Plugo is an award-winning new hardware gaming device that pairs to the iPad allowing students, specifically ages 4-10, to collaborate and learn in a creative, fun, and hands-on way. After downloading the FREE apps, the children can physically manipulate learning tiles for three games in the Plugo STEM Wiz Pack, including Letters, Count, and Link. Plugo “sees” what the kids are doing and transfers it to the Ipad through using a magnetic playboard and game pieces. While the STEM pack comes with three games that allow learning across the curriculum, there are additional games that can be purchased separately.

In line with Stephenville ISD’s iChampion Movement, Plugo is combining technology with tactile learning in an innovative, new way. Plugo presents ways to help students learn using the Ipad that are beneficial and fun.

1. Plugo aligns perfectly with HB3 and the Science of Reading.
2. Plugo takes full advantage of learning through technology with this innovative and interactive iPad gaming system which reaches TEKS across the curriculum.
3. Plugo provides students tiles to physically manipulate, allowing students to fulfill the much-needed tactile learning style.

Learning stations are set up in the classroom with 4-5 students per station and students rotate through each station. One station will be dedicated to one of the Plugo games during an ELA or Math station using specific Plugo Ipads issued through the district. Individual student Ipads will be reserved for other stations that might require the use of technology, such as Accelerated Reading. Plugo has a “Letters” game that can be used in literacy stations/guided reading and also has a “Count” game that can be used in math stations/guided math. Additionally, there is a “Link” game that is perfect for helping students learn to use their critical thinking skills.

Now, for those of you wondering what exactly the “iChampion Movement” is – well, it’s actually a really big deal!

Stephenville ISD was named as one of only five districts nationwide to serve as a Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools cohort in June 2015. Thus, Digital Promise coaches facilitated opportunities for SISD leaders to learn and observe first-hand from digital learning experts. Following the passage of a TRE in November 2016, SISD set in motion a 3-year, multi-phased initiative centered on enhancing academic learning by way of digital-based innovations and resources. Coined iChampion, 1:1 initiative leverages the power and mobility of technology to create a personalized, student-centric environment. Rooted with tried-and-true pedagogical best practices, iChampion delivers customized learning and technology skills infused and integrated into the daily teaching and learning process.

To learn more about iChampion, you can visit https://www.sville.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=821223&type=d&pREC_ID=1204433.

Help Stephenville Education Take Flight

We would like to invite you to participate in the SISD Staff Giving Program and help us to continue to put education first in our community!

Every dollar donated to the Stephenville Education Foundation is given back to our district through innovative educational grants. Signing up for the Staff Giving Program is easy and starts at as little as $5 per month! Consider getting involved and making a difference in Stephenville ISD. Large or small, every dollar matters because every student matters. Together, let’s make education take flight!