Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Young Children: Redeveloping the Five Big Ideas Framework

To align with the artificial intelligence and robotics (AIR) research and policy agenda, this paper puts forth an adapted five big ideas framework specifically tailored to teaching young children about artificial intelligence (AI) via robotics. Grounded in early childhood education research, the proposed framework emphasizes the use of robotics and play-based learning to make AI accessible and encourage engagement among young children who have not started formal schooling. We comparatively analyze the commonalities and differences in AI big ideas between the original K-12 framework and the redeveloped early childhood education framework. To pique children's interest, key concepts are presented through interactions with robotics and robot role-play. This paper also provides recommendations for age-appropriate topics, storytelling, and play-based teaching methods. This framework aims to equip researchers and educators with strategies for successfully integrating introductory AI education into early childhood classrooms. Teaching AI in a developmentally responsive manner can help nurture young children's curiosity toward and understanding of an increasingly AI-driven world.