Drum That Up

Educational Objectives

Observe, compare, contrast, reason, decide, solve problems and create order.

To educate and refine the auditory sense.

To develop the ability to recognize musical sounds through rhythm.

Description- Your child will be introduced to a variety of different musical instruments. They will be able to explore the instruments before playing the game, allowing them to become familiar with the different sounds that each makes. Once your child has explored all the instruments, they will be asked to match the sounds that they hear with an instrument. A short rhythmic pattern will be played. Your child will repeat the rhythm. Each instrument will turn a different color when it is time for it to be played. These visual cues will help your child become familiar with the rhythmic pattern that has been provided.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Touch an instrument and ask your child to touch the same instrument.

2. Ask your child to repeat a short rhythmic pattern that you have provided.

3. Ask your child to play a rhythmic pattern for you to repeat.

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. Simple rhythms can be made with a variety of objects such as clapping your hands or tapping with your fingers on the table in a rhythmic pattern.

2. Gradually make the rhythmic pattern more challenging, following the example in this app. For example, clap/tap a rhythm using one hand, then both hands, or gradually increasing the length and the complexity of the pattern. Add body movements: clap, tap, stomp, etc.

3. Start pointing out rhythms found outside of your home by leveraging this app: a bird chirping, a horn blowing and rain falling.

Observation Points

1. Listen to your child recall and repeat the rhythm that has been provided.

2. Observe your child as she becomes aware of the different rhythmic patterns that can be heard daily.

Why Drumming: Scientists found that drum beats, and more generally musical instruments, help children enhance their learning capabilities. More details can be found at http://drumbeats.com.au/team/health_science.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

Farm

Educational Objectives

Observe, compare, contrast, reason, decide, solve problems and create order.

Introduction to healthy foods that are grown on the farm, focusing on the concept. Learning to eat well is learning to live well.

Introduction to qualitative reasoning.

Description- Your child will be introduced to the animals, farm equipment and food items that are grown on a farm. Qualitative math is introduced; the difference between one item and many items. This app builds upon VINCI’s Kitchen by adding another dimension to categorizing/sorting.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Your child will be asked to fill their “basket” with food that is found on the farm. Point to the food item and name the object for your child: “This is 1 apple.” Then, point to a group of apples: “Look! MANY apples.”

2. Ask your child to show a specific item. “Where are the apples?”

3. Ask your child to recall and name the object while pointing to the item. “What are these called?”

4. When your child is capable of understanding, ask for example, “Where do apples grow?” and explain the answer.

5. Once your child’s “basket” is filled with food, they will be asked to sort the items into a farm stand. Point to the picture found on the stand. “The apples go in this container.”

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. You can point to and name objects for your child when visiting a farm.

2. Gradually build more descriptive sentences, following the example of this app. For example, from “this is a tractor”, to “this tractor is red”, and then to “this tractor is a machine that the farmer uses to plow the field.”

3. Discuss subjects with your child by leveraging this app: explain to your child how apples and carrots are different; one grows on a tree, while the other grows in the ground.

4. You can play a sorting game with your child. Choose several different types of fruits and vegetables. Label containers appropriately. Ask your child to place the items into the appropriate container.

Observation Points

1. Point to a variety of farm animals, equipment, and food items found on a farm to see if your child can recall what has been learned.

2. Observe your child sorting food into containers to see if she understands the concept. In addition try to see if your child developed a mathematical understanding of quantity sense.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

Piano

Educational Objectives

To help build observation and concentration skills.

To educate and refine the auditory sense.

To explore musical melodies and inspire your child’s musical interests through concentration and observation.

Description - Your child will be introduced to a piano and will be able to explore the different keys and sounds that it makes. By pressing the green button, the game can be played in such a way that your child is asked to repeat a simple musical pattern. Once your child successfully repeats the pattern, the song that begins with that pattern will be played as the reward.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Touch one key and ask your child to touch the same key.
2. Gradually touch two, and eventually three keys, and ask your child to touch the same keys.
3. Switch roles and ask your child to tap a few notes as you repeat the pattern after her.
4. You can try to play the same song following successful game results.

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. Show your child the different sounds made by the different instruments.
2. Sing “do-re-mi” with your child to illustrate how music is constructed.

