Ways to build a better understanding of coding

Learning programming will become part of the Japanese elementary school curriculum from 2020, and this new toy from Sony Global Education and educational toy manufacturer Artec could give kids a head start.

Called KOOV, this set of colorful building blocks, electronic parts and computer software is designed to help teach children basic coding. It comes with instructions on how to make numerous kinds of toys, which range from vehicles, including a train and fire engine, to animals like a crab and a crocodile. In the process of making the toys, children will learn about motors, LEDs and sensors, and once made, all the creations can be programmed to move using an easy-to-follow application.