View from the classroom: Kingsley Montessori School
We love connecting with our customers and hearing the ways in which KIBO has enriched the lives of their children or students. This month, we spent some time chatting with Dan Riles, the technology coordinator for the Kingsley Montessori School in Boston.
Dan teaches coding and technology on a regular basis. He happened upon KIBO while browsing Kickstarter projects, and later heard our chief-scientist, Marina, speak at a MEMSET event. He began looking up her work with the prototype that became KIBO, and was very excited that this learning vehicle was coming to the market.
He’s now read each of Marina’s books, heard her speak and closely followed the Kickstarter campaign. “This is one of the best-designed early childhood robotics kits I have ever seen,” he said.
He’s also used Bee-Bot, but KIBO provided far greater options for separating the programming from the device, which is paramount for young children in the way they learn. He described KIBO as a much better experience for the younger set.
During a faculty meeting, Dan previewed several new technology options to the early childhood teachers, and they were thrilled by KIBO. The children and teachers both love it,” he said.
“I work in a Montessori school, and The KIBO kit aligns with the look and feel of the Montessori materials. Technology integration can be challenging in early childhood, but KIBO breaks down the barriers. It has absolutely benefitted the students and the teachers. Educators who feel uncomfortable with the subject of coding easily get involved due to its approachability and the students take to it right away,” said Dan.
That’s been the best part of the experience so far, he says — the easy entry and excitement for new and upcoming programs. The school plans to acquire more KIBO kits for the upcoming school year, so children can meet in larger groups and engage in more group activities.