Observation Points

1. Listen to your child recall and repeat musical notes.
2. Observe your child as she creates different musical patterns on the piano.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

Colors & Shapes

Educational Objectives

Observe, explore and build an understanding of shapes and colors.

Description- Your child will be introduced to different shapes and colors by touching different shaped doors and “painting” them with provided colors.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Point to one of the doors and name the shape: “This is a square.”

2. Ask your child to show a specific item: “Where is the square door?”

3. Ask your child to recall and name the object while pointing to an item: “What is this shape called?”

4. Your child will be introduced to colors and will be able to explore the color-changing doors.

5. Someone is hiding behind the door. Name and discuss the revealed animal once the door opens.

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. You can point to differently shaped objects both inside and outside of the home and name the color.

2. Gradually build more color and shape knowledge, following the example in this app. For example, “the door is a rectangle” to “the door is a rectangle and it is blue”.

3. Once your child is capable of understanding the above statements, say “the door is a blue rectangle and it has four sides”. Point to each side and count with your child.

Observation Points

1. Point to different shapes and see if your child can recall the names of the shapes.

2. Listen to your child speak to observe if they are adding descriptive language to their vocabulary, such as shape and color.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

VINCI Paint

Educational Objectives

Observe, explore and build an understanding of creating art through the use of exploration of color and writing tools such as; a pencil, a crayon, and a variety of brushes (both thick and thin).

Description- Your child will be able to free explore and create art through this app. She can begin by choosing a color and a tool that she wishes to use when starting her creation. If she is satisfied with her work, the picture can be saved. If she would like to start over, the art can easily be erased to start again. This app can be used as a tool to allow children to explore shapes, letters, and number formations.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Draw a square and ask your child to copy the shape: “This is a blue square. Can you draw a blue square next to mine?” (the square can be replaced by a circle, rectangle, or  triangle). This app builds on the knowledge gained from VINCI’s “Colors & Shapes” app.
2. Write the first letter in your child’s name. Introduce the name of the letter and say, “Your name begins with the letter____ and it sounds like ____”.
3. Once your child is capable of understanding the above statement, write their entire first name, and have them copy it.
4. Write the number 1: “This is the number 1. Can you write the number 1 next to mine?”
5. Once your child is capable of understanding the above question, say: “Draw one square next to the number 1.” This allows the child to build and expand on the knowledge derived from the VINCI’s “Fun Numbers L1” app.

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. In addition to using the VINCI Tab to create shapes, numbers, and letters - use tangible materials such as paper, markers, paint and crayons to give children the time to create and explore through art.

2. Gradually build more shape, letter, and number knowledge, following the example in this app. For example, ask your child to create something for you to copy, ask her to copy longer words, work with larger numbers, and ask her to collect the correct number of items to match the number that you have provided.

Observation Points

1. Typically children older than 2 and half years old will start to draw. Initially it can be a shape/figure of any kind. Children may point to an abstract figure or even a line and call it a monkey. Encourage your child's imagination!

2. If your child is drawing something (a letter or a shape or anything else), even it is not theoretically correct, there is no need to correct her. Let her tell you the story of her drawing.

3. By the end of VINCI Curriculum Level 1 (at around 2-and-half-years-old) we expect children to be able to name basic colors and shapes.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

Magic Finger

Educational Objectives

To make the child pause and think back to “what happened”.

To observe and create different “magical” patterns by dragging your finger across the screen.

Description- This app uses various tactics and makes your child think. You'll notice a delay between the finger movement and the trace of the finger. There are a variety of different backgrounds that your child can use as a canvas to create “magical” patterns that will hopefully help her ask the following question: “What happened?”

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. When your child slides their finger across the screen and objects appear, ask your child “what happened?” or “did you make that?”
2. Help your child slow down her finger movement and observe how objects appear after her finger slides along the screen.
3. You can hold your child's finger down to make her slow down her drawing movement (e.g try tracing the letters of her name, or shapes, or anything else that can hold your child's attention and make her pause and think).

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. Let your child turn the door knob to open the door and show to your child how/when the door locks or opens as a result of her hand’s turning movement.
2. Pour water into a cup and show to your child how the cup gradually fills with water.
3. You can find other everyday activities to help your child understand the concept of cause-and-effect and to think logically.

