Primo recently asked me to review their brand new educational toy called Cubetto. Cubetto the robot is designed to teach children aged 3 and up how to code (before they can even read!)
I really had no idea what to expect from this toy. I mean, I barely understand code so how could my 3 year old?!
What you need to play the game is simple. The map, the robot, and the storybook. The instructions are clear, albeit not that straightforward (for me anyway!) It took me a while to get the directions right, but I got there after a few tries!
The concept of the game is to send Cubetto on little journeys around the map, using the coloured blocks which give him different directions. The story book gives you a square to move Cubetto to, and a suggestion of which coloured blocks to use to get him there.
I think the best thing to do to help you understand the game a little clearer is to share their introduction video with you.
Lamb had so much fun playing with Cubetto. I think the fact it’s a robot that moves by himself is so exciting for a 3 year old. Every time he reached the destination, Lamb would cheer knowing we had directed him correctly.
I don’t think he quite understood how to use the coloured blocks, and what they meant, but he understood that they were making Cubetto move. He certainly wouldn’t be able to play with it by himself.
Having said that, it was really interesting to see how a 3 year old reacted to putting the coloured blocks in sequences to create the directions for Cubetto. He was great at remembering which colour represented which instruction e.g yellow for left turn.
I believe with more practice he could certainly grasp the concept and help Cubetto make his way around the map by himself.
It certainly all depends on the individual child though. Lamb is very good at boardgames and following instructions. He’s patient and learns quickly. Obviously children learn at different speeds. Some may pick up how to use the coloured blocks straight away, and others won’t.
What’s great about this game is, even if they can’t work out how to instruct Cubetto, they can decide where they want him to go. Along the way you can make up your own stories and let their imaginations go wild!
If you are considering buying Cubetto, I would definitely recommend buying the Adventure Pack. This offers you an addition 4 maps and 4 story books. The standard Cubetto only comes with one map and story book. This means you have to read the same story every time you play. If you don’t want to buy the additional maps and books, you could always make your own up!
Retailing at £159 it’s quite a pricey product, but is certainly something the whole family can enjoy.
~A~
You can read more of my reviews here.
*I was compensated for this review. As always my words and opinions are honest and own.
What a fun idea! A fun different type of present too.
Stevie xx
This is so cool! My boy would love this, he’s an inventor and at 6 years old I think he would do this quite well.
I LOVE this. Coding is such an important part of kids learning and education and is only going to be more and more. I think a lot of people think it is all electronics and it really isnt.