As many of you know, my preschool children love the robots from Boston Dynamics. Last year it all started when I accidentally found this video:
Children were over the moon. We watched this video every day, and children began to identify with the robots. It grew, with so many questions about science and technology. Boston Dynamics engineers Katy and Justine Zoomed with the children to talk about science, technology, engineering, math (S.T.E.M.), and of course the robots. We connected!
Then, they were on 60 Minutes, and a parent sent this adorable photo of their child watching robot Atlas:
Because the interest in robots was so strong last year, we decided to have a unit on robots this year. The children fell in love with robot Atlas, and they are just as curious and interested in the science and technology as the children were last year.
S.T.E.M. is a big deal! This is how we build future engineers and scientists.
Thank you Boston Dynamics for inspiring the next generation.
So, we built our very own robot and named him Atlas. He was bigger than the children, and made from boxes and recycled items. Children wanted to write their very own Atlas story. Boston Dynamics loved the story, and we mailed it to them.
From Natalie, the Product Marketing Manager at Boston Dynamics:
“Hi Jennie, we did receive the letter and Katy actually presented it as part of a company all-hands meeting. Everyone loved it! Thanks for all that you do to teach your kids about robots :)”
Oh My Goodness! Katy the engineer presented the children’s letter to the company at an all-hands meeting, and everyone loved it. I am overwhelmed, proud of my students, and very thankful to Boston Dynamics.
Jennie
P.S. On a side note, here is their Super Bowl commercial. If you’re from Boston, you’ll love it. The yellow dog is Spot. My children love Spot as much as Atlas.
A Teacher's Reflections 
It’s a rewarding feeling to know people far removed from a preschool classroom show their appreciation for what goes on in those classrooms, especially when it’s a reflection of the work they do. Good work, Jennie.
Well said, Steve!
Thank you, Liz. I’ll have an extra bounce in my step as I head out the door for a quick walk. That ‘bounce’ will help me stay upright on the icy pavements. Have a wonderful day, Liz. 😎
You’re welcome, Steve. Watch out for black ice!
Whew, I made it, Liz. Now, yesterday was different. Didn’t fall, but the legs and arms went flailing before I regained stability. But, I acted cool…😎
Looking cool with flailing arms and legs is an art!
It is, Steve. They’re certainly far removed when it comes to preschoolers!
Great post, Jennie. Loved the Samual Adams part too.
Thanks, John! The Sam Adams commercial is hilarious!
what a great way to get children excited about technology. and how nice that your letter was read at a meeting! and the Super Bowl commercial is a great one, and I’m not even from Boston 🙂
This has really been an excellent way to interest children in technology. I wish I had been a fly on the wall when they read aloud our letter! And yes, that Sam Adams ad is hilarious!
I am sure it is not often that Boston Dynamics is getting a letter from a preschool teacher!
I think this must be their first!
I am sure it was 🙂
😀
This is thrilling, Jennie. 😊
Thank you.
Welcome
That is fantastic, the children must have felt so excited to hear about that! 💜
We are on school vacation week, so I’ll tell them next week. 😍
Brilliant!
🥰
I’m glad the company reached back out to you. It’s great when the kids and you get a payoff. I enjoyed the class story as well about Atlas. (Your printing is impeccable!) 😊
I’m so glad they did, too! I’m secretly hoping they send the children a letter… but just knowing they read the children’s story to the whole Boston Dynamics team is super cool.
Did you see that the children wanted to start their story with “It happened like this”, which is the opening to a Jennie Story, which means they wanted their Atlas story to be important. That was a big deal for the children.
As to the printing, picture this: the paper is on the big table, and at least six children are pressed against me as I write. I say every letter and word out loud as I write it. That cements letter and word recognition, and more importantly it gives value to their words. Somehow I have mastered writing sideways with children all over me. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
It would have been nice for them to write the kids, but that may not always be practical. I’m well-trained by now. I can spot a Jennie story straight away. 😊
Haha! Yes, there’s definitely a Jennie story brewing. I’ll let you know if they write, but I don’t think that will happen. Just knowing they actually read it to everyone is quite exciting.
That’s great
Thank you.
So nice to see such a big company engaging with the kids and the school. It makes me want to buy one of their robots! 🙂 (Shame I can’t afford to.)
Best wishes, Pete.
It was a wonderful surprise for us. Looking back, a company that gives their robots a name tells me they ‘get it’. And, they do. They’re brilliant, innovative, and real. They care about the next generation, like the Aqua Roomers. Spot the dog costs $75,000. Heaven only knows what Atlas costs. Best to you, Pete.
I’ll bet the kids were thrilled that their letter got such a good reception.
A great way to get them engaged in STEM. 🙂
Yes! Thank you, Frank.
How exciting for the children and you! You never know you may be the catalyst to a great future engineer. I loved the commercial. 😀
That would be a very cool thing! I loved the commercial, too. Don’t you think a company that names their robots must be pretty awesome?
They are pretty awesome! 😀
😀
You are planting seeds of curiosity and passion and engagement in your classroom from which all sorts of amazing things are likely to grow, Jennie!
Thank you, Will! I hope so.
Wow, that is so very cool, Jennie! Did the kids understand the impact it made?
This is school vacation week, so I’ll be telling them on Monday when we’re back at school.
I know you know how to tell them so they feel it!
Yes!
I love Spot the dog. So pleased they read the letter and commented on it. Even though it is a robotics company, it is obviously run by humans with hearts!
I do, too! And so do the children. Yes, the company certainly has a heart.
Intrigued minds are creative minds. Creative adults come from creative children.
Well said, Pam!
I always love when a person or company acknowledge children when they take the time and effort to respond. I watched the Superbowl, but missed that commercial. Thanks for sharing.
They get an A+ in my book for responding. Thanks, Carla!