Observation Points

When your child pauses to observe and admire her creation with the Magic Finger app, or when your child tries to “stop and think” before doing something in real life – this would be a HUGE milestone.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

Little Instruments

Educational Objectives

To develop the ability to recognize and name different musical instruments.

To educate and refine the auditory sense.

Description- Your child will be introduced to several different instruments and the sounds that they make. They will drag an instrument over to one of the four monkeys, it will be named, and the sound will be added. There are four different instruments available for exploration: a trumpet; oboe; violin; and flute. Each monkey can play the same instrument or different instruments. In order to change instruments, a banana (snack) must be given to the monkey. Once the snack is consumed, the monkey will be able to play a different instrument.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Drag an instrument to each monkey and listen to them play a song.
2. Notice the difference in sounds by using different instruments individually.
3. Notice the difference in sounds by adding instruments.
4. Discuss the instrument that each monkey is playing to reinforce the name and the sound that the instrument makes.

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. Look at a book that contains musical instruments. Name the instruments with your child and discuss the difference between wind and string instruments.
2. Listen to music and discuss the instruments that are being used to play it.
3. Once your child is capable of understanding the points above, discuss the idea that four people form a quartet and introduce the role of a conductor.

Observation Points

1. Listen to your child recall and identify the names of instruments and the sounds that they make.
2. Observe your child becoming aware of the differences between wind and string instruments.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

Towers L1

Educational Objectives

Puzzles improve children’s a child's problem solving and reasoning skills. It helps children see whole/part relationships and increases their visual spatial awareness.

Towers Level 1 asks your child to choose one of the world-renowned towers and shows four 4 pieces that can be altered to match with each other to assemble the tower. The process teaches the child how finding a reference point (for example, the background, or the shape of the tower) is a critical component to building problem solving skills.

Description- Each tower has a different background with a specific color scheme, which can be used as a reference point. For short term memory training, your child may remember the shape of the tower and draw a mental image which can be used as a reference point. A firework display will occur if your child has completed the tower correctly or a buzzer will sound if an error has occurred. Your child will be able to play the game again or choose a different tower to complete.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Introduce to your child the various tower shapes and different backgrounds.
2. Help your child understand the concept with one or two exercises, while explaining how you are looking for reference points to match the individual pieces.

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. Make a copy of another picture type and cut it into four different segments. Ask your child to place the pieces in order to match them with each other, forming a complete picture.
2. Tell your child how you are trying to find a solution regardless of what you do, showing her the reasoning behind your decision, while explaining the reference points you are using along the way. Your child may not understand everything at the beginning, but be patient and consistent so you can help your child build strong reasoning and problem solving skills.

Observation Points

1. Observe your child closely to see if gradually thinks more logically while playing with puzzles. Ask your child when playing with other puzzles why she put the pieces in that specific order.
2. Observe your child as she builds different towers or other puzzles to see if she understands the concept of similarities and differences and if she is capable of recognizing how things work together.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

Hatch n’ Match

Educational Objectives

To discover the hidden rules by observation and thinking.

To become familiar with the names and physical characteristics of different dinosaurs.

Description - Your child will be introduced to different dinosaurs. They will need to crack an egg and find the correct match. Once the egg is cracked, the name of the dinosaur will be stated. If a match is not made, the baby dinosaurs will shake their heads and the egg will reappear, granting your child another chance to make the match.

There are different ways to find a match. Your child may tap on any egg and try to get a match by coincidence, or your child can reflect and find the rule that one of the top row eggs always matches with one of the bottom row eggs.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Touch an egg to crack it. Listen for the name of the dinosaur and observe its physical characteristics.
2. Let your child touch any egg, but state the positions of the 2 matching eggs when you child finds them coincidentally. Do not tell your child to find the match on the other row. Be patient and let your child determine the rule on her own.
3. Count the number of taps to determine your child’s progress in cracking eggs strategically.

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

Observation and strategy are the key ingredients for your child’s success. Start early to help build critical thinking skills. One simple game is to hide a candy in your hand, exchange it from one hand to another slowly, close the hand, and ask your child to guess which hand has the candy. Speed the game up when your child’s ability to concentrate is strengthened and they become a “careful” observer. You can also implement strategy during play. For example hold the candy in one hand first, place into the other hand, and alternate hands. Ask your child to think and observe if she can anticipate which hand will have the candy next.

