There are plenty of sources for finding where to buy Webkinz Pets, so this article addresses something else that many new parents are asking about: why the online website Webkinz World is a good place for kids to spend their time. As much as I love those adorable and oh-so-collectable plush toys, it is Webkinz World that deserves recognition and appreciation by parents who are concerned with Internet safety.
And, believe me, all parents should be concerned with Internet safety! For concerned parents who are new to the Webkinz craze, this article breaks down the main benefits of Webkinz World. In general, Webkinz World encourages responsibility, learning, and social networking in a completely safe Internet environment.
Webkinz Promotes Responsibility
The main idea about Webkinz World is that children can learn how to take care of their "pet." By feeding, exercising, and playing with their cyber pet on-line, children become responsible for taking care of another "creature." This builds responsibility, empathy, and also time management skills. For parents who are not accustomed to this idea, it is a lot like "egg shell" babies that were a popular part of Health curriculum thirty years ago.
And to answer the big question: no, Webkinz pets cannot die! When they need attention, they simply get sick.
Webkinz Promotes Learning
The central task of feeding, clothing and taking care of pets requires "KinzCash," a currency that is only good in Webkinz World. This currency cannot be bought, but must be earned. The way kids earn KinzCash is by playing their choice of educational games, quizzes and activities.
Isn't this brilliant? Many of the games offered test reading and arithmetic skills. Other contests encourage problem solving and writing skills. Children are highly motivated to take care of their pet, so they don't even know that they are "learning" because they are having fun as well as making their own choices at the same time.
Webkinz Promotes Getting Along with Others
In Webkinz World, children can pal around with other friends, challenge them to quizzes, and visit their pet's room. This simple activity is what we as adults call "social networking." Because children are free to roam on the site, it is up to them to be nice to people and accept company. This is a great social skill that can help some overcome shyness barriers.
Webkinz World is Safe from Online Predators
The "friending" of other people online is the biggest concern for parents, as well it should be. Webkinz World has built a smart way to protect kids while still allowing them to network with each other. Called "KinzChat," this system allows kids to choose from phrases to construct sentences and questions. Nothing inappropriate can be said because the words and phrases are highly controlled.
A more relaxed, but still safe, option is called "KinzChat Plus," which allows users to write their own sentences. However, if the Webkinz dictionary does not allow the word or phrase, then it cannot be transmitted on-line. Besides inappropriate words, most common names as well as place names have been eliminated. This is a good option for older kids or children who are interacting with their parents' help.
Clearly, Webkinz World is a breath of fresh air for parents' concerns about Internet safety for kids. It can be difficult to discover the right Webkinz pet for your child's adventures into Webkinz World, so be sure to stop by my favorite place to find seasonal Webkinz pets.
This article is free to be reproduced, but only in its entirety. Copyright Protected (c) 2008 Barbara Garrison
No comments:
Post a Comment