Webkinz
Would you give a first grader $2000 to spend on decorating a bedroom? Neither would I. But I did spend $9 for a Webkinz that came with its own room and a pile of KinzCash. The Webkinz is a stuffed animal that comes with a personalized web site. Using the code on the Webkinz tag, an online account was activated and “Fuzzy” has a place to live online. The KinzCash can be used to buy things like decorations, furniture and even a swimming pool. With enough money, you can add extra rooms to the house. Don’t forget to buy food. If you don’t feed your Webkinz properly, she will end up at Dr. Quack’s office.
My daughter is now spending time on the web site doing odd jobs that earn her more imaginary money. Some of things she is learning aren’t so imaginary. First she has to manage a bank account that has already gone over $10,000. At first she was spending every penny on little things. Once she figured out that she didn’t have to spend every dollar as it came in, she started saving for the big ticket items. Today she added a kitchen with all the appliances. Now she can keep food in the refrigerator.
The “jobs” are really quizzes in math, science, social studies and language arts. She gets money for answering questions correctly. The harder the question, the more money the question is worth. She is up to $5 questions. Even at that rate, it takes some dedication to earn enough for a $2000 addition to the home.
There is also a safe “chat” feature. If you have friends with Webkinz, you can send them gifts and even have a Webkinz over to your house. The chat is safe because all the text is pre-scripted. The initiator of the conversation is given a list of things to say. The recipient is given a list of possible responses. It is all accomplished using only the mouse. This eliminates the possibility of someone asking for personal information or other objectionable questions. There is literally no typing that is possible.
For less than ten bucks, I don’t think I have seen something as entertaining or educational as this fuzzy little guy.
April 13th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
My third grade students are addicted to this site. They talk about it constantly. I can understand now after reading your post. I like the budgeting aspect and the responsibility issues that accompany this site. Plus, the educational value with the questions to earn cash sounds effective also. If any of my parents ask me for an opinion, I can just send them this post. I am all for it as long as students get their chores and homework done first, then just like any privilege time constraints need to be considered. I have 3 young children so I am not ready yet, but as soon as they are in first-third grade, I will definitely consider this.
Todd
April 13th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
If you don’t have a Webkinz already, you might have a tough time finding one now. We just came back from the mall. Last week they had two shelves full. Now they have none. Online sites are claiming everything from a Canadian rail strike to the Chinese New Year for the worldwide shortage.
April 16th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
My two youngest children received Webkinz for gifts over break. All of their friends have them and they have been asking for them for a long time! I was hesitant to buy them something that meant more time on the computer and less time being active, but I feel better about what they are learning on Webkinz. They love it ! We did, however, have a hard time finding them. We had to keep calling the stores that typically stock them for two weeks and literally ran to the store that did receive a shipment on the same day!
April 16th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Hey want to talk
June 10th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
[...] You can click Change Preferences and turn off this animation. Your searches will start quicker. If you really want an online “friend” to play with, get a Webkinz. [...]
September 23rd, 2007 at 9:33 pm
[...] of the neighbor kids were playing in our house. One of them asked to use a computer to feed his Webkinz. This particular little guy just started kindergarten. I was interested in seeing what he could [...]