Observation Points

1. Observe your child to see if she slows down to take the time to think and analyze before acting.
2. Observe your child to see if she can find hidden rules.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

Watch, Think & Choose

Educational Objectives

To help children build a habit of observing and analyzing situations before taking action.

Description

Your child will be asked to observe a picture and match an icon with the same picture. A door will open wider with each correct match. Errors will lower the door. Once all the matches have been made, a hidden Egyptian treasure will be displayed.

Your child will be asked to help a girl find all the items on her shopping list. Items will be displayed on the left side of the screen. Your child will have to match items from the list. Once the items have been identified, the items will turn gray.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Observe the picture on the top of the screen. Your child will be asked to match the icon with the picture above.
2. Touch the matching icon.
3. If the match is correct, the door will open slightly. If an error occurs, the door will lower and your child will continue to answer questions.
4. Once all of the questions are answered correctly, a hidden treasure will be exposed.

Shopping at the African Market

1. Observe the items on the left side of the screen. Your child will be asked to help the girl find all of the items on her shopping list.
2. Touch the items in the market that match the items on the shopping list.
3. If the item is correct, the item on the left will turn gray. If an error occurs, the item will be named and the girl will shake her head. Observe the reaction with your child and say: “Nice try! Remember, we need to help the girl find the items on her shopping list.”

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

Help your child observe details of items in the world, both large and small. Discuss similarities and differences. This will slow your child down and help them learn the importance of observing before acting. Observation is key to your child’s success. Such activities will build critical thinking skills.

Observation Points

1. Observe your child to see if she is observing and analyzing before taking action.
2. Observe your child to see if her observations are helping her make the correct decision.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

Build It!

Educational Objectives

By imagining and visualizing shapes children learn problem solving, spatial orientation and basic geometry.

Description - Your child will build a robot. They will be told that robots are machines that work automatically. Your child will be introduced to several different shapes as well as to the concept of directionality. Your child will need to identify two fragmented pieces that when put together make the correct shape. Your child will then match their pieces to the robot’s outline and they will touch a lever (on the left) that will supply the robot with electricity. The robot will come to life and dance. Your child will be congratulated for building a working robot.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Touch a shape for the robot’s head, body, and wheel.
2. The shape(s) will be named.
3. Choose two pieces which will be assembled to create the necessary shape.
4. Once all the shapes have been made, drag the shapes to the robot’s outline. If the match is correct, the shape will stay in place.
5. Touch the switch on the left to provide the robot with electricity. The robot will be brought to life.
6. If the robot has been created successfully, the robot will dance and move. You will be congratulated and will have a chance to build another robot.

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

Help your child observe and identify shapes in their daily lives. Discuss shapes that are found both inside and outside of the home. Identify the shape of your house, a stop sign or that of a door. Open the door and ask your child to identify the shape of the door frame. Have them slowly close the door to see how the mechanism works (i.e. one rectangle fits into another). By doing such activities, your child will learn problem solving, spatial orientation, and basic geometry. This app enables a cognitive capability beyond shapes called conceptualization. In other words, children are shown how fragmented pieces can be assembled together to create a bigger concept.

Observation Points

1. Observe your child naming and discussing different shapes.
2. Observe your child working with shape puzzles.
3. Observe your child building with blocks to see if they understand the concept of spatial orientation and problem solving.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

Towers L2

Educational Objectives

Puzzles improve a child's problem solving and reasoning skills. It helps them see whole/part relationships and increases their visual spatial awareness.

Towers L2 asks your child to choose one of the world-renowned towers and shows 4 pieces (placed out of order) that can be altered to match with each other to complete the tower. The process teaches the child how finding a reference point (for example, the background, or the shape of the tower) is a critical component to building problem solving skills.

