Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this non-commercial site suits a range of developmental ages. Kids don't need to know how to read: All of the instructions are said in voice-over. For the youngest kids, there's shape and color identification. Older kids get early reading and arithmetic skill readiness. The activities adapt based on a kid's progress, so kids don't get stuck playing the same game over and over. Also, there are time-out features so kids don't overdo it (we don't recommend preschoolers surf without parents). Subscriptions are $9.95 a month (or $79.95 annually) after an initial free incentive period.
Families can talk about what age is right to use a computer and what are healthy computer habits to get into. They can also explore why kids like to play games with favorite TV characters.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Heidi Kotansky
In a new, positive trend, PBS has created an online educational hangout for preschoolers (3-6) that uses their TV characters (Curious George, Mama Mirabelle, The Berenstain Bears, and more) to teach. Through the multi-leveled games, kids can learn a number of age-specific things. There's also a place to customize their room and collect their favorite things around the sites. Parents have to pay a monthly or annual fee.
PBSKIDSPLAY.ORG benefits kids and parents -- kids obviously learn things and parents can get reports of their kid's progress, set a computer time limit, and easily get information about the learning goals for each game. Yes, it's easy for a kid to get hooked on the cheery site but that's OK in this case: The bold colors, friendly environments, and familiar cartoon faces all make learning fun. And what kids learn -- from matching ingredients in a recipe to identifying objects by color to basic computer and mousing skills -- are all age-appropriate. The limited amount of games is the site's biggest drawback, but updates happen every week so the amount of things to do will increase. The best part: The site keeps track of a kid's progress, and games have three levels; each teaches kids more advanced concepts.
Other smart sites for young kids include myNoggin.com, NickJr.com, and Kids CBC Preschool.
Reviewed: 03/18/2008
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Social BehaviorKids are given positive reinforcement each time they graduate to the next level in a game and get a "reward" that they can keep in their treasure box. Even if they don't advance, they get a star for trying. |
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CommercialismSubscriptions are $9.95 a month or $79.95 annually, with a 15-day free trial period. There's also an obvious tie-in to PBS and its characters. |
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Educational ValueAll of the instructions are said in voice-over. Skills adapt to age and stage levels. |
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