| Webkinz is the latest online craze for kids. As a father | | | | year old question section in Quizzy's Question Corner, |
| of two young children, I know my way around this | | | | which includes over 1000 age appropriate, |
| fascinating new virtual world, and it is very impressive. | | | | curriculum-based questions that make Webkinz dollars |
| In fact, I'm also the proud owner of a virtual Webkinz | | | | faster than any of the games. |
| gorilla named, quite unoriginally, Kong. | | | | Is Webkinz World safe? Yes. The Internet can be an |
| The world of Webkinz has been designed for users | | | | unsafe place, and this is why as a parent I really |
| aged 6-13+ (or, well, almost 40) and includes content | | | | appreciate efforts like Webkinz. The Webkinz world |
| for all ages and levels of computer skill within that | | | | includes what is in my opinion the safest possible chat |
| range. The general idea is you adopt a pet, which has | | | | system available for kids. Webkinz chat is constructed |
| a real world stuffed animal companion, and introduce | | | | so users can't type in whatever they want. Nothing |
| him or her to the Webkinz online world. You start out | | | | inappropriate can be said, and there is no way to |
| with one simple room, a couple of toys, and some | | | | exchange any personal information. Only people you |
| Webkinz dollars. Then, and often, you find new and | | | | know will have your username, which is needed in |
| exciting ways to collect, earn, or win more dollars to | | | | order to add someone to your Friends list. Finally, you |
| upgrade your Webkinz space. | | | | can always decline another's offer to join their Friends |
| You can expand your Webkinz world with new | | | | list, or delete them at any time. |
| rooms, yards, furniture, clothing, food, and toys. You | | | | In my personal experience, Webkinz World is a great |
| can arrange the rooms how you like, move furniture, | | | | place to learn and play. Children can learn lots of fun |
| and make real changes to the environment your | | | | facts at Quizzy's. The questions at Quizzy's are |
| Webkinz lives in. Kong has a pirate ship room, but I'd | | | | age-appropriate, and most are educationally based. |
| rather not admit how much fun it was collecting all the | | | | There are also several arcade games that promote |
| pirate themed pieces. My kids have fantastic Webkinz | | | | learning, such as: Booger Gets an A that promotes |
| environments; with ice rooms and fully stalked kitchens, | | | | addition skills, Lunch Letters that helps children to learn |
| backyards with slides and pools the animals can play | | | | how to type and spell, Quizzy's Word Challenge that |
| on, and a host of funky clothing and accessories. They | | | | aids in spelling, and Operation Gumball that encourages |
| play safe and they love the games, even the ones | | | | children to think logically. Also, Webkinz Newz and the |
| that may be subtlety teaching them something. | | | | W Tales encourage reading and the many contests |
| The Webkinz world was clearly designed to reach the | | | | encourage writing, creativity, and problem-solving. What |
| widest possible audience within its suggested age | | | | else? My kids are learning about money in Webkinz |
| range. Although some of the Webkinz games and | | | | World; by earning KinzCash, they learn how to save |
| jobs (yes, your Webkinz can have a job to earn | | | | and spend money. My oldest child recently saved up |
| Webkinz dollars) may be difficult for younger users, | | | | for a new swimming pool that she added to a |
| there are plenty of opportunities and games for | | | | backyard space in her virtual world. Now her Webkinz |
| younger audiences to enjoy the site on their own | | | | can virtually go for a swim. Webkinz World also helps |
| orwith the support of an adult. Younger users can also | | | | to teach children about responsibility, caring for a pet, |
| enjoy all of the non-game methods of making | | | | and getting along with others. Best of all, no Webkinz |
| Webkinz dollars, including the Wheel of WOW, Wishing | | | | pets can die. Webkinz pets can get sick, but they |
| Well and the Care Award. There is even a special 5-6 | | | | cannot die. Have fun. |