Meet E.a.R.L 2  – the perfect coding robot

E.a.R.L 2 is our brand new, own-developed coding robot. Here at Hope, we understand the importance of coding for children and having high-quality coding resources. E.a.R.L 2 is the perfect coding robot, we love him, and we’re sure you will too!

Not only is E.a.R.L 2 the coolest-looking robot, with his alien face and light-up, transparent green shell, but he is also the most useful and inspiring addition to every classroom!

E.a.R.L 2 has so many fantastic features such as:

• A 250-step programme memory

Imagine the exciting and complex journeys you could plan and make together! Navigate obstacles and get E.a.R.L to find someone or something at the other side of the classroom, or perhaps discover new alien friends in an outer-space world you have created!

• Sounds and lights

Use E.a.R.L’s pre-programmed sounds and lights or create your own using the onboard MP3 player. Make learning a multi-sensory experience. Children will marvel at hearing their own voices or perhaps they will enjoy choosing more unusual, strange or funny sounds to come from their robot!

• 9 different function buttons

Including forwards, backwards, left and right turns.

• Scratch 2:0 compatibility

Program E.a.R.L 2 remotely via a USB from a computer using Scratch 2.0. This popular and completely free APP will create a seamless transition from programming to coding as children progress through the key stages.

• A detachable tongue pointer

Programme E.a.R.L to reach specific targets and point to them directly.

• All the help you need – completely free!

A free Scheme of Work, Teaching Guide and User Guide, are all available on our website. Teaching coding will never again feel like an impossible mission!

The Computing Curriculum

E.a.R.L 2 will help children get to grips with key elements of the computing curriculum, such as:

Key stage 1

• Understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions.

• Create and debug simple programs.
• Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs.

Key stage 2

• Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts.
• Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output.
• Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.
• Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output.
• Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.

EYFS

E.a.R.L 2 is loved by children and practitioners in early years settings too!

Children will very quickly learn to use early elements of control technology. E.a.R.L will inspire conversation, communication, collaboration, counting, problem solving and so much more.

Cross-Curricular

As soon as E.a.R.L 2 lands in your classroom, you will discover so many ways to use him. Computing will become part of the learning in other curriculum areas and E.a.R.L will add a new dimension to other subjects too.

Mats

With this in mind, we have developed a range of cross-curricular mats, including: the alphabet, phonics sounds, maps, numbers, science and an exciting treasure island!

These colourful mats excite children and provide meaningful ways to practise creating algorithms (and of course de-bugging). Children will problem-solve, deciding how far to move forwards, backwards and where they need to turn, leading E.a.R.L to find the correct square to land on or to point to. As their skills improve, they can complete more and more steps in one go, and perhaps add pauses to the mission.

AR Mats

Why not bring these amazing E.a.R.L mats to life with our AR versions? Navigate E.a.R.L to each step where the challenges ask and then use the app to show the AR showing pupils the map digitally and bringing elements such as treasure to life. AR can make coding more fun and exciting, helping children to complete tasks given.

E.a.R.L AR mats take coding to another level bringing elements of the mats alive. There are various ways to use them such as challenge mode which develops pupils’ problem-solving skills, and free play mode, which can unleash children’s creativity.

AR in education

AR can transform a classroom immensely and bring children’s imaginations to life. It allows teachers to bring a more interactive learning experience by showing virtual examples of particular subjects. It adds gaming elements to support textbook materials too, so that pupils can memorise information more easily. AR uses virtual elements mixed with real-life elements that children are surrounded by daily.

There are many benefits of using AR in the classroom such as:

• Brings a combined learning experience
• Children can learn from everywhere
• Can access diverse content

Want to know more about AR in education? Check out our blog to find out how to implement AR in your classroom.

Create your own

Why not get children to make and design their own mats? Perhaps an alien landscape, an underwater paradise or a map of their own school or local area? This would make an engaging and creative group activity to fit in with any topic and could be made more, or less challenging depending on the size of the mat and how much support they are given to create the 15cm squares.

E.a.R.L 2 is the perfect coding robot to have in your classroom. Children can have fun whilst learning all about coding. Plus, there’s various opportunities for pupils to explore other subjects with E.a.R.L, expanding their knowledge further.

Want some more coding fun that yourself and your pupils can do? Check out our which coding robot are you quiz.