Panwapa.com

Safe, fun global village to explore from Sesame.

Entertainment Value: Very high Graphics: Colorful, creative animation Playability: Medium Reading Level: None Website: http://www.panwapa.com

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this highly interactive Sesame Workshop site is a safe and fun introduction to simple social networking -- and a part of a global initiative to teach kids how to be good world citizens. Kids create an avatar that can visit other kids' avatars around the world, leaving friendly, prescripted messages and learning about other cultures and languages. No personal information is collected, and there's no inappropriate content. Six characters provide voice-over instructions for kids, but it's best to have parents guide them through the site using the "For Caregivers" materials.

Families can talk about what age is right to use a computer and what are healthy computer habits to get into. What information is OK to share online? What is appropriate behavior when you interact with others online? Families can also talk about the benefits of learning a second language and learning about different cultures.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Susan Yudt

From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, more than 25,000 kids have planted their flags on PANWAPA.COM, a lively new site from Sesame Workshop (from the corresponding mini-show on Sprout). Kids start by creating an avatar and a home from a diverse palette of options -- Sari or kimono? Igloo or cabin? -- and then build a flag that represents their favorite food, sport, instrument, etc. The flags illustrate how kids from different cultures can unite over common interests, like hamsters or jump rope. Using a globe to navigate around the world, kids can visit friends, leave messages for them, and learn about their countries. Six cuddly new Muppets host fun games that teach language and critical thinking skills, and a number of videos spotlight real kids around the world.

This educational initiative, meaning "here on this Earth" in the Tshiluba language from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, does a wonderful job teaching kids about other cultures and relaying the message that someone across the globe may like the same things you do -- and if they don't, no problem, you can still be friends. The site is beautifully animated, the games are all age-appropriate, the choices for personalization aren't generic, it's easy to navigate around the site, all instructions are given as voice-over in welcoming voices, and the message will leave visitors with a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Other smart sites for young kids include PBSKidsPlay.org, myNoggin.com, and Kids CBC Preschool.

Reviewed: 01/22/2008

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content
Violence
Language The site is available in several languages.
Message
	Social Behavior By visiting friends around the world, kids learn about cultural similarities and differences and develop a sense of community.
	Commercialism No ads, just logos of organizations that fund the Panwapa project.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco
	Educational Value Through exploration and age-appropriate, simple games, kids learn about language, culture, and geography.