Using the kids iPads to play with them with augmented reality flashcard

Kids addicted to their iPads? Don't get me wrong, the tablets in our home are used for far more than just zoning out to repeated episodes of Peppa Pig. In fact, Peppa features relatively infrequently. David has autism and he uses his iPad as a way of learning new skills, understanding and coping with the world. What I can find disappointing is there is no way for me to interact with him on the device. But I've recently found a way, through iPad enabled flash cards.

4D+ Augmented Reality Flash Cards are a set of physical flash cards covering a range of topics from space or dinosaurs to alphabet animals and occupations. Show the flash card to an iPad or other tablet, and once you've downloaded an app, it brings the cards to life on the screen. Suddenly we had a physical tool to use with the iPad and engage David in a two person interaction.

I was able to use lots of the tactics I know to develop skills such as labelling items into a game with his most treasured possession - his tablet. So instead of my holding puzzle pieces and David asking for them one at a time, he could label and ask for flash cards. With the A-Z animal set he could make the phonic sounds, which is something we've been working on too.

And it wasn't just David that engaged with the cards. David and I could play, Jane and I could play and even better Jane and David could play together. Jane was like the teacher holding cards for David to take and play with on the screen.  This is quite unusual and lovely to see.  I was even allowed the iPad while the kids showed the cards.  A rarity indeed.

David's favourite pack was the dinosaurs, he loved listening to their lifelike figures roar. Anthony loved the space set - he loved matching what he was learning in school to what he saw in 4D+ and space and tickets are a hot topic for him, full of speed and numbers. Jane's favourite was definitely the A-Z animals. She loved using the food cards that coordinate with the animals and meant the creatures would go find the food on the screen. I love that she reenacted this with her toys, yet another expansion in her play repertoire.

We even gave a few packs to David's specialist school to try with the kids as a way of being more interactive with their rewards.  David uses a token economy at school, where he works for tokens to get a reward and the iPad features highly as a motivational tool for him.  Now, instead of this being a solitary reward, it can be another opportunity for the teachers to engage him with fun flashcards.  It's a win-win.

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This post contained a giveaway which has now closed.  See details below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Conditions: We have one 4D+ Augmented Reality flashcard pack to give away (one of the winner's choice from A-Z Animals, Dinosaurs, Octaland or Space as pictured above with no cash alternative). UK  Residents only. Entrants must be aged over 18.  Entry is via Rafflecopter.  Entries can be made up until midnight on the 19th May 2017. One winner will be chosen from all the entries at random the day after closing.  The winner will be contacted within one week of the closing date and have one month to respond.  Prize will be sent directly from Jass V. 

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We received a sample of the 4D+ Augmented Reality flashcards for the purposes of running and writing the competition. As always all thoughts and opinions in this post are independent and my own. My general disclaimer is at the bottom of my site.  This is also listed on #Blog_Giveaways