Robots and Spatial Awareness

Since the beginning of the term, all classes at Frimley have been learning the basics of programming robots. Every child has had the experience of creating a series of instructions for the bots to follow. We've been building our common language and learning the codes that each machine recognises.

The children have been encouraged to think more attentively about the meaning of forward and backward as well as left and right. Many are beginning to realise that these positions relate to their own position or that of the robot. This is an important cognitive skill that can only be developed with many chances to explore the idea. To enhance our understanding, we have been wearing brightly coloured bands on our right wrists to act as a constant visual marker while working with the robots.

Links about spatial awareness:
Occupational Therapy for Children - Spatial Awareness

Robotics and The Maths Curriculum

As our children give instructions to the robots, they are working on a number of geometry objectives. Because the robots are so engaging, they often take on activities aimed at higher levels.

Geometry - Position and orientation (NZC)
Level 1 (Years 1 and 2)Give and follow instructions for movement that involve distances, directions, and half or quarter turns.
Describe their position relative to a person or object.

Level 2 (Years 3 and 4)
Create and use simple maps to show position and direction.
Describe different views and pathways from locations on a map.

Level 3 (Years 5 and 6)
Use a co-ordinate system or the language of direction and distance to specify locations and describe paths.