Osmo makes toys that merge the digital and physical worlds. The idea behind Osmo toys is to give kids physical objects to interact with, rather than just swiping and clicking. Osmo says kids won’t even realize they’re learning because they think they’re playing. If you are looking for a starter kit with a base, scanner and five different games, take a look at the Osmo Genius Starter Kit.
Osmo is many things rolled into one. It is a base unit, scanner, app and software that all work together for learning-level play.
Osmo comes with a base where you put your tablet, phone or mobile device. You place the red reflector over the device’s camera and play tabletop games with physical game pieces. Osmo scans the table and adds, spells, draws, codes and more, following your child’s actions.
Osmo toys help children develop problem-solving skills, creativity, perseverance and general social-emotional skills. Select games for your child that are specifically designed for various types of learning. Osmo creates standards-aligned learning games that cover a broad range of academic subjects, including:
Most games and toys come with suggested ages on the packaging and the website. Use them as broad guidelines because not all kids in the same age group develop as quickly as others. You do not want to give kids games that are too simple, as they will quickly tire of them. At the same time, don’t give them games that are too hard because they will get frustrated and quit.
Osmo toys and games are designed to teach a variety of skills. There are usually several different themes for each skill, so choose the theme that has the greatest appeal for your child. You will find Osmo games that feature themes like Hot Wheels racing cars and Disney Princesses.
Osmo is not just about STEM subjects, though. Osmo offers many different games that come in puzzle form, as well as games that encourage drawing and foster imaginative play.
Osmo toys and games are made at three basic levels:
Many of the games and puzzles made for kids 10 and over are fun and enlightening for adults to play, too.
Starter kits that include the base and the red reflector are found for about $60-$80. Kits with more games cost up to around $100 and more. Many standalone games without bases and reflectors cost from $20-$30 and can be used with your base and scanner/reflector.
A. Osmo provides step-by-step instructions in video and written formats.
A. Osmo toys are compatible with most Apple iPads and iPhones and select Kindle Fire tablets. The Fire 7 is not compatible with Osmo products, and some iPad models require the Osmo Reflector for compatibility.
A. Studio Artist bundles merge the worlds of physical and digital drawing. Kids draw on whiteboard tablets with erasable markers. The reader scans their drawings, digitizes them and saves them to their tablet.
What you need to know: The five different games that come with this starter kit keep players engaged for hours.
What you’ll love: Like all Osmo games, this one is easy to download from the App Store. The games that come with this kit encourage audio, video and haptic learning. There are several skill levels available, so you can choose the one that is the right kind of challenge for your child.
What you should consider: The games get repetitive after a while and are better suited for younger kids.
What you need to know: This game teaches math skills by way of real-world experience.
What you’ll love: This simulation of a real restaurant teaches math concepts and skills in a very nonmath way. The game includes a pizza, toppings and play money. In addition to learning addition, subtraction and fractions, kids learn how to collect payments, count change and calculate the business’s profitability.
What you should consider: This standalone Osmo game does not include the base or red reflector. Software “freeze-ups” are not uncommon.
What you need to know: Kids search for landmarks around the world while incidentally learning new things about geography, history and other cultures with every clue.
What you’ll love: Kids run their own detective agency, travel to famous cities and inspect hundreds of clues. Players learn to observe, listen and solve mysteries through experimentation. This Osmo toy comes with four double-sided maps, a map holder, a magnifying glass and a game app.
What you should consider: This game is best for small children.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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