Description - Each tower has a different background with a specific color scheme, which can be used as a reference point. For short term memory training, your child may remember the shape of the tower and draw a mental image which can be used as a reference. Towers L2 is more complex than Towers L1, since the 4 pieces are out of order. Spatial manipulation is needed, as the tower components need to be moved in a vertical direction in addition to horizontal variables. The base for example may not be in the bottom portion of the screen. Once the tower pieces are identified, they need to be placed in the correct order, by repositioning the images by dragging the section either upwards or downwards depending on the location. A firework display will occur if your child has completed the tower correctly or a buzzer will sound if an error has occurred. Your child will be able to play the game again or choose a different tower to complete.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Introduce your child to the various tower shapes and different backgrounds.
2. Help your child understand the concept with one or two exercises, while explaining how you are looking for references to match the individual pieces.
3. To select the appropriate tower pieces your child will swipe the images left/right to view all the choices.
4. Once all of the tower segments are visible, reposition the images upwards or downwards by holding the arrow down, located on the left side of the image. Drag your finger up or down to the desired position.

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. Make a copy of another type of picture and cut it into four different segments. Ask your child to place the pieces in order to match them with each other, forming a complete picture.
2. Tell your child how you are trying to find a solution regardless of what you do, showing her the reasoning behind your decision, while explaining the references you are using. Your child may not understand everything at the beginning, but be patient and consistent so you can help your child build great reasoning and problem solving skills.

Observation Points

1. Observe your child closely to see if she gradually thinks more logically while playing with puzzles. Ask your child when playing with other puzzles why she put the pieces in that specific fashion.
2. Observe your child building different towers or other puzzles to see if she understands the concept of similarities and differences and if she is capable of recognizing how things work together.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese Mandarin. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

VINCI Paint Pro

Educational Objectives

Observe, explore and build an understanding of creating art through the exploration of color (12 different colors to choose from) and writing tools such as pencils, crayons, and a variety of brushes both thick and thin.

Introduction to spatial recognition through mirroring.

To develop letter recognition and sounds and to become familiar with correct letter formations. (Uppercase letters A - Ant (Billy Ant), B - Baby (Baby Haha), and M - (Hohoha Monkey) will be introduced and can be traced with a writing tool).

Description - Your child will be able to freely explore and create art through this app. She/he can begin by choosing a color (12 different colors to choose from) and a tool (pencil, crayon, thin or thick paint brush) that she/he wishes to use when starting her/his creation. Your child can choose a designated background or can create one of his/her own (a farm, a park, or an underwater scene). Geometry and spatial recognition is developed through mirroring (by using a kaleidoscope) which allows your child to see how matching pictures are created. If she/he is satisfied with his/her work, the picture can be saved. If he/she would like to start over, the art can easily be erased to start again. This app can be used as a tool to encourage children to explore with shapes, letters, and number formations.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

Please refer to VINCI Paint app (L1) for early learning examples.

1. Spatial recognition through mirroring allows children to see how matching pictures are created. Touch the picture of the mirror on the right side of screen. Free exploration can occur by choosing different shapes or pictures that are divided into halves or quarters.
2. Touch the picture of the frame on the right side of the screen. Your child can use different backgrounds as a canvas to create his/her own picture. A farm, park, or underwater scene can be added to, or a specific color can be chosen for a one-of-a-kind design.
3. The letters A, B, and M are introduced. A picture that begins with each letter is located next to the letter (A - Ant, B - Baby, M - Monkey). Your child can trace the letter to become familiar with correct letter formation. Discuss with your child the sound of each letter and name the object located on the screen. Enjoy coloring with VINCI's characters

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. In addition to using the VINCI Tab to create shapes, numbers, and letters, use tangible materials such as paper, markers, paint and crayons to allow children time to create and explore through art.
2. Gradually build more shape, letter, and number knowledge, following the example in this app. For example, ask your child to create something for you to copy - ask her/him to copy longer words, larger numbers, or ask her/him to create the correct number of items to match the number that you have provided.
3. Fold a piece of paper in half. Open the paper. Paint on one half of the paper and close the paper. Rub your palm on the outside of the paper to spread the paint evenly within it. Open the paper and discuss with your child how the paint made a symmetrical design (spatial recognition). The piece of paper can also be folded into quarters.

Observation Points

1. Point to different shapes, letters, and numbers to see if your child can recall the correct names. See if your child can write his/her name independently.
2. Listen to your child speak to see if he/she is using descriptive language such as shapes, colors, numbers, etc., when discussing everyday events.
3. Observe your child becoming aware of spatial recognition when drawing.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

Monkey & Banana

Educational Objectives

To help children tell and retell stories in a logical and sequential way. In addition, he/she will learn how to describe what happened in between the pictures to fill in the story's gaps, increasing the demand for cognitive capability.

