Orboot Earth AR by PlayShifu - Explore & learn

★ PlayShifu's Orboot: The Smart Globe ★

Orboot is a unique globe that lacks traditional names or borders, featuring various highlights to discover different locations. It enhances learning by combining a physical globe with Augmented Reality via the Orboot App available on smartphones and tablets.

Simply scan the Orboot globe using the app and delve into countries and cultures in 3D, complete with detailed facts and engaging quizzes and activities.

Ignite your child’s imagination!

★ Features ★

☆ Scan each region on your Orboot globe to view highlights

☆ Tap a highlight for detailed insights

☆ Discover fascinating facts about each highlight

☆ Participate in enjoyable quizzes based on what you've learned

☆ Accumulate points displayed on your dashboard

☆ Available categories include Animals, Monuments, Inventions, Cultures, Cuisines, and Maps

☆ Free from third-party advertising

☆ No Bluetooth connectivity needed

★ S.T.E.A.M. Ahead ★

☆ Broadens understanding of the world

☆ Develops language skills

☆ Enhances cognitive abilities

☆ Sparks imagination and creativity

☆ Promotes curiosity, information discovery, and self-directed learning

★ How It Works ★

☆ Download the Orboot app

☆ Log in to synchronize your data across multiple devices

☆ Access free categories through an email link

☆ Choose and sync your preferred categories

☆ Scan any area of the globe

☆ Tap on any highlight to learn more

★ About Team Shifu ★

We are a dedicated group of parents, early education specialists, innovators, and tech enthusiasts who work together seamlessly. Our goal is to create exciting and meaningful experiences for children, and we are committed to delivering the best!

The PlayShifu Story

In 2016, two old friends and new fathers started building on a dream to make screen time more meaningful and learning more empathetic for Gen Alpha. That’s how PlayShifu was born!

We’re a small group with big goals. We go to work every day having dreamed of space explorers, gadgets that walk, and bugs that talk. We breathe life into those dreams so children can learn through owls that solve mysteries, interplanetary victories, and dinosaurian histories.

And the two friends who started it all? They’re ecstatic knowing that more than one million children around the world enjoy their toys!

How to Teach Reading: Fun Techniques for Kids

Reading is not just a skill but a gateway to this wonderful world of knowledge, creativity, and opportunity. Mastery of reading, therefore, can be crucial in the all-round development of a child or even success in the next academic stages. Making learning to read interesting will surely keep the kids interested. In fact, this blog will try to reveal some exciting techniques built to capture the attention of young minds.

From interactive phonics games to making learning fun to the magic of picture books, which strive to breathe life into your child’s imagination, all the strategies make reading an adventure. Whether you are a parent looking to provide support at home or a teacher trying to inspire your students, these methods are designed with the goal of making the learning journey fun and effective. 

Importance of Reading

Language Proficiency

Reading plays an important role in raising a child’s proficiency in language. Exposing kids to different texts enables them to acquire new words, sentence structures, and subtle language rules. Such exposure enables good speaking and writing abilities to be developed. Interactive reading sessions with encouragement to sound out words and discuss and interpret stories improve one’s understanding of the language more. Reading as much as possible makes a child more fluent; therefore, a platform is set for successful communication.

Academic Success

A strong reading ability is directly linked to academic success across all subjects. With proficient reading abilities, children will see an improved understanding of textbook material and instructions and much better performances in their exams. Reading encourages critical thinking and problem solving, which children will apply with confidence in the comprehension of complex ideas. By making reading an enjoyable part of children’s daily schedule, you’re not just helping them excel in language arts but also empowering them to achieve higher grades in subjects like math, science, and social studies.

Cognitive Development

Reading is one of the greatest tools of cognitive development. Books activate kids’ brains to aid memory, attention, and analytic thinking. For example, picture books aid visual processing skills as the child decodes images using words. Interactive reading, especially when questions are asked to the child concerning the text, helps in cultivating critical thinking and helps them easily relate to varied concepts. Reading should be made exciting and fun since it contributes a lot to the development of cognitive skills that will prove helpful to your child in the long run.

Lifelong Learning

The reading process does not stop when a child grows up; it forms the basis of lifelong learning. An early exposure to reading creates interest and develops an urge to learn, providing children with a mind that seeks answers throughout their lives. Children gradually change their reading patterns, which helps them gain knowledge about different subjects, cultures, and attitudes toward life.

Such an interest in different literary forms, for example, exposes children to new things, and they become adaptive to different techniques of learning. When children understand that learning is enjoyable, they’ll pursue education with much enthusiasm and resilience, making sure that the quest for knowledge remains well into adulthood.

Easy Tips to Teach Reading 

Focus on Letter Sounds over Letter Names

When teaching reading, prioritize letter sounds over letter names. Understanding phonics—the relationship between letters and their sounds—is crucial for decoding words. Play engaging phonics games where kids match letters to their corresponding sounds. For instance, use flashcards or apps that produce sounds when a child taps on a letter. By focusing on sounds first, you create a strong foundation for reading skills. This approach helps children blend sounds to form words, making reading more intuitive and less frustrating.

