Sphero RVR+ in elementary classrooms?
Our position, and other voices worth reading before you decide.
Our position
Wait until grade 6+. Use Indi, Mini, or BOLT for elementary.
RVR+ is the most 'real' looking Sphero - tracked rover, expansion port, can host a Raspberry Pi. That sounds great until you watch a third grader drive it into the bleachers. The RVR+ value proposition is the external microcontroller integration, and kids capable of wiring a Pi to a UART port are usually sixth grade and up. In elementary, BOLT or Mini does the same block-coding job at a fraction of the cost.
Other voices
Reputable sources worth reading before you decide. Labels reflect our honest read of each source's general stance, not direct quotes.
Sphero RVR+ product page
Broadly agreesSphero markets RVR+ as grade 6+ and up. The age targeting matches the feature set - the expansion port, Python SDK, and rugged outdoor design all pay off when kids can actually use them.
Schools doing K-8 integrated programs
Nuanced / mixedA K-8 school with the same STEM teacher across all grades can run RVR+ as a demonstration platform in elementary (teacher drives, kids observe). That is different from kids programming it themselves.
Advanced elementary CS programs
Pushes backSome magnet and gifted elementary programs put fifth graders on Python-driven robots with real success. If your students are genuinely ready, RVR+ can work earlier. Most aren't.