Description - Your child will watch a short movie carefully. He/she will then be asked to organize four pictures in sequential order, recalling what has happened in the movie, in order from first to last. The pictures that are provided are derived from fragments of the story without continuous clues. Your child will have to determine the order and mentally fill in the gaps to determine which picture comes next. This process is more demanding than putting continuously sequential pictures in order.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Your child will watch a short movie carefully.
2. Your child will then be asked to put four pictures in sequential order from first to last.
3. Your child will be asked to drag the picture to the correct location.
4. Once he/she is satisfied with her choices, ask him/her to push the "submit" button.
5. If the order is correct, your child will be congratulated. If an error has occurred, your child will be encouraged to try again.

Note: The pictures can be enlarged by touching the magnifying glass found below each picture.

Your child might be frustrated with not being able to put pictures in a sequential order. There could be confusing scenes. You can stop if you find your child is becoming too frustrated, which may indicate that your child is not ready, just yet, for such exercises. Wait for a couple of weeks and try again. Gradually your child will get used to thinking "between the pictures".

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. Reflect on your daily activities with your child. Ask your child to list what happened from first to last. This can be done verbally or through drawings.
2. Create a one-week timeline of your child's life together with your child. Include photographs and captions of what is taking place.
3. Make a card game made of photographs with your child. Include four cards/photographs that represent an activity that he/she prefers to participate in. An example could be, "How to Make a Sandwich." The first photograph could show all the ingredients that are needed when making a sandwich. The second photograph could show a sandwich partially made. The third could show a sandwich on a plate. The fourth could show a person eating the sandwich. Mix the pictures up and ask your child to place them in the correct order from first to last.

Observation Points

1. Observe and listen to your child tell and retell stories to see if he/she is capable of explaining what has happened in sequential order.
2. Observe your child to see if he/she can retell a story when gaps are present. Is he/she capable of filling in the gaps in a logical way?

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

Where In The World Did You See

Educational Objectives

To help your child observe, pay attention, and exercise his/her short term memory.

Description -Your child will be asked to watch a scene on a pirate ship and on an island. He/she will be given 15 seconds to observe what is taking place. A specific question will be asked after the observation period ends. Your child's answer will be reviewed and your child will be able to see if their answer was the correct one. Your child will be congratulated if his/her answer was correct.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Your child will follow Baby Haha and friends to play pirate games.
2. He/she will be asked to watch a scene (sea-fishing or on land-hunting for treasure) and observe what is happening.
3. A specific question will be asked (e.g., "Which pirate was looking for treasure using a spy glass?").
4. Your child will be given three choices. He/she will have to identify the correct answer.
5. Your child's answer will be accepted and compared to the scene to see if it is correct. If the answer is correct, your child will be congratulated. If his/her answer is incorrect, he/she will be reminded to watch what is happening in the scene carefully.

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. Take a picture of a room in your house using the VINCI Tab. Let your child observe the picture for a brief period. Remove the tablet. Ask your child specific questions about the picture - exercising observation and short term memory skills. Review your child's answer using the picture as your guide.
2. Ask your child to recall a previous activity. Ask specific questions regarding details of the event. This can be done through a discussion or by creating a drawing.

Observation Points

1. Listen to your child discuss details when speaking to see if he/she is capable of recreating accurate descriptions of previous occurrences that have taken place.
2. Observe your child to see if he/she is capable of remembering details using his/her short term memory skills.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

Patterns

Educational Objectives

To identify patterns while learning geometry and developing analogical skills.

Description - Your child will learn about patterns through this app. Both simple and more complex patterns are available. Begin by using the simple patterns that are made up of shapes. Your child will observe a portion of a pattern and they will need to identify the missing shape that will complete the pattern. These patterns are made up of two shapes that repeat (A-B patterning).

Once your child has learned and is able to understand basic patterns, introduce more complex patterns that are made up of shapes and VINCI friends. The more complex patterns introduce an additional aspect - background color change. They will not only have to identify the shape or picture, but they will have to identify the correct background color that completes the pattern (A-A-B, A-B-C, A-B, A-A-B-C patterns are available).

