Storytelling with HEXBUG Robots for Toddlers

Did you know that HEXBUG makes robots for toddlers? HEXBUG recently sent us their HEXBUG nano Junior and HEXBUG Cuddlebot. My toddler loves being able to play with HEXBUG robots just like his big brother and sister. We used the HEXBUG nano Junior robots for some storytelling inspired by The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot. The HEXBUG and my toddler play the role of the big bad robot.  I get commissions for purchases made through the affiliate links in this post.

HEXBUG Toddler Toys

HEXBUG nano bugs are micro robots that move by vibrating. Because of their size, they are for ages 3+. HEXBUG nano Junior is a macro-sized version designed specifically for toddlers. (HEXBUG recommends them for 18-36 months.) They look just like the tiny HEXBUG nano bugs that we’ve played with for years only they are giant-sized. Now toddler Elon can play! The HEXBUG Cuddlebots are shaped like bees and fireflies. They are cute little robots that toddlers will love, too.

The HEXBUG nano Juinor looks quite menacing as it travels along bumping into things and going different directions. This made me think about the big bad robot in The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot. It’s the perfect story to reenact with the HEXBUG toddler toys.

The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot

In the story of The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot, three little aliens live with their mother on Mercury. Their house is getting crowded, so she tells them to set off and find a new planet to live on. They travel the solar system looking for a home. They pass Venus (too hot) and Earth (too crowded). The first little alien makes her home in a rover on Mars. The second alien finds a satellite orbiting Saturn. The third alien builds a strong house on Neptune. Along comes the big bad robot tearing through the solar system. He attacks and destroys the house of the first and second little aliens. They seek refuge with their brother. Of course, the big bad robot attacks them there, too. What happens to the big bad robot? I’ll let you read the book to find out.

Storytelling with HEXBUG Robots for Toddlers

Our train table made the perfect container for the HEXBUG toddler toys. You could also use a large plastic storage bin or a big box. I built the aliens and their homes out of DUPLO LEGO. You could just build the three little aliens. That was my original intention, but my almost 4-year-old wanted to build their houses, too. (Plus it adds to the storytelling component.) I used a permanent marker to draw on the alien’s faces. (It will wipe off with alcohol.)

We set the scene on the train table. Lily had each of the aliens go to their homes.

Elon sent the HEXBUG nano Junior chasing after them.

Lily talked through the story and had the aliens run away. Elon had fun watching the HEXBUG robots bump into everything and push the aliens around.

Watch the video below to see the HEXBUG toddler toys in action.

What Toddlers are Learning:

• Cause and effect – what happens when this does that?
• Fine motor skills – grab the HEXBUG as it scurries around
• Forces and momentum – the HEXBUG is big enough (or moving fast enough) to push certain objects but not others
• Storytelling and imaginative play – they are creating their own stories around the scene

Storybook Science

Our last week of the Storybook Science series is all about Science with Robots. We’re sharing science activities that involve robotics skills (coding, building robots, design, engineering, etc.) Follow along with the rest of our Storybook Science here. Bloggers have been sharing science ideas inspired by children’s books throughout the month of March.

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