FunBrain (http://www.funbrain.com/)

common sense media says

Fun games and a strong push to buy Poptropica membership.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this educational game site for grades K-8 pushes its companion site -- a subscription-based virtual world called Poptropica -- at nearly every turn of a webpage. If you can avert your child's eyes from the Poptropica ads, there's many educational games here designed to build on skills that kids are working on in school. Some games are intended for use in the classroom. There's a section called "Moms and Kids Playground" geared toward younger users to play on the site with a parent accompanying them.

Educational value: More than 100 age- and grade-appropriate math and reading skills games, although some of the games that are geared toward younger, kindergarten-age players assume reading skills that may be a little optimistic for many kids in that age range. Parents may need to help these players read instructions.

Positive messages: The site sends the message that learning can be cool and fun. On the other hand, it also sends the message that Poptropica (the site's paid version) is so much more fun!

Violence: Cartoon violence like tossing pigs or pelting penguins with snowballs.

Sex: Not applicable.

Language: Not applicable.

Consumerism: The paid version of this site called "Poptropica" is heavily pushed. Somewhere before, during or after every feature, players see an ad for Poptropica.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Privacy & safety: You don't need to register to play on this site, but registered users get "enhanced content," and the possibility to win prizes. Kids younger than 13 cannot become members. Site collects cookies and IP addresses.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about limiting computer time so kids have time for other important off-line activities.
Talk about how companies use clever strategies to sell stuff to kids. The constant appearance of the virtual world Poptropica site makes it almost impossible for a kid to play on this free site without wanting a subscription to its paid companion version.

Is it any good?

There's no doubt that FUNBRAIN.COM offers a lot of fun, interactive learning games for kids in grades K-8, plus tools for parents and teachers. Kids can search by grade level or topic. Kids can also read web book versions of popular books, such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and comics on the site. The downside is that the site is advertising its paid virtual world version, called Poptropica, far too much. And some games are more arcade-style (like bopping penguins on the head) than might be expected on an educational site. The blog features are not updated.

This review was written by Dana Villamagna

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What parents & educators say

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MikaylaaMadisonn
teen, 16 years old

This websire is awsome!!!!!!!!!

FunBrain (http://www.funbrain.com/)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

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What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

my school let us play on this fun kid friendly site.

So much fun!

Very Fun and Educational

recomended for 7+

Boring For Older Kids, Greatly Educational for Children

It is cute

teach kids how to learn

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cheat for grade 4

Cute Site for All Ages

MY PUPPY

i love it !!!!!!!!!!!

awesome

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