Make A Computer with Kano (And Win One Too, Worth £119.99)

Being married to a software developer and general computer wizz, Peter, and of course being a pro-blogger myself, means the boys were introduced to IT from a young age. Both feel confident using iPads (hello Cbeebies app), my phone (give it back!) and even using the remote control for the TV!

It truly amazes me just how computer literate the younger generation is, so much so, Oliver under my supervision, can use YouTube and has even fixed the TV box.

Oh…and did I mention he’s only just 5!

Like parents, like son, Oliver was super excited when we were asked to review Kano – a computer that you build yourself from scratch. I love anything that makes learning feel like play and this computer is ideal for little people with curious minds.

Fun, creative, educational and most importantly accessible, the Kano computer kit is perfect for all budding baby bloggers.

It has also meant setting up a little desk for Oliver to use his computer in his room. It feels like a real rights of passage as my oldest boy grows up.

How it works?

Kano is developed in two stages. First comes the hardware where you build an actual computer with a keyboard, circuit board, speaker, cables, a wifi dongle, SD card and operating system.

It is powered by the credit card sized circuit board, Raspberry Pi, designed and made in the UK, a transformational piece of kit that has helped to technologically empower developing nations. Amazing huh?

…I love the funky bold orange design too, it really engages little (and big) people with technology.

Kano is simple to build and the creating, is as fun as actually using the device. A modern day lego style computer essentially.

All the components slot together really easily with no need for screws.

Next up comes the software, where your little one can develop their own games using coding.

Kano is aimed at all ages, but it is perfectly designed for children.

For example, rather than a text-heavy instruction manual, they included this cool picture book with a step by step guide on how to assemble the kit.

Et voila! Here is Oliver demonstrating his finished Kano.

Once you’ve built Kano, you simply attach it to your TV via the HDMI. It was such a satisfying moment knowing together we had built our very own computer!

Next, it all gets very Alice in Wonderland as you are asked to follow the white rabbit through to the Kano OS desktop. Here you will find the different game apps that offer an introduction to programming.

There are three: Snake, Pong, and Minecraft. I was pretty excited by this as I used to love playing Snake on my old Nokia back in the day!

Oliver opted to develop his own version of Pong.

You can also create your own sounds and music using Kano too.

Overall, Kano is a fantastic tool to teach children (and adults) the basics of coding. Plus it is fantastic value at just £119.99.

You can find out more about the possibilities of Kano on their Facebook page or by subscribing to their newsletter.

I’m excited to announce that Kano are offering one lucky Honest Mum reader the chance to win a Kano Computer Kit. All you need to do is enter via Rafflecopter below.

UK only.

Good luck!
Ends 20th April 2015.

Update: From Thursday 2nd April 2015, the Kano will retail at £119.99 (including Free shipping).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Promoted on Prize finder, BritMums, Super Lucky and Loquax.