As a parent, grandparent, or other caregiver, you’ve probably already discovered the magical power of books. They can turn a rainy day into a creative exploration of the solar system, an adventure in a far-away land, time travel through the ages, or even teach little ones a thing or two about friendship. Books are simply the best for transforming a girl or boy into an imagination-generating machine, and robot stories for kids are no different. In fact, they can even be more inspiring than human characters.
Wait, what? How?
We’ll get to that in just a moment. First, it’s important to understand that characters in these books are often the critical component – the secret sauce, if you will. They can be interesting, amusing, and even educational. But the best characters – the ones that truly captivate kids – are the ones that inspire them to become their own heroes.
Inspire your little boy or girl to be a hero with the robot book Robot Activated! available on Amazon.
Robots are a perfect example of this type of story book character. How? So glad you asked…
Why Robot Stories for Kids Are So Appealing
Robots have a universal appeal for children of all ages, from preschool to the young at heart. Kids love robots for all sorts of reasons: they’re fun, futuristic, and (most importantly) they’re different. They come from a world that’s both familiar and strange, which is why they make perfect protagonists in books for children. Robots can explore any topic or scenario imaginable, from diving into volcanos to sailing the Amazon (not that Amazon, although why not?) to blasting off into space. This means they offer limitless story possibilities for creative exploration and play. Whether your kids are interested in science fiction, history, problem-solving, craft activities, or just plain old adventure, robots can take them there through books.
Plus, kids love to see themselves in the books they read. And what’s more relatable to a child than another child? With their boundless energy and curiosity, robots are picture perfect stand-ins for young readers. They’re explorers who are constantly learning just like children are, and that makes for some incredibly inspiring characters.
At the same time, robots also don’t have a lot of baggage that human characters – and even some animal characters – can sometimes carry with them. Robots have no race or religion. They’re not defined by their gender (even if they are presented as a boy or a girl), their looks, ages, or their socio-economic background. In other words, they’re free, blank slates that a child can easily identify with and project their own thoughts and feelings onto.
This can be incredibly liberating for kids. It allows them to see themselves in the story in a way that they might not be able to otherwise. This is how robots can be more inspirational and engaging than human characters in books for children.
Robot Stories for Kids: 9 Ways They Help Children Develop Important Skills and Change the Way Your Child Thinks
Robot books can do more than just entertain kids – they can also help them develop important skills. They can help a young boy or girl to think in a new and different way, encourage them to learn more about science and technology topics, and even give them the confidence to try new things. Here are nine ways robot stories for kids can change their world.
Spark an interest in STEM.
Robot books can easily translate into an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in young children. Why? Because they offer a perfect opportunity to teach kids about how things work. Picture books that feature robots can quickly expand into an explanation or study about how robots are created, how they function, and even how to create their own simple machines. A robot book is also an easy way to introduce basic STEM topics to preschool classes.
This is important because – according to recent reports on the status of STEM education in America – many students of all ages continue to fall further behind in these vital subjects. And while many kids lose interest in science as they get older, introducing them to it at young ages through fun and engaging robot books can change all of that. After reading a book with a robot theme, children often incorporate those ideas into free play, and that can result in a lasting love for science and technology, as well as for books in general!
Encourage problem-solving skills
Robots are always getting into jams – just like kids! This makes for lots of opportunities for problem-solving, which is an important skill for any child to develop. As children read about robots working their way out of difficult situations, they’ll start to see that there’s always a way to solve any problem.
This is an important lesson for little ones because it helps them to understand that no matter how challenging something might seem, there’s always a solution. It also encourages them to think outside the box and to come up with creative solutions to problems.
For example, when kids read about robots that are able to solve big problems, they’re inspired to think more critically and creatively. They might even be encouraged to start solving their own everyday problems using the same strategies as the robots in the books. In this way, kids can learn how to be problem-solvers during play, even for those in preschool.
Help understand and accept change.
Robots are always changing – they’re constantly upgrading, evolving, and becoming more advanced. This makes them the perfect characters to help kids understand that change is a natural part of life. As kids read about how robots adapt to new situations in a book, they’ll begin to see that change is something that happens to everyone and everything.
This is a meaningful takeaway for kids because it helps them to understand that change is a normal part of life. It also helps them to accept change when it happens in their own lives. For example, if a child’s parents get divorced, if they have to move to a new house, or if they start a new school and have to make new friends, stories about robots can help them to understand that change is normal and that it’s okay to feel sad or scared when it happens.
In addition, books about robots can also help kids to understand how change can be positive. As they read about how robots upgrade and evolve, they’ll see that change can be a good thing – it can make things better and help them to do new things. For example, in the book Tip the Lunchtime Robot, Tip goes through a massive change. Even though it’s a positive change that she wanted, it came in a very big and unexpected way and she was very shocked at first. Tip had to quickly adapt to a whole new career which made a better life for her and her employer.
Going through a change? Tip the Lunchtime Robot quickly adapts to a new role and achieves her dreams. Get it now on Amazon in paperback or e-book.
Help with learning new words.
Robot books may include some new words that kids haven’t encountered before. This is a great learning opportunity to add some new vocabulary words. As they read about robots, they’ll probably encounter words like “motherboard,” “circuit,” and “program.” Hearing these new words used in context will also help them remember what they mean.
