Robot Job Adventure: Young Children Explore Coding with VEX 123

This spring, Next Step Hungary Association offered the VEX 123 Robotics Workshop, providing children aged 5 to 7 with an engaging introduction to robotics, coding, and problem-solving.

Through playful exploration and creative challenges, children discovered the world of robotics using the VEX 123 robot, a child-friendly educational robot that introduces early learners to coding, logical thinking, and problem-solving. During the workshop, children explored what robots are, why we use them, and how robots follow specific instructions created by humans.

Using touch buttons, the VEX Coder, and Coder Cards, children learned the foundations of programming, including sequences, loops, “if” conditions, and program completion. The unique feature of VEX 123 is its hands-on, screen-free learning approach, allowing children to physically interact with the robot, test their ideas, observe results, and improve their instructions through experimentation.

The children participated in exciting activities such as programming robots to navigate paths, avoid obstacles, solve mazes, and explore the difference between repetitive actions and conditional decisions. They also created imaginative stories where robots became main characters and completed a final project where each child selected a profession for their robot, such as firefighter, mail carrier, or chef. They designed their robot characters, programmed them to perform specific roles, and proudly presented their creations to the group.

Beyond coding skills, the workshop supported children’s teamwork, creativity, independence, communication, and presentation abilities. They collaborated with classmates, shared ideas, and learned how to solve challenges together.

With guidance from teachers, children learned how to identify mistakes, debug programs, and find solutions independently. The workshop encouraged children to understand that mistakes are part of the learning process and that every challenge is an opportunity to explore and improve.

The children demonstrated great curiosity, creativity, and engagement throughout the workshop. One time, a child captured the spirit of the workshop perfectly when they exclaimed “My robot isn’t listening to me!”, drawing smiles from everyone in the room. 

Through the “Robot Job Adventure” workshop, children explored robotics in a playful and meaningful way. By creating robot characters, programming them to complete tasks, and presenting their work to others, they developed confidence, creativity, and the foundational skills needed for future learning in technology and beyond.