VIEW FROM THE CLASSROOM
but to empower them to actively want to learn. After all, our goal is to ensure that all children enjoy their learning and make the best progress possible. For lessons to be a success, I knew I needed a
resource that would get children thinking creatively, but with the flexibility to get hands-on away from the screen. A lot of people assume that you have to sit at a computer displaying lines of code, however this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are tons of resources available to teachers looking to bring computing to life in the classroom, but it was KUBO that really caught my eye. So much so, that soon I will be training teachers across the whole Trust on how to teach programming using this little robot.
What is KUBO and how do you use it in lessons? KUBO is a robotics resource for primary children that teaches coding through play. Pupils are taught how to code using puzzle pieces that fit together to create a sequence of code. The KUBO robot is then placed on top of the pathway and performs actions, helping to build a range of programming skills including sequencing, algorithms, debugging, loops, functions and subroutines. I first used KUBO about six months ago on an
interactive learning day which introduced pupils to drones and other robots to offer pupils a broader experience of robotics. I took part in a very brief introduction to KUBO, then let pupils hit the ground running by playing independently with the robot. After the robotics day I incorporated KUBO into
a more formal classroom setting. I led the classes by going over how to use the TagTiles and what they do, before setting the pupils tasks to figure out how KUBO works. I found it important to allow them to make mistakes; by facing problems and working out the solutions, pupils were able to conceptualise essential aspects of programming and build resilience skills, in order to establish the final outcome.
What skills does KUBO help with? As well as resilience and collaboration, it also helps pupils to develop transferable skills such as problem-solving, forward-planning and evaluation. The huge emphasis on teamwork also
means that pupils’ confidence grows, as well as their ability to discuss and negotiate concepts.
What are the benefits of hands-on, screen- free learning? Screen-free learning helps to connect the hands and the mind and bridge the gap between visualising and doing. By removing the screen from programming, pupils are able to explore, experiment and play – an essential component of learning that is too often missing from lesson time. It also gives lessons a purpose; for example, pupils can apply what they are learning to real life situations. At the end of the session, pupils can share what they have done and can see the physical results of their work, helping them share a sense of pride in what they have achieved together.
Can KUBO be used in any lesson? The thing I really liked about KUBO is that it’s really versatile and can be used across the curriculum in a variety of subjects. For example: in
geography, it can help with map reading; in maths, it can help with understanding co- ordinates; in DT, it can help with designing maps; and in English it could be used really imaginatively to create e-books.
What was the feedback from pupils? The pupils responded overwhelmingly positively to KUBO. They love the design of the robot and listened well to the instructions that it gave. They engaged really well with the problem-solving aspects of the programming, particularly when applied to real-life situations using the activity map that it comes with, such as ‘how can you help direct KUBO from the school bus to the playground’.
Is it suitable for different abilities? I teach KUBO in mixed-ability groups because it encourages teamworking and means that pupils not only use their strengths – for example, one pupil delegates and leads the team, another codes the robot while the other helps solve any problems – but also learn from others and build areas where they might not feel so confident in. It’s an effective way of getting pupils collaborating, helping and supporting one another.
What would you say to other schools considering KUBO? I would thoroughly recommend using KUBO in the classroom. It’s an innovative way to reinvent lessons, and get children thinking and learning in a more creative way – especially when it comes to coding. It’s simple for teachers to use and introduce across the curriculum, requires minimal setup, and comes with lesson plan ideas and activities so you can get going almost instantly. For me, it was a no-brainer and the kids love it!
uTo find out more about Nightingale Primary School or Maritime Academy Trust, visit:
www.maritimeacademytrust.org or for more information about KUBO, visit:
www.kubo.education
December 2018
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