This is valuable because it helps them to expand their vocabulary. It also helps them to understand that there are always new words to learn – even if they’re not related to robots. Both Tip the Lunchtime Robot and Robot Activated! include a glossary at the end of the book to help kids learn words used in the story that they might not have heard before or to clarify the meanings of words they only think they know.
Help teach empathy.
One of the best things about robot stories is that they offer a great opportunity for children to learn about empathy.
Why? Because most robot books feature robots that are trying to help people in some way. This offers kids a chance to see things from the robot’s perspective and to understand why they’re doing what they’re doing.
This is critical because it helps littler ones to understand other people better. It also teaches them how to empathize with others, which is a skill that will come in handy throughout their lives. For example, if a kid reads a book about a robot that’s trying to save people from a burning building, they’ll start to understand why the robot is doing what it’s doing. They’ll also be able to put themselves in the robot’s shoes and feel sympathy.
In the book Robot Activated!, the Rescue Robot engages in a daring rescue of a train full of teddy bears that has derailed in a storm. Not only does the Rescue Robot fulfill his duty to serve and save the day, he also has to push through a difficult task without giving up. And speaking of not giving up…
Practice persistence and resilience.
Robots might get discouraged, but they’re programmed for a job. That means they don’t give up. They keep going until they’ve completed their task.
This is an important lesson for children because it teaches them about the benefits of persistence and resilience. It also helps them to understand that sometimes things are difficult, but that doesn’t mean they should give up. For example, if a child is trying to learn how to ride a bike and keeps falling down, a story about a robot that keeps going when faced with a challenging task can help them to understand that it’s okay to keep trying even when things are difficult. A resilient robot story can help kids picture their own long-term success.
Robot stories can also teach kids the importance of resilience. This is because robots often have to overcome obstacles in order to complete their tasks. In Robot Activated, he must fly through the rain and struggle through the mud to free the teddy bear train and get them back on track.
Get the job done and celebrate persistence with the Rescue Robot. Buy Robot Activated! on Amazon today.
Teach kids about working together.
In order for robots to function properly, they have to learn how to work together with each other or with people. This is a great life lesson for kids because it teaches them the value of teamwork and collaboration with their friends. It also helps them to understand that everyone has something unique to offer, and that working together can help them to achieve great things.
Children can also learn about cooperation from stories about friendly robots. In Tip the Lunchtime Robot, Tip (the robot) and Joe (the human) work together and rely on each other. When Tip is no longer able to do her cleaning job, Joe jumps in to clean while Tip uses her new skills as a chef to make the business more successful. Working apart, they would be less productive and less happy. But together they are a strong team!
Helps impart values of equality and acceptance.
Robots don’t differentiate between robots, humans, or teddy bears. They just do their jobs. This teaches kids about the importance of equality. It also helps them to understand that everyone is of value, regardless of their differences. In Robot Activated!, the Rescue Robot saves both human engineer and the teddy bears without any distinction. He simply does his job and helps whoever needs him.
This is a refreshing change for parents and other caregivers who are faced with a lot of division, especially in our current political and social climate. Books about robots can help to remind children that everyone is equal, and that we should all work together to make the world a better place.
Robots can also teach kids about the value of diversity. This is because just like humans, different robots come from different backgrounds and have different skills. No one would expect Tip the Lunchtime Robot to save the teddy bear train, and Rescue Robot would probably not make a very good soup of the day. In the same way, children can learn to appreciate the unique skills and perspectives that everyone has to offer, and not necessarily to expect of themselves a skill that someone else does really well. Instead, they can picture themselves and others as unique souls that are genuinely the best at being themselves.
Create a smooth bedtime transition.
Okay, stay with me here.
I often tell my little boy that each one of us in the household has a job. Mommy has a job, daddy has a job, and he does, too. He helps take care of the cats, helps with dishes, does his school work, and engages in other fun and learning activities. We also balance that work with rest to stay healthy and refreshed.
Robots have a big job to do, too. It goes until its battery is almost dead, then it re-charges and gets back at it. If a robot tried to keep going without enough energy, someone could get hurt – including the robot. So when we have a boy or girl that’s been running all day long doing their jobs – both work and play activities – at bedtime, it’s time to rest and recharge that battery! Remind them that their favorite robot recharges at night, too, (and maybe read that book just one more time) and see if that makes bedtime more palatable for your little ones!
Are Your Kids Ready for the Robots?
Adding robot books to your home library is a great way to help your kids learn about these important topics. They’ll love to hear their favorite book read to them again and again, and you’ll love the lessons they’re learning! From teamwork to equality to persistence, these books are sure to get your kids excited to creatively add robot related activities as they play. And who knows? They may even inspire your kids to become the next generation of robot builders and robotics engineers!
Read more about my robot books, Robot Activated! and Tip the Lunchtime Robot, and see if they’ll be the inspiration for your kids’ next adventure…or a future career, even if that’s a chef or a firefighter! They feature engaging illustrated pictures and rhyming verse. Both books are available on Amazon and include additional activities including fun recipes with a robot theme and free downloadable coloring pages, perfect for a little extra fun for a range of ages, from beginning preschool through early elementary students.
Don’t wait to add robots to your home book collection. Shop today and start exploring the world the way only a good robot book can inspire!
Find Tip the Lunchtime Robot (paperback or e-book) on Amazon here.