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
Osmo Genius Kit is an innovative and award winning gaming system that is designed for kids. It is entertaining, fun and enables kids to learn. It uses a hands-on approach that keeps kids engaged during their free time. It is designed for children ages 6 and up.
Tangram
Tangram allows kids to arrange puzzle pieces that are tangible to on-screen shapes displayed on the iPad. Kids can play with a friend or challenge themselves as they advance to more challenging puzzles. It has both visual and audio feedback with multiple difficulty levels. The game features over 500 puzzles with different forms and shapes. To unlock new challenges, one must complete preceding puzzles. Z.E.N. really liked this one and so did I. It’s a great brain teaser.
Words
Words allows kids to build their vocabulary using an on-screen guess and spell hidden word game. All puzzle words come with a related picture. The game has different modes that allow multiple players. Kids can compete against each other in versus mode or work together in Zen mode. Words has over 150 different default puzzle images and comes with an option of downloading new albums on myOsmo.
Newton
Newton uses a kid's creativity and provided inventive objects to guide falling balls (on-screen) into targeted zones. Inventive objects include grandma's glasses, hand-drawn baskets and dad's keys. The game utilizes anything that is placed in front of the playing field. The more one succeeds, the harder the game gets. Newton challenges kids with accelerated platforms, fans and bouncing balls. This forces kids to think outside the box.
Masterpiece
Masterpiece is a fun activity that turns the iPad into a unique drawing tool. It allows kids to get proportions and perspective exactly right. Once a picture is taken, masterpiece can transform the image into a simple outline that a child can draw. It's a perfect way of bringing out the creative side of children or their parents! I drew this apple using one of the images that were pre-installed with the program.
Numbers
Numbers allows kids to arrange tangible tiles to make on-screen numbers and complete different levels. Addition is done by putting tiles on the playing field, subtraction by removing them and multiplication by connecting two or more tiles together. This makes math fun and creative. The only problem we found with the numbers game is that it seems to start off with very easy math and didn’t seem to offer the option to start off at a harder level which was very frustrating to Z.E.N.
Osmo Genius Kit is an interactive platform that engages children during their free time and is the perfect tool to keep kids engaged over summer break. In fact, we are taking it along with us on our trips this summer. I love the fact that kids get a chance to learn using a fun platform instead of playing video games and watching mindless television all day long. In addition, it allows them to grow their skill sets and expand their knowledge while having fun at the same time.
Osmo provides real time feedback to allow kids learn in an environment that is stress free. Today, over 15,000 schools (in 42 countries) have adopted Osmo. It comes with free shipping for any order with over three units. It also has a 1 year warranty.
