Bitsbox is a clever, well-designed program to teach an actual programming language. We stopped our subscription after the 4th installment and have no regrets for trying it out.
What We Like About Bitsbox:
* Kids are learning a programming language with real-world applicability
* Beautifully designed materials delivered in a box that lights up our kids' eyes when it shows up
* Step-by-step instructions about how to develop each app
* A unique QR code technique to transfer an app from a web browser to a mobile device
* Includes extra material for parents, encouraging engagement together
Concerns:
* Having to use a text-based editor instead of a visual programming interface is, in our opinion, a limitation. If a child has good typing skills, this is less of a deal--and it might not be a problem for you. I've just seen how they engage longer in visual programming environments. And if they're preparing for something like Mindstorms, learning in a visual environment with blocks is a helpful thing to get used to.
* There are other ways to learn programming that are free. Personally, I think Bitsbox is a little overpriced for the value in comparison to other options. However, there are a couple different pricing options on the website that we didn't catch onto when we started.
Our bottom-line:
Our 9 year old prefers MIT's Scratch. It has a visual programming interface, it's fun, and you can take someone else's program and "see inside it", which is to say "you can learn from their code". You can re-mix someone else's program, which is an interesting learning technique. And she enjoys the community aspect of Scratch.
Our 7 year old prefers Bitsbox! Despite his just typing in what he's seeing in the code provided, he enjoys the games and when we work together on Bitsbox projects, I think he's picking up on some little things.
Where Bitsbox shines is the step-by-step learning process, which is not nearly as strong with Scratch. If you don't mind the Bitsbox subscription fee, do both! The key is that the kids ultimately find that programming is fun and engaging.
UPDATE: My 7 year old wanted to jump back into Bitsbox this week. We started tweaking a game and came across a coding issue we couldn't solve. I sent a support email to Bitsbox and literally less than 5 minutes, someone got back to us with a clarifying question. We answered the question, she reviewed the code, and replied promptly explaining the issue in a way we could understand, with an offer for further help. So impressive! I'll suggest that's why Bitsbox may be worth paying for. Good job, Bitsbox! I wish I could share the name of the person who provided the great support but I'm pretty sure it's against Review policy guidelines. But thank you!
Additional Details
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Product Description
Bitsboxes arrive in a sequence. Each box has a kid-friendly theme and introduces a new computer science concept.
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Box 1 - Coordinates & Basic CommandsLevel 1 introduces 2D coordinates and Bitsbox's Stamp, Fill, and Text commands. Includes a Welcome card, an "Apper Keeper" binder, 12 animal-themed app projects, stickers, and a Level 1 Grownup Guide. |
Box 2 - Variables & Simple MethodsLevel 2 teaches variables and Bitsbox's Move, Rotate, and Size commands. Includes dividers for your “Apper Keeper” binder, 13 robot-themed app projects, progress stickers, and a Level 2 Grownup Guide. |
Box 3 - Conditionals & InteractionsLevel 3 highlights conditional statements and Bitsbox's Tap and Drag functions. Includes 11 fantasy-themed app projects, progress stickers, and a Level 3 Grownup Guide. |
Box 4 - Functions & Timing CommandsLevel 4 demonstrates the concept of custom functions and Bitsbox's Repeat, Delay, and .tap commands. Includes 9 flight-themed app projects, progress stickers, and a Level 4 Grownup Guide. |
What will I receive?
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Hilarious example appsBitsbox's massive library of app projects provides endless inspiration and guidance for young app inventors. Kids code apps on the Bitsbox website. It's 100% online, so kids can log into their accounts anytime, anywhere. |
Tailor-made for kidsOur custom-designed Apper Keeper keeps your kid's Bitsbox materials organized and easy to use. Each binder holds six months' worth of projects. As kids complete the projects in this box, they can use the included stickers and sticker chart to track their progress. Who doesn't love stickers? |
Help for grownupsEvery Bitsbox includes a helpful Grownup Guide with information about the month's new coding concepts and commands. Not sure how coordinates work in coding? No problem! We've written a compact primer that will fill you in. No experience necessary. |
Teach your kids to love coding
Bitsbox was founded in 2014 by two former Googlers who wanted to teach kids to code. Their idea was to combine beautifully designed example projects with a simple website where kids could build apps and share them with their friends and family. Sending the projects by mail on a regular schedule keeps kids excited and makes coding easier to learn.
Today, the Bitsbox team is made up of 12 men and women in Boulder, Colorado, with backgrounds in coding, fine art, biology, theater, graphic design, engineering, architecture, business, and literature. Who says coding is only for computer scientists?
FAQ
Which box will I receive?
All Bitsbox subscriptions start with Box 1 (Animal House). If you've already received Box 1, contact the seller through Amazon immediately after you subscribe.
What kind of computer do I need to do Bitsbox?
Bitsbox teaches typed coding, so a keyboard is critical. The best computer is a laptop or desktop running Chrome, Safari, or any modern web browser.
What programming language does Bitsbox teach?
Bitsbox uses JavaScript with a handful of custom commands that make it easier for beginners to build stuff with cool graphics and sounds.
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WARNING, but LOVE IT!! UPDATE w/Pictures
Brought it for my 6 year old niece. She loves it and made me a ‘Happy Birthday’ card all by herself from one of the activities. It comes with a binder to put all activities together like a school book. It’s really cute and has about 10-15pages per set. She’s currently still going through all sets. I’ll update later with pictures!WARNING:It seems as though there is only 4 boxes when reading on Amazon, but into the 3-4th box it comes with something that shows there’s a total of 6 boxes. About to receive the 6th box, I’ll update review if I get another one after the 6.UPDATE:There is a total of 28 boxes and counting, bitbox company informed me they are always making more and more boxes.UPDATE Nov2020:Finally got a chance to take DETAILED photos. First photo is of two binder sets, which carry 6 sets each. I’m currently 7 months in. The photos shows how the first binder set looks completed and how thick each set is, an example of a page from one of the sets and the sticker book/ grown up guide they give, and finally just another look at the inside and outside of the binder.Hope this helps for those seeking!
