Kind Hearts, Clever Bots: Nurturing K-2 Fun

"Discover how robotics can nurture bright young minds in the earliest grades! This session highlights a K–2 Nurturing Program designed for students who show qualities of being Academically or Intellectually Gifted. Participants will explore how the Sphero Indi takes center stage in a friendly robotics competition, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. We’ll also share ideas for integrating other kid-friendly robots to create enriching, hands-on learning opportunities. Walk away with practical strategies, lesson ideas, and inspiration to spark curiosity and challenge young learners through playful robotics."Purpose & GoalsThis session demonstrates how robotics can nurture advanced thinking and problem-solving skills in primary students. By centering on a Sphero Indi robotics competition, educators will see how hands-on coding activities can reveal and extend the abilities of students who may exhibit early signs of academic giftedness. We will also highlight additional robots (such as Bee-Bot, Dash, and Ozobot) and enrichment projects that foster creativity, teamwork, and perseverance.Learning Outcomes:Participants will: *Understand how Sphero Indi can be used for a K-2 robotics competition aligned with nuruting goals.*Explore lesson plans and activitiy structures that develp critical thinking, coding, and design skills.*Identify additional robots and resources to differentiate instruction and extend learning opportunities*Gain practical tips for organizing competitions, sourcing materials, and assessing outcomes.Learning OutcomesParticipants will:Understand how Sphero Indi can be used for a K–2 robotics competition aligned with nurturing/gifted enrichment goals.Explore lesson plans and activity structures that develop critical thinking, coding, and design skills.Identify additional robots and resources to differentiate instruction and extend learning opportunities.Gain practical tips for organizing competitions, sourcing materials, and assessing outcomes.