the particular app. But BitsBox goes beyond just the particular code and becomes more open ended the more you use it.
Initially, we followed the cards to a T. We had to follow them exactly because we weren’t familiar. As time goes on, we (or more like Baloo) has found that he grasps the idea much easier. Sometimes he is able to manipulate factors while writing the code instead of waiting until finishing the code and tweaking then.
Every app is coded in a way that the kids can change speed, color, objects, direction of movement, and much more. They simply have to figure out which part of the code to manipulate.
So even though the apps are spelled out for them, the cards leave a lot of room for open ended play and open ended coding. And that is why BitsBox is the perfect tool for coding, from beginners to more advanced.
BitsBox is Increasingly Complex
Continuing with the same topic, BitsBox becomes increasingly complex the more kids use it. It is set up so that even a young beginner can grasp the ideas. I mentioned in our second review that Royal (7) was starting to pick up some of the apps and work through them. He is able to work through all of the cards with little problem and I can see that he is picking up the ideas as he goes.
Baloo (10) is more advanced but there is still a lot for him to learn. He can zoom through coding an app but then he takes his time tweaking every little aspect. He likes to surprise his brothers so he tries to come up with the most unexpected changes he can.
Baloo started 3 months ago with little knowledge of coding. Now he is a confident coder with plans to learn even more.
Where Can you Purchase BitsBox?
BitsBox subscriptions are available through their website – and the subscriptions give you the best deal. Plus, with the code ROYALBALOO20, you can get 20% off the first payment of any BitsBox subscription.
I’d also encourage you to check out the one-time product shop. Make sure BitsBox fits your needs before committing to a subscriptions.
This slingshot is a toy we received in the box. Big hit.
Keep in Touch with BitsBox
They have two newsletters – one for everyone and another for teachers.
They are also on:
BitsBox Facebook
Instagram: @BitsBoxKids
BitsBox Twitter
BitsBox Pinterest