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Begin by using the simple patterns that are made up of shapes found on the left portion of the start screen.
2. Observe the pattern given, and choose the shape that will complete the pattern. The choices are found below the pattern strip. Touch the shape.
3. If the choice is correct, your child will be told the name of the shape and a star display will occur. They will be told that their choice is correct and that the shape completes the pattern.

Once your child is capable of predicting the patterns, touch the “Play button” found on the right side of the start screen, which displays VINCI friends. These patterns are more complex and include shapes, pictures, and different color background choices. Observe the given pattern as previously done, and touch the shape or picture that will complete the given pattern. Pay close attention to the background, since the shape or picture may be correct, but the color may differ.

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. Play a pattern movement game with your child. Clap your hands and tap you lap (showing an A-B pattern). Repeat the pattern several times. Stop and ask your child which movement would come next to complete the pattern. Once they are capable of understanding the basic pattern, make the pattern more complex with additional movements.
2. Create a pattern with your child out of edible objects (e.g., cheerios, goldfish, and raisins can be used). Place the pattern on a plate. Ask your child to predict which item would come next to complete the pattern. Increase the level of difficulty when your child is able to understand the previous pattern (A-B, A-B-C, AA-B-C patterns can be used).
3. Make a noodle necklace with your child. Offer several different types of noodles. Start a pattern for your child and ask them to repeat or start the pattern themselves (note: beads can also be used depending on your child’s age).

Observation Points

1. Observe your child creating different patterns.
   Observe your child to see if they are capable of determining a pattern and if they are able to continue the pattern if it has been partially created.
2. Once simple patterns have been completed, observe your child to see if they are successful with more complex patterns.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

Magic Box

Educational Objectives

Often, we see what can be seen. How can we see beyond what is seen? This app tries to initiate children's abstract thinking using three dimensional rotations. Children can match the shapes by rotating an object which may appear to be different from the expected result.

Description - Your child will need to find a matching key to unlock the magic box to see what is hidden inside. The correct key will be one of two rotatable objects. He/ she will be required to look at the keyhole located on the box and try to find a match. The child is asked to rotate one of the two objects until the shape matches the outline of the keyhole on the box. The shape will be inserted into the keyhole after the outline of the keyhole is touched. If the match is correct, the box will open and your child will be able to see who is hiding in the box. If the match is incorrect, your child will be asked to try again.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Point to the keyhole for your child to see. Ask your child to find a matching shape, which is same as the key shape, to open the magic box.
2. There are two objects, one on each side of the screen. Your child can rotate the object in each direction to see the different facets. Your child may be surprised if, for example, a square becomes an L shape after rotating the object.
3. Rotate each object and look for the matching shape (note: these are easy shapes). There are also shapes which have only a slight difference between length and width, which could perplex your child. Point out the physical differences to encourage your child to make mental comparisons and observations before trying the match.
4. Once the shape matches the outline, your child will be asked to touch the box and the match will be made. If the match is correct, the box will open to reveal a special surprise. If the match is incorrect, your child will be asked to try the match again.

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. Build an object using play dough or blocks and ask your child to make a matching shape. Take turns being the teacher.
2. Allow your child to unlock the door with the key. Ask them to analyze the keyhole to determine which way the key fits. The shape of the key and the outline of the lock must match to open the door.
3. Complete a puzzle with your child. Ask your child to pay attention to shapes of the individual pieces as well as to the whole puzzle picture.

Observation Points

1. Observe your child to see if she/he can determine the correct match through mental rotation. Is he/she able to think abstractly (i.e., visualize an object when changing its orientation in space)? Determine the answer (i.e., by mentally rotating an object to find a match)? And think beyond the obvious?
2. Listen to your child speak to see if he/she is capable of describing the process of finding a match, which requires mental rotation.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

This is Absurd!

