OSMO (http://tinyurl.com/ouskjot), is a new device, this year, at School and we have become fast and famous friends already! In the box, (which, at this time is $79.99 per unit), is a base that holds an iPad, a reflector that attaches on top of the iPad and covers the camera, a set of tangrams, two sets of letters and several free downloadable apps. It is easy to assemble and even easier to get started. Word of warning: it is highly addictive and Students love it!
Working with the tangrams, the Student must arrange the tiles in the same design as is shown in the app. (See the picture above.) Basic levels to higher levels challenge critical thinking skills and is fun!
Working with the letter tiles is like a great game of 'Hangman'. The app displays lovely pictures (literally) and the Student must place tiles down to spell the word. The higher levels become quite tricky and are not the words that you think they will be....in fact some can be "head-scratchers".
There are drawing apps that are also a ton of fun and have their own sets of challenges for Students.
This is a great device for Centers in the Classroom. I like how interactive it is and how teams of Students work together and collaborate! We currently have one in each of our Kindergarten Classes. We feel this is an excellent tool for K, 1st & 2nd Grade friends; however, a Teacher Friend of mine bought one for her 4th Grade daughter, who really enjoys working with it.
OSMO rocks!
Elana Moore
