All kids learn differently. I was one that needed to physically write things out so that I could remember them. There are some kids who can just read it and the information sticks. Some others can just hear information and learn it without doing anything else. Combining several of those learning methods ensures that the information will be absorbed. Learning through tech and touch is one of the best ways now for kids to learn different skills. My kids love playing games on their iPad and Osmo takes that love and gives it a physical aspect with their system of learning through tech and touch.
The Osmo system comes with a base which you can set any size iPad on, old or new. In the set, you get a box for Words, Numbers, and Tangram. You can then go online to set up your account and download the individual apps for each of these boxes. They also have Masterpiece and Newton apps. Inside each of the boxes is physical pieces that go along with each app so that your child can learn with actual pieces in conjunction with the iPad app. The set-up takes about 5-10 minutes and then your kids can start playing.
As a parent, you can set up a profile for each of your kids and track their progress through the different apps. My daughter is just about to start first grade and her reading needs some improvement. The Words app will help her with spelling and being able to remember the missing letters in words. Each app has different levels of play so it is something that can be used for the whole family.
Osmo can also be used in the classroom to bring learning through tech and touch that would be helpful for most kids. It gets their brains to think, their hands to move, and teaches them coordination. The Masterpiece app is both fun and functional. You can take a picture of an everyday object and the app turns it into a drawing that can be traced and colored. My son can color his favorite pug over and over again. This app also helps teach hand/eye coordination by having you look at the screen and drawing the lines on a paper under the iPad. I tried it once and it was fairly difficult, but also rewarding that my lines on the paper weren’t too far off from the onscreen image.
The kids were fascinated by the whole system. Little did they know that they were working their brains even during summer time. Learning doesn’t have to be boring or monotonous. Learning through tech and touch makes it fun. Don’t tell the kids, but I have been playing with the Osmo when they are not around. My brain could use some tune up and it is a good system for most ages.
OSMO Genius Kit Overview- Learning through tech and touch
● Osmo game system changes the way children interact with their iPad by opening it up to hands-on play.
● Allows children a fun, exciting, and creative way to explore science, words, art, numbers and more
● Designed for anyone aged 6 and up, this educational toy can be enjoyed by nearly everyone in the family
● Games are specifically designed to foster creativity, problem solving, and social intelligence skills
● Set comes with 5 games Words, Masterpiece, Tangram, Newton and Numbers Games
● Compatible with Apple iPad 2, 3, 4, all versions of iPad Mini and iPad Air, iPad Pro(9.7)
● Set includes mirror +sturdy base +game pieces +5 game apps in the Apple App Store (free download)
● Suggested for ages six and older, Simple setup
● US MSRP $99.99 OSMO Genius Kit Apps / Games
The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.
Cool . . .