Looking for new and imaginative learning tools for children? We take a look at the Osmo interactive tablet-based learning system, that seeks to encourage skills development through play
Turn your Tablet into a Hands-On Learning Tool
Background
For much of the last year, we have lived a life on the road as a travel family in our vintage motorhome. This has meant homeschooling our eldest daughter (6), as well as introducing new learning ideas to her younger sister (4). To assist us with this, we have at times made use of iPads, utilising some of the great educational apps for children that are available. It still always remains a challenge to keep the kids entertained and engaged, however, so I am always on the look-out for new and interesting learning aids to use with them.
We were therefore very excited to be approached by the people at Osmo, with an offer to try out their innovative and interactive tablet-based learning tool for children. We were intrigued to try it out as it is something we had not come across before.
Well established in North America (used in over 30,000 classrooms), the company of Osmo is now looking to expand globally, with an aim to provide necessary tools to help develop a range of essential learning skills in children, through a fun, play-based design and interface. Different kits and games are intended for different age ranges of children, all of them falling somewhere in the range of 3-12 years old.
As soon as the box arrived in the post, our kids were desperate to get it out and investigate. Here’s what we all thought…
**In order for us to carry out this product review, we were kindly gifted an Osmo Genius Starter Kit, as well as an Osmo Detective Agency game, and Osmo Pizza Co. game for free. All opinions expressed remain entirely our own. We would never take payment or free goods or services in exchange for false or exaggerated reviews.
How does Osmo work?
The Osmo system works in conjunction with a tablet – it is currently compatible with a range of iPads or Amazon Fire tablets, but not Android (see the full list of compatible devices). Different devices require variations of kit, so the system is not cross-compatible across different platforms.
Each starter kit comes with a stand for your tablet device, along with a camera that rests on the top edge while it is in the stand. This camera is where the interactive magic comes from, as it is able to scan the table in front of the tablet and detect movement and object placement.
Game play takes place via the downloadable Osmo World app, which is required to be installed onto the tablet device prior to use. Each specific game then requires another individual app to be downloaded, which are launched from within the master Osmo World app. Within this app, it is possible to create individual avatars for each player, that are accessed when logging in or switching players. Once logged in, the difficulty levels of tasks within the games are automatically customised, derived from the age and past experience of whoever is playing at the time. Alternatively, it is also possible to manually select your own difficulty level if desired.
Each starter kit also includes a range of physical pieces and equipment to allow the games to be played. The Genius Starter Kit that we were sent included alphabetic, numeric and wooden shape pieces for children to use on the table top in front of the device. The device-top camera is able to detect the placement and movement of these pieces, enabling a large range of different games and scenarios to be enacted by the children when using the system.
What learning games does Osmo have?
Different starter kit sets provide different games that can be played. The choice of set can therefore be tailored somewhat to the age and interests of the child who will be using it.
In the Genius Starter Kit that we were sent (intended for children aged 6-10), along with the camera and stand, were included 5 different games to play. These are:
- Masterpiece – A guided drawing game that encourages creativity and developing drawing skills.
- Numbers – A freestyle maths game that allows numbers to be explored and played with.
- Words – Unlimited content of guessing and spelling hidden words with physical letter tiles.
- Tangram – Arrange wooden shapes into 500+ challenging shape puzzles.
- Newton – 60+ levels of creative engineering, by guiding virtual balls on screen with real-life objects on the table.
As well as these starter games, there are numerous other games and expansion packs that can be purchased as add-ons to the base system, exploring a diverse range of topics and skill-sets.
How much does Osmo cost?
The range of starter kits vary in price depending on the quantity of games and initial equipment that they come bundled with (see the online store for details).
The Genius Starter Kit that we were sent (and detailed above) retails for £99
Additional games and bundles are priced between £29 – £119
The Detective Agency game costs £49
The Pizza Co. game costs £49
What did we think of Osmo?
From the moment the box arrived, the Osmo system was met with great excitement! My girls were desperate to get their hands on it, even before I’d had chance to download the required apps or get any of it setup (as is always the case!). Other than their interference, the setup was otherwise a simple and pain-free process. In my case, I was using an iPad.