Educational Objectives

Build on a solid base of general knowledge

Help children learn deductive reasoning and logical thinking

Description - The ability to recall previous information is a skill that is important to your child's success. Something strange is happening in the African Savannah. There are dinosaurs and astronauts, tomato plants and igloos. Through this app your child will observe the African Savannah and identify which items do not belong. This app coincides with The Savannah from VINCI Curriculum: Level 2, where your child has previously learned about the African habitat, its animals and natural surroundings. He/she will need to recall the information that he/she has gained and search for (5) items that you would not see when visiting Africa. In addition, your child will have the opportunity to help a Safari Researcher identify (5) animals that are drawn correctly.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. Your child will need to use prior knowledge to determine which items are not traditionally found in the African Savannah. He or she will drag his/her finger across the screen to observe and identify items that do not belong. Once the item has been identified, touch the item and it will disappear if your child's choice is correct. If an error has occurred, your child will be told that that item does belong and to continue looking for other items. The goal is to find (5) items that are absurd and do not belong (e.g., an igloo, a dolphin, a dinosaur, an astronaut, and a tomato plant).
2. A Safari Researcher needs your child's help. He will draw two animals and your child will need to compare and identify which animal is drawn correctly. He or she will need to touch the animal that is not absurd. The goal is to identify (5) animals that are drawn correctly.

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. Play "What Item Does Not Belong" with your child. A variety of items can be used - three things that are from the same category (e.g., clothing) and one that does not belong (e.g., an apple). Ask your child to identify the item that does not belong.
2. Use modeling clay or play dough. Create an animal that is absurd (e.g., a dog with a chicken's head). Ask your child to identify the characteristic that is absurd.
3. Draw a scene from a familiar place (e.g., your child's bedroom). Make several items absurd (e.g., bed on the ceiling, framed picture upside down, person sleeping on the dresser). Ask your child to identify the absurd items.
4. Stage an absurd picture and photograph using the VINCI tablet. Ask your child to identify what is absurd in the photograph.

Observation Points

1. Observe your child to see if she is capable of using prior knowledge to identify when things are incorrect or absurd.
2. Listen to your child speak to see if she is able to explain what makes the item absurd.
3. Listen to your child speak to see if she understands what the word "absurd" means.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.

Block Design

Educational Objectives

Blocks are known to help children learn spatial orientation, mental rotation, puzzling, and creative thinking.

Description - Creative thinking is an important skill for your child to attain. Paying attention to detail will help your child become more aware and successful in life. Through this app your child will recreate block designs through careful observation, spatial orientation, hand-eye coordination, mental rotation, and matching skills. He/she will observe a design (pattern) on the left portion of the screen and will be asked to replicate the pattern on the right. Not only will like patterns (blocks) need to be placed in the correct order, they may also need to be rotated in order to recreate the pattern correctly. The pattern choices that are provided contain a variety of levels of difficulty, including 10 different patterns that consist of shapes and smaller patterns within, and 4 patterns that make up a picture of an item (these pictures are similar to those that are created using Tangrams). Your child will also have the opportunity to create a pattern on their own, using a variety of colors and shapes.

How to Maximize the Learning Experience

During Play

1. To begin, your child will need to choose a block design that he/she would like to replicate on the start page, by touching the pattern on the screen.
2. Carefully observe the pattern on the left, paying attention to directionality as well as order. Begin recreating the pattern on the right, using the left as a guide.
3. To rotate a block, touch and hold until the desired direction appears.
4. To switch blocks, quickly touch the two blocks that you would like to change, and their locations will switch.
5. If you would like the order of the complete pattern to change and rotate, push the golden button in the lower right hand corner of the screen.
6. Once your pattern is complete, you may choose another pattern provided or create one on your own.

Everyday Learning Guided by VINCI Curriculum

1. Create a design using wooden blocks or Tangrams. Ask your child to replicate your pattern.
2. Draw a picture with your child. Cut the picture into several pieces and shuffle - mixing up both the order and directionality of the pieces. Ask your child to rebuild the picture.
3. Ask your child to build a pattern on the VINCI tablet. Replicate their pattern.

Observation Points

1. Observe your child to see if he/she is capable of recreating patterns that have been provided. Notice if he/she is able to place blocks in the correct order and directionality, using spatial orientation and mental rotation skills.
2. Listen to your child speak to see if they understand patterns and how they work.
3. Ask your child questions about replicating patterns to see if he/she is capable of explaining; have she/he gained creative thinking skills; and does she/he have the ability to see the relationship between the obvious and the incomplete pattern.

Multilanguage Support: This app supports English, Spanish, French and Chinese. Press the Option button to select your language preference at the start of the app.