Begin with Uppercase Letters

Starting with uppercase letters can simplify the learning process for young readers. Uppercase letters are more visually distinct and easier to recognize, reducing confusion. To make learning interactive, incorporate fun activities like alphabet puzzles or magnetic letters. Encourage children to trace uppercase letters with their fingers or in sand, which enhances their tactile learning experience. By mastering uppercase letters first, kids build confidence that propels them to tackle lowercase letters with greater ease.

Phonics Games

Phonics games have become a wonderful way to make reading an experience kids will enjoy. These interactive activities change learning into play; this is how to keep children engaged as they master the essential skills. Something that will work is an app that makes phonics lessons into fun challenges or a board game where kids match sounds with letters. You can even create your own phonics treasure hunt, where children have to find objects at home that begin with specific sounds. It must be lively and varied enough to sustain their interest. If kids start relating reading as fun, then motivation skyrockets and skills improve exponentially.

Incorporate Picture Books

The advantage of teaching reading using picture books is that they are all about storytelling with the help of visuals along with text, which makes teaching rather entertaining and intuitive. Choose books with colorful pictures that stir the child’s imagination, which can be used to help them connect words with the images inside the book. Encourage the child to describe the pictures and predict what might happen next in the story. This enhances their comprehension skills and makes them even more attached to reading. By turning story time into a vibrant experience, you help children develop a broad vocabulary and a strong grasp of narrative structures.

Practice Shared Reading

Shared reading is a dynamic way to make reading an interactive experience. Sit with your child, pick a book you both enjoy and take turns reading aloud. This not only models fluent reading but also allows you to guide your child through tricky words and concepts. Ask questions about the story to encourage comprehension and discussion. Shared reading sessions build a strong emotional connection to books, making reading a cherished activity rather than a chore. This collaborative approach nurtures a love for reading and enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.

Create a Reading Routine

Consistency is key when building reading skills; institute a daily reading routine to make it feel natural to your child. Whether bedtime story or morning reading time, establishing a regular time pattern provides stability. Make the atmosphere comfortable and inviting; use a comfortable chair, good lighting, and a quiet space free from distractions. By integrating reading into your daily schedule, you’re helping your child develop a lifelong habit that supports their academic growth and cognitive development.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Incorporating technology can significantly enhance your child’s reading journey. Use educational apps and e-books that make learning interactive and fun. Platforms with gamified lessons can really help a child better achieve phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. Moreover, using audiobooks means letting them listen to fluent reading while their eyes read the same text. Leverage tools like reading pens and tablets designed specifically for young learners to make the experience dynamic and stimulating. By integrating technology thoughtfully, you can create a multimedia-rich environment that keeps kids excited about reading.

Play Word Games

Word games are a fantastic way to make learning to read a playful adventure. Games like Scrabble Junior, Boggle, or online word searches challenge kids to expand their vocabulary and improve spelling. Simple activities, such as crossword puzzles or hangman, also offer great opportunities for learning new words and understanding their meanings. You can even invent your own games, like a word scavenger hunt where kids find items around the house that match specific letters or sounds. These games transform reading from a task into a delightful experience, fostering a love for words and language.

How to Encourage Learning with Play

PlayShifu is revolutionizing the way children learn by merging play with education. Through its innovative products like Plugo Letters, kids can embark on a captivating learning journey. Plugo Letters offers an interactive platform where children can explore the world of reading and grammar through engaging games and activities. By using tactile play kits combined with digital apps, Plugo Letters transforms traditional learning into a dynamic experience.

Children are prompted to solve word puzzles, build sentences, and practice phonics, all while having fun. The hands-on nature of these activities enhances retention and makes abstract concepts more tangible. The real-time feedback provided by the app keeps them motivated and eager to learn more. 

Conclusion:

By making reading an enjoyable adventure, you’re setting the stage for lifelong success. Start by focusing on letter sounds with fun phonics games and incorporate engaging picture books to spark the imagination. Practice shared reading to build emotional connections and create a consistent reading routine that fits seamlessly into your daily life. Leverage technology to enhance the experience with interactive apps and audiobooks and make learning playful with word games. These strategies are not just about teaching reading—they’re about instilling a love for learning. Try these techniques to help your child develop strong reading skills and discover the joy of reading.

FAQs:

1. How can I establish a reading routine for my child?

To establish a reading routine, set a specific time each day for reading, making it a consistent part of your child’s schedule. Create a cozy, distraction-free environment to enhance focus and enjoyment.

2. What role does technology play in teaching reading?

Technology plays a vital role by offering interactive apps, e-books, and audiobooks that make learning dynamic and engaging. Use these tools to complement traditional reading methods.

3. What should I do if my child loses interest in reading?

If your child loses interest in reading, try switching up the genres or incorporating more interactive elements, such as picture books or reading games, to rekindle their excitement.

4. How can I assess my child’s reading level?

Assess your child’s reading level through regular, informal assessments like reading aloud together or using educational apps that provide progress tracking.

5. How can I make reading more interactive for my child?

To make reading more interactive, incorporate shared reading, ask open-ended questions about the story, and use props or puppets to bring the story to life.