First you need a good book - choose one that can be adapted for the floor robot. A book that takes children on a journey, in the manner of Janet and Allan Ahlberg's The Jolly Postman or Michael Rosen's We're Going on a Bear Hunt, is best, but a simple tale may do.
Next you need the principal actor - the floor robot, usually a Pip, Pixie or Roamer (see panel). Together with the children, dress the floor robot to represent the main character in the book. You can talk to the children about what it will need to 'wear' and make the clothes together. You could also use other programmable toys such as cyber robots or dogs if they fit the story.
To make a stage, create a layout for the journey using children's art work and everyday objects and materials. You could have some pictures laid out on the floor, and a chair or box on its side and covered with cloth to represent a cave or cocoon.
Finally, organise the cast. Take time dressing the children up as characters in the book. This will help to involve everyone and they will enjoy the role-play. A dress rehearsal is a good idea, just to check that distances and directions are correct. Now you are ready for the first performance - and the next, and the next. Make sure everyone has a turn at programming the robot.
As the children become more confident, let them take turns to explore their imaginary environment on an independent basis, encouraging them to re-tell or re-interpret the story. Later you could give them instructions or ask them questions, such as 'How far to the oranges?' or 'Can you get to Humpty Dumpty?' This will assess their awareness of number, distance and programming skills.
By April Jones, director of Computer Kids
Suppliers
For further information on floor robots contact:
* Pixie and Pip: Swallow Systems, 01494 813471, www.swallow.co.uk
* Roamer: Valiant Technology, 020 8673 2233, www.valiant-technology.com
