Our Kindergarten students are taking their letter writing to the next level. Not only can they visualize their letter writing, but they can also analyze each letter they write using the OSMO system and the app Masterpiece.
Students were recently introduced to the letter "G". I created a learning environment with the OSMO system where students could practice writing "G" and "g". I tapped into the Masterpiece gallery and found templates for each letter. I loaded the "G" template and students were ready to experience the "ahhh" of Masterpiece.
Students practiced the letter at first with the marker lid on. Masterpiece really capitalizes on a student's hand and eye coordination as well. Once students got the feel for "tracing" the letter - with their eyes on the iPad and not on the paper, they were ready to flip the marker cap off!
It was so awesome to witness their concentration as they practiced writing the "G" and "g" as well as the immediate reflection conversations as they wrote. I heard comments like "I messed up on that one, but my next one will be much better" and "that's my best one yet!"
Another plus of OSMO Masterpiece besides working on letter size, proportion, and hand/eye coordination is the recorded time-lapse video that is created while students are working. This is a powerful video we used for student reflection. They can "see" if they drew the letter correctly and verbalize their performance in writing the letter.
Students' time-lapsed videos were then uploaded to Seesaw - (student-driven learning portfolio where parents are connected to their child's learning journey) - and students reflected on the process. This was super powerful! The classroom teacher could assess the process as well as parents getting a window into the activity and communicating with their child via comments to their post.
This technology infused lesson definitely tied seamlessly to our Iowa Core Standards and Benchmarks too!
L.K.2d - Write a letter or letters for most consonant and short-vowel sounds
RF.K.1c - Recognize that spoken words are represented in written language by specific sequences of letters
L.K.1a - Print many upper and lowercase letters
21.K-2.TL.1 - Use technology to create projects, identify patterns, and make predictions
21.K-2.TL.6 - Understand basic technology hardware and software and their application.
Thanks Mrs. Ford for giving me an opportunity to join your class and witness students engaged in learning!