You can see it all around, it is the most wonderful time of the year, kids are asking Santa for their favorite gifts, the family calendar is filling up with holiday traditions and parents are stressed with their to do list. Happy Holidays!! Haha! Okay, in all seriousness, it really is the most wonderful time of the year but it can also be the most stressful, especially when the kids are overly tired and excited with the traditions and holiday happenings.
While I love enjoying the hustle and bustle there are times that we find ourselves at home for an evening and in this cold we cannot go outside to let the kids be kids. Which means one hour in, we are all wishing for summertime. I have decided to bring in some great indoor activities that the whole family can work together on during those cold days that have us all in the house.
Cold Day Fun With JIMU Robot
Introducing JIMU Robot:
The JIMU Robots are a fun way to bring robotics into kid’s day to day. The JIMU Robot system of play relies on three steps: Building, Coding, and Playing. They also aligns with STEM learning we can feel great about purchasing a fun, interesting tech toy for our kids. JIMU is a fun, exciting robot that kids 8+ can build, code, and play with. The JIMU Robots come in different series to appeal to all types of interests. After these robots are built the play continues by using a free JIMU app. Time to get those robots moving and grooving. While there are certain robots on the packaging these robots can also be dismantled and kids can build their own robot creations.
Build and Code Your Own Robot!
When I first learned about JIMU Robots I was sold. I knew that both Jude and Teagan would get a kick out of making their own robot together as a family. We decided to make this a family night in, turned on some Christmas music, found some delicious snacks and dove in! The packaging that the JIMU Robot came in was so fun. Both of the kids commented about how bright and colorful the box was and I loved that it was a box that would last in the closet rather than get torn and have to be thrown away.
To start we downloaded the free JIMU app onto Jeremy’s phone and we began to work through the online instructions. This app is pretty incredible. It allows you to see each step clearly. The app can be downloaded to any IOS or Android device. First we were prompted to choose one of the three possible creations to make. Now, keep in mind, there are three choices but you can also build your own robot if you would like to get super creative.
We decided to build the AstroBot. I was super surprised at how big the AstroBot was. This silly character has become a part of our family, every day the kids want to make sure they get him moving. Our AstroBot has a great personality! Teagan is really excited to try to build the Astron next, because she thinks he is a “cutie”. What I love about this picture is seeing Jude’s pride. While this certainly was a family effort seeing Jude so proud of his AstroBot is a really great feeling.
Coding, Playing & Learning
Once the JIMU Robot was built it was time to get it moving. The free JIMU app also has a panel that allows you to create sequences of code to get your newly built robot to move. I already said this but I am going to say it again, this app is incredible. Not only was it really easy to use for the building part of this activity but the coding piece was super easy to understand and even allowed our budding coder, Jude, to use some skills he has learned at school this year.
Teach Coding with JIMU Robot
We each took turns using the app to make our own sequence and watched our AstroBot dance, box, get mad and light up. JIMU Robots is an awesome option when trying to teach code to kids. On a side note, while we were showing Jude the app he actually taught us some coding techniques he had learned in school. Proud parenting moment!
Spread The JIMU Robot Love
JIMU Robots make the perfect gift for all kids this holiday season. Be sure to check out ‘em out at Target! Honestly, if you are looking for a gift that the whole family can enjoy I would highly recommend a JIMU Robot kit like this. While the ages say 8+, it can be a gift that the whole family sits down to do together. Looking for a toy that also teaches and makes those little brains work…JIMU Robot is the answer. I know a number of kiddos on our holiday list that we will be purchasing a JIMU Robot for now.
While we love our Astrobot Series: Cosmos Kit there are so many other kits from JIMU that you can choose from. Check out the JIMU Robot Kits HERE. There is literally one for every person on your holiday list!
