Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Hands-on with iPads and OSMO

At the elementary level, iPads are plentiful and one innovative way to utilize these devices in your classroom is with OSMO



If you have not had a chance to try OSMO in your classroom, I highly recommend it! This tech tool uses digital apps and hands-on pieces that students can manipulate. The iPad rests in the OSMO base and the red reflector that attaches to the iPad reflects the movement of the pieces into the camera so the app can respond accordingly. Here is a quick overview of the apps already installed on the iPads and OSMO kits we have available in the elementary buildings:

Newton-Physics, creativity, and problem-solving-students work to manipulate falling on-screen balls onto various targets. The more students succeed, the harder it gets! 

Masterpiece-Art-students can use their device to help them draw pictures of their choice. The app helps keep proportions and perspective correct, so any student can be an artist!

Words-Spelling and Vocabulary, which can be connected to any subject area-Students guess and spell the word corresponding to the on-screen image. Great for color words, sight words, geography, and more!

Tangram-problem-solving and spatial reasoning skills-Classic tangram puzzles where the students arrange the 7 tangram pieces to match the on-screen shapes. Puzzles range from easy to hard and are perfect for students of all ages.

Monster-art and creativity-This app brings students creations to life. They will see what they've drawn on the screen and it will become an animated part of the monster's activities! The students can't get enough of this one!

Numbers-Math-This app is a great way for younger students to practice subitizing and for older students to practice their facts and composing and decomposing numbers. Students use either the dot or digit tiles to build numbers. Students gain confidence and flexibility in working with numbers.

Pizza Co.-Math-Students run their own pizza shop and get lots of practice working with money, addition, subtraction, and fraction skills. Students do not need reading skills in this game and it can be adjusted to meet their ability levels.

Coding with Awbie-Coding, logic, and problem-solving-Students are introduced to coding using physical blocks. Again, students do not need reading skills so this is great for K-5.

Note: Newton and Masterpiece only require the iPad app and the base. All other games also need the kits, which we have in each of the elementary buildings.

Image result for osmo

Teachers can set-up a free OSMO account and keep track of what activities students complete. Through this account, teachers can also download custom word lists for the Words app, access lesson plans for OSMO activities, and see how other teachers are implementing OSMO in the teacher forum. 

OSMO is definitely an engaging tech tool that students love and is perfect for small groups, centers, and independent work. If you need some help getting started, please let one of us know or if this is a tool you're already rocking the the classroom, be on the lookout for the OSMO badge-coming soon!

No comments:

Post a Comment