Robot Play for Kids
Which kindergartens are eligible to participate in the PlayBot program?
We welcome all types of kindergartens that have not previously implemented any robot programming courses. The program is tailored to align with Hong Kong's Kindergarten Education Curriculum Guide (2017), making it compatible with existing classroom practices for seamless integration.
What resources and support will participating kindergartens receive?
Participating kindergartens get comprehensive support at very low cost:
Screen-free programmable robots (e.g., Tale-Bot Pro or Matatalab) and theme-based activity kits (interactive maps, coding cards, LEGO-compatible parts, etc.).
Two specialized training sessions for teachers on play-based programming instruction.
Full sets of teaching materials, including annual lesson plans, quick guides, and cross-curricular activity ideas (e.g., math, language and literacy, music, social skills, physical fitness).
Ongoing guidance from the PlayBot research team throughout the year.
Do teachers need prior coding or robotics experience to lead the curriculum?
No prior experience is required! The program provides step-by-step lesson plans, pre-programmed teaching tools, and targeted training to equip teachers with all the skills needed. The curriculum is designed to lower implementation barriers—even teachers without tech backgrounds can easily guide children through playful robotics activities.
How does PlayBot protect children’s digital wellbeing?
PlayBot is committed to fostering healthy digital habits. All programming activities are 100% screen-free: children use physical coding cards, voice commands, and tangible robots instead of tablets or computers. This reduces screen time while letting kids engage with technology through safe, hands-on interaction—aligning with our mission to "shape a positive way of digital play for all children."
What skills will my children gain from the PlayBot program?
Children develop a range of key competencies, including:
Computational thinking (e.g., algorithm design, pattern recognition, debugging).
Practical skills (problem-solving, following sequences, collaborative teamwork, communication and expression).
Attitudes (positive understanding of technology, 'creator' mindset, perseverance, respect for turn-taking).
Cross-curricular knowledge and abilities (e.g., music composition, spatial reasoning, cultural traditions).
Is the curriculum adapted to Hong Kong’s language and cultural context?
Absolutely. The program addresses Hong Kong's unique needs by:
Providing both Chinese and English voice prompts for robots.
Selecting EdTech solutions widely available in Hong Kong.
Aligning activities with local cultural themes and the Kindergarten Education Curriculum Guide to ensure relevance.
What is the timeline for applying and implementing the PlayBot program?
Application period: Two rounds of program implementation per year, i.e., Spring semester and Fall semester. Apply before the new semester!
Implementation period: Lesson plans available for a full academic year (one session per week).
Post-program follow-up: Optional support for kindergartens wishing to continue the curriculum independently.
What classroom conditions are required to run the PlayBot program?
The program is designed to be flexible for typical kindergarten settings:
A small dedicated corner (or open space) for programming activities (sufficient for group work).
No special technical facilities—robots require no internet connection.
Safe, age-appropriate materials (mostly provided by PlayBot, with regular cleaning guidelines).
Can kindergartens continue using the PlayBot curriculum after the service ends?
Yes! Participating kindergartens keep all robots and teaching materials permanently. We also provide a full set of reusable lesson plans and optional follow-up training to support long-term implementation. The curriculum is designed for sustainability, so schools can adapt it to their ongoing teaching needs.
PlayBot is a non-profit initiative associated with a university-based research project. It is funded by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong, along with one-time curriculum fees and recurring teacher training fees that contribute to the program's ongoing development and operations.
Kindergartens support PlayBot by utilizing various innovative resources. Over the years, our partnering kindergartens have discovered different funding methods for the program, and we are eager to share these resources with you. Please reach out if you're interested in discussing any of these strategies or if you would like to arrange a consultation session (playbot@eduhk.hk).