Once setup, we were all genuinely intrigued to give it a try. Although the pack that we were sent is primarily aimed at children aged 6-10, that hasn’t stopped my younger daughter who is 4 from also giving it a go. Although some of the games are a little too advanced for her, she has still enjoyed playing others that she can manage at her level. For my 6 year old (the intended audience), the initial difficulty level seems about right. One or two things are a little tricky for her, but most of the games and activities she is able to play independently.
We have not had the system for long, so have not yet had chance to fully explore all of the games and options in detail. That said, what we have tried so far have all seemed fun and engaging. There haven’t been any failures yet! So far, I think their favourite is the Tangram game – where different wooden shapes have to be arranged on the table-top in front of the tablet and camera, in order to make a picture by replicating the arrangement on the screen. For a small child, this presents more of a challenge than you may think. It’s really good brain training.
Our initial impressions of the system are very favourable. We look forward to exploring more of the options and possibilities in the future.
What expansion packs does Osmo have?
There are a whole range of different expansion packs and additional games for the Osmo system that can be purchased separately. These explore a range of skills to be developed, including creative and lateral thinking, drawing skills, maths and literacy skills, coding, and even detective and investigative skills. They have also partnered with Disney on some of the expansion packs, allowing for themed drawing and craft activities to be played. I can see my girls potentially loving new games based on their favourite Disney princesses!
As well as the Genius Starter Kit, we were also lucky enough to be sent the Detective Agency add-on game to trial, as part of the Osmo Wonderland promotion – a series of seasonal giveaways looking to bring joy with ’12 days of Osmo’ throughout November.
This game comes bundled with a selection of cartoon maps that are laid out on the table top in front of the tablet device. Some are fictional, like the cute Osmo Town, while others depict real life places, like New York. A hand-held magnifying glass is then used to locate clues on the maps to enable the player to progress through the game. When exploring the real world maps, the game also introduces interesting facts about the places – great for additional learning. My girls have enjoyed playing together on this to work towards solving the mysteries.
With the Christmas holiday season approaching, the Osmo system, with the Detective Agency game, could make a great Christmas gift for somebody, that is both fun and educational at the same time.
The fact that the Detective Agency game features locations from around the world, appeals perfectly to us as a travel family. We have often spent our Christmas holidays away from home, including many times being away with extended family in the Alps mountains, in a ski chalet. Last year was very different though, as we swapped snow for sunshine, enjoying a beautiful Christmas in Nerja, on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Although strange for us to be on the beach with the sun shining, we still very much got into the Christmas spirit.
If you’re keen to create some Christmas rituals for yourself and your family this year, check out these 13 memorable Christmas traditions.
Another additional pack that we have been lucky enough to receive is the Osmo Pizza Co. This add-on seeks to recreate a real-life pizza company, requiring players to run their very own pizza business. Through making pizzas to order, children are introduced to a range of planning and numeracy skills, all presented in a fun way, with development encouraged through a system of in-game rewards.
In Summary
We have found the Osmo system to be a fun and engaging tool for learning. I can definitely see it being a welcome addition to the range of resources that I use for helping with mental development in my children. The games are presented using a colourful and approachable design and interface, and the level of difficulty is generally pitched appropriately for the target age audience. There is also good variation between tasks and games, ensuring that children will not get bored of playing.
I guess one criticism that could be thrown at the system is that it seems a little expensive, especially as additional games and expansion packs all have to be purchased separately, in addition to the initial starter pack. I imagine some people may dismiss it as being a bit of an expensive gimmick. On balance, having used the system, I’d say that would be unfair. I think there is enough substance and variation contained within to justify the price tag. It’s proven record internationally would seem to support this. As we head towards the holiday season, it could make a great Christmas gift.
Overall, the Osmo system is both fun and imaginative, using innovative technology to encourage a broad range of learning skills and development in children. All of that has to be a good thing. My children were excited to receive the package, and have since very much enjoyed playing on it. I can see it being a useful addition to our learning resources that we use at home, hopefully for a long time to come.
Ultimately, to be able to achieve clear learning and skills development through fun and play is always something to strive for. Osmo manages to do a pretty good job of doing just that.
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