Meet Rumble and Bumble the Coding Critters

19th September 2019 Toys & Games

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We are big fans to toys that can be both educational and fun. So, when Learning Resources invited us to take a closer look at their Coding Critters, we were excited to do exactly that. Here’s what we thought.

WHAT ARE CODING CRITTERS?

Aimed at children from 4 years upwards, this is a wonderful introduction to coding for primary school kids. Bringing coding to children using STEM learning principles Coding Critters are bright and fun, making them immediately attractive to children.

There are three pairing to choose from: the dinosaurs Rumble and Bumble, the cats Scamper and Sneaker the cats or the dogs Ranger and Zip. So, whatever your child’s animal preference, there should be an option for them. For us, there was no hesitation in choosing Rumble and Bumble the dinosaurs.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

Rumble and Bumble
10 coding paw prints
Slide
Boulders and volcano
Rubble arch
2 play decorations
Storybook
Guide

Batteries aren’t included so you will need 3x AAA’s to get Rumble working, but once he is you’re good to go.

CODING CRITTERS IN PLAY

Henry fell in love with Rumble and Bumble straight away. For a dinosaur mad little man, what’s not to love. They’re bright, cute and easy to use. Controlled by the keypad on his back, you can program Rumble with up to 30 instructions at once. We had a great time using our coding paw prints to plan out a route, and then programming it in using the arrows.

They were literally delighted watching him work his way around the table. Big enough for little fingers to use, both kids had a great time getting Rumble to do what they wanted.

The story is a great touch as it really helps you get to know these two cute little guys. For example, we didn’t realise that Bumble’s nose was magnetic until we got to that point in the story. Something that delighted the Bear as she loves nothing more than a Mummy / baby play opportunity.

By working your way through the story, you use all the piece in the play set as well as both dinosaurs to being the story to life. A story that Henry loves that much, it’s made the bedtime reading list.

Then when the work is over, you can press Rumbles nose to activate play time. You can then feed and pet your coding critter as well as make them sing and dance.

THE VERDICT

I love that these Rumble and Bumble are screen free and it was great to see how well the kids engaged with the critters. They enjoyed the free play just as much as they seemed to enjoy the planning of the route and coding of the program.

Darcie’s favourite aspect was without a doubt Bumble and the slide and Henry’s was the volcano. He had the best time launching the boulders as far as he could.

Overall, this is a really good quality toy that feels sturdy enough to stand up to a serious amount of play. Bright and engaging, there are so many elements to Coding Critters. Interactive stories, free play fun, STEM learning and a solid introduction to coding. What’s not to like?