A Synopsis of Our Activities

"The Greatest Snack" ... An Ozzie Outtake.

Introducing the traditional mathematical concept of equality including greater than (>), equal to (=), and less than (<), this activity emphasizes size, volume, and quantity comparison.
As described in Navigating through Algebra in Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2, the relevant NCTM standard of algebra is the ability to “Use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships.” (NCTM)

"Messy Room Blues" ... An Ozzie Outtake.

Spatial relations are introduced with location words (top, bottom, left, right) as children practice following directions while helping Ozzie to clean his room.
The Pre-K to 2nd grade standard in which this activity is rooted, as published in Navigating through Geometry in Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2, is the ability to “Specify locations and describe spatial relationships using coordinate geometry and other representational systems.” (NCTM)

"Save the Butterflies" ... An Ozzie Outtake.

Children apply counting skills and color recognition in this activity which subtly promotes environmental awareness, an appreciation of nature and respect for the well being of wildlife. Color recognition, differentiation, and classification are fundamental developmental concepts, which create a foundation for both language development and logical mathematic reasoning.

"The Rainy Day Adventure" ... An Ozzie Moose Learning Adventure.

Eat a wholesome breakfast, play in puddles and save frogs in this interactive web movie! Learn the mathematical language of less than, more than, equal to, bigger than, smaller than, the same size as in this real world adventure with Ozzie and Meadow. The Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2 NCTM standard of Communication emphasizes the expression of mathematical concepts through language. As well, a characteristic of math learning disabilities is the difficulty of transferring knowledge. This Adventure practices connecting mathematical concepts to familiar situations.

The Evolution of Ozzie

Ozzie Moose was inspired by the stories of William Stinson, founder of Tallent Technology Corporation. In January of 2001, Tallent embarked on its first major Ozzie Moose project. The Goal: The creation of an interactive online story that (1) encompasses established and standardized educational concepts, and (2) engages and retains the interest of the early primary school-aged student. In June of 2001, Tallent released its first Ozzie Moose Learning Adventure: "Ozzie's Rainy Day Adventure."

By April of 2002, the team at Tallent had further refined the artistic direction of Ozzie and focused the activities on specific and concise academic tasks. Three new Ozzie Outakes were the result of our efforts: "Save the Butterflies," "The Messy Room Blues," and "The Greatest Snack."

Now, in the summer of 2002 we embark on our greatest challenge yet, the production of an online educational program for inclusion in a mainstream classroom environment. Announcing our latest endeavour - slated for release in 2003: Ozzie's Spelling SOAP, "Keeping the Brain Squeaky Clean." More information to come.