Kano – build your own computer

I’m not especially good at the technical side of computers… I can muddle my way through, but ask me about coding and my mind shuts off. The girls are always talking about friends who play Minecraft, but the thought of having to help them code always puts me off. So when we were offered this Kano ‘build your own computer kit’ to test out, it seemed a good opportunity for them to learn a little computer science {and maybe me too!}

The Kano is basically a computer that arrives in kit form, for you to build! If you take a look around the Kano website {which is itself really cool!}, you can see what you get as well as how it all works.

The kit comes with a really easy to follow booklet, that takes you step by step through building your computer. I left the girls too it, and they managed to get it all put together with no help from me. Kiki especially was really excited about making it! What I really loved was that the booklet had really clear illustrations for each step, so even if you have pre-readers they could figure it out.

Once the ‘brains’ of the computer were built, they connected the wireless keyboard, and plugged it into our TV through the HDMI port and fired it up.

There was great excitement when it started loading, and they took it in turns to follow the on-screen instructions to set the computer up. They loved that Kano actually talked to us {and we could tell it to talk in different accents!}

Once it was up and running, they started off by coding their own games of Snake {oh that brought back memories}. They’ve only just dipped their toes in the world of kano, but they are hooked already!

While the kit may not look like much, it’s an amazing piece of kit. It’s a great introduction to the world of coding for kids, and living in the age we do now, that’s pretty much an essential skill to have. We’re looking forward to playing and learning lots more with the Kano. At just £119.99 I think it’s bargain – especially given it will keep your kiddos occupied for hours.

You can see more about Kano by clicking here, and also checking out their Facebook & Twitter.