As an educator who has used the Matatalab TaleBot Pro extensively in the classroom, I can confidently say that this programmable robot is a game-changer for teaching coding and computational thinking to children under the age of 8. Designed with young learners in mind, the TaleBot Pro is an engaging, easy-to-use tool that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking—all without the need for a screen.
Key Features
The TaleBot Pro stands out with its intuitive, colourful, and child-friendly design. Coding becomes an accessible and enjoyable activity thanks to the robot’s simple, physical buttons. In addition to these colourful buttons, the robot also houses a strip of coloured LED light to give the young coders an overview of the already programmed statements. This is excellent for activities on debugging, or for those times you want to present them with an algorithm, and they have to ‘Predict what will happen’. (More on this later)
The absence of screens emphasises tactile learning, allowing children to engage directly with the robot and their surroundings. This hands-on approach not only keeps young learners actively involved but also helps them grasp abstract concepts more concretely. In addition to getting hands-on with the instructions-giving parts of the robot, the built-in connectors(Accessories) for Duplo(Lego) bricks, as well as arms and wings, encourage endless creativity.
Adding to the excitement are the colourful mats that accompany the robot. These mats are not just visually appealing but also educational, depicting various life cycles such as those of frogs, flowers, and plants. This visual element makes abstract coding concepts relatable and fun, encouraging students to explore and learn through play. The TaleBot Pro‘s fun sound effects further enrich the learning experience, providing immediate auditory feedback that reinforces learning. And did I mention the robot can read the tile its standing on using OID(Object Identifier) on the mats to know exactly where it is and what is depicted on the tile it stands on? Amazing!
Why You Should Consider Getting This for Your Classroom
The TaleBot Pro is built to last. Its durable and robust design ensures it can handle the energetic and often unpredictable nature of young learners.(Yes this includes the odd drop by a clumsy teacher. I’ve tested this myself! All on purpose of course…I promise..) As teachers, we know the importance of tools that can withstand daily use and still perform reliably. I must admit this has often been an area where other robots have fallen behind. The TaleBot Pro meets this need perfectly.
One of the standout features of the TaleBot Pro is its support for multiple languages. (10 at the moment! English, French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Thai, Bulgarian, Swedish, and Czech) This is particularly beneficial for EAL (English as an Additional Language) students at school. By offering instructions and feedback in various languages, the robot helps bridge language gaps and supports the linguistic development of all students, creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
The TaleBot Pro’s design is perfectly tailored for little learners. Its intuitive coding cards (These come in the pack) and easy-to-use buttons make it simple for children to start coding right away. The activities are designed to be age-appropriate, ensuring that even the youngest students can participate and succeed. This accessibility helps build confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
Benefits
The TaleBot Pro is more than just a robot; it’s a comprehensive educational tool that offers numerous benefits for young learners. One of the key advantages is its screen-free nature. In a world where children are increasingly exposed to screens, the TaleBot Pro offers a refreshing alternative that emphasises hands-on, tactile learning. This approach not only reduces screen time(I know, not all screen time is created equally, it does provide an unplugged experience) but it also helps children develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
The educational mats that come with the TaleBot Pro are another highlight. These mats feature detailed and engaging illustrations that cover various educational themes. For instance, the life cycles of frogs, flowers, and plants are depicted in a way that makes learning about biology fun and interactive. Each is accompanied with fun narratives and asks the children to code the robot in such a way that it navigates the mats in the correct order. By navigating the TaleBot Pro through these mats, children can explore these concepts in a hands-on manner, reinforcing their understanding through play.
From a pedagogical standpoint, the TaleBot Pro aligns well with the PRIMM framework of coding education (Predict, Run, Investigate, Modify, and Make). This approach encourages students to predict what will happen when they code, made possible by showing each pre coded statement on the LED lights or by laying out the included coding cards in order. They get to run their programs to see the results, and each mat comes with a ‘story’ mode, in which the robot moves independently. Investigate any issues or unexpected outcomes, again made possible by showing the sequence of instructions on the robot and each LED shines brighter as it goes through the sequence. Then modify their code to improve it, and finally, make something new and creative. The TaleBot Pro’s design supports this framework perfectly, allowing young learners to engage with each step in a tangible and meaningful way.
In addition to supporting computational thinking, the TaleBot Pro also enhances problem-solving skills. As children program the robot to navigate various paths and complete tasks, they learn to think logically and sequentially. These skills are fundamental not only to coding but also to broader academic success.
Moreover, the TaleBot Pro’s multi-lingual functionality is a significant advantage for EAL students. By offering instructions and feedback in different languages, the robot helps these students engage more fully with the content, supporting their language development alongside their computational skills.
How Does TaleBot Pro Compare to Other Programmable Robots?
While there are many programmable robots available for young learners, the TaleBot Pro stands out for its unique combination of features, ease of use, and educational value. Below is a comparison with other popular robots in the market:
| Feature | Matatalab TaleBot Pro | Bee-Bot | Cubetto | Code-a-pillar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age Range | 3-7 years | 3-8 years | 3-9 years | 3-6 years |
| Screen-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Durability | High | Medium | High | Medium |
| Multi-Lingual | Yes | No | No | No |
| Educational Mats | Life cycles of frogs, flowers, plants and more with OID | Basic grid mats (Found online or custom made by Educator) | Adventure maps | None |
| Coding Method | Physical buttons, coding cards | Directional buttons | Coding blocks | Segmented coding pieces |
| Sound Effects | Yes + Speech | Yes | Soft Beeps | Yes |
| PRIMM Framework | Supports all stages | Limited, depends on teachers | Supports all stages | Limited |
| Price Range | Low Mid-Range | Mid-Range | High | High Mid-Range |
Main Pros and Cons of Matatalab TaleBot Pro
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable and child-friendly design | Low Mid-range price might be a consideration for some budgets |
| Screen-free, promoting tactile learning | Requires space for mats, which may be a constraint in smaller classrooms |
| Multi-lingual support for EAL students | May need additional accessories or toys for expanded activities |
| Educational mats with engaging themes | Initial setup and learning curve for teachers |
| Fun sound effects for auditory feedback | Limited to the pre-designed mats and activities provided, though blank mats are included and additional ones can be made by teachers. |
| Supports the PRIMM framework, enhancing pedagogy |
Transform Your Classroom Today!
Empower your students with the skills they need for the future with the Matatalab TaleBot Pro. This durable, engaging, and educational robot is the perfect addition to any early childhood classroom. Discover the joy of screen-free coding and watch your students thrive with the TaleBot Pro.
Don’t miss out on this incredible educational tool—order your Matatalab TaleBot Pro set today through this link: https://amzn.to/3Yp42Xz. (Individual Set with mats and activities)
For those looking for a school/class set with no less than 6 robots! Here is a link to the large set: https://amzn.to/3Yqow2m
Disclaimer: Some links on this site may earn me a commission at no extra cost to you.