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MinyanLand (http://www.minyanland.com)

common sense media says

Learn all about money, but watch out for ads.

parents & educators say
See all 10 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this site teaches kids about money and investing through games, quizzes, articles, videos, and a virtual world where their avatars earn, spend, and invest. But the suggested age range of third to fifth grade may be a stretch. Most kids on the younger side of that spectrum may become overwhelmed by the many financial terms and numbers, large amounts of reading, and the barrage of (fantastic) information this site tries to pack in. Also, be aware of the large number of ads that may blend into the content -- many kids will need help distinguishing between the two.

Educational value: There's lots of good information here on finances and money in articles, games, quizzes, and more. The "Kids and Family" section is full of helpful info for kids and parents about family finance issues like allowances, budgets, child care expenses, and part-time jobs for kids.
Positive messages: Encourages kids to learn about investing and to save, donate, and spend money wisely. The chat feature includes a controlled list of preselected phrases.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Ads abound for credit cards, investment banks, Blockbuster Video, AOL, and the Fox Business Channel. Some ads are embedded into the content, so it may be difficult for kids to discern what's an ad and what isn't.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on MinyanLand

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why it's important to learn about and be cautious with finances. How are the money choices you make in this virtual world different from what you might do in the real world? How much depends upon other non-economic factors -- environment, family, or other priorities that your family deems important when spending or investing money?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This site is mostly right on the money, other than the overabundance of ads and the heavy focus on reading at a level that most third- to fifth-grade kids will find difficult. One article includes this sentence: "Capital market destruction is an inevitable comeuppance, the cumulative result of risk gone awry." Not exactly third-grade fare. But for older kids and parents, this site offers many fun ways to learn about and discuss money matters.
This review was written by Dana Villamagna
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

rater99rocks
kid, 12 years old
7
 
Very educational!!
It taught me so many cool things like stuff with money cause they have a bank so I learned that kinda stuff. Over all, it's kinda like webkinz but you can make minyans for free!!
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (4)
pandapple
kid, 11 years old
4
 
Super Fun!!
This is my favorite virtual world ever!
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
brandonele
teen, 14 years old
2
 
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
LilKristiina
kid, 9 years old
2
 
YA IT ROCKS FOR LIFE MAN!
Iove it!
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
Kekepalmer2223344
kid, 12 years old
14
 
I lost six brain cells watching thos
WEIRD stupid
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CSM Screen ...
parent of 18 year old
7
 
preteen
can you drink and smoking
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (5)
sweetimcheek
kid, 12 years old
10
 
OKAY!?
It's okay, I wouldn't call it brilliant. I don't really like the world but I like in the cinema and seeing all those cartoons.
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (4)
Thecomputerg33k
kid, 11 years old
11
 
Minyanland Free
If you child wants to be a banker this will be a great game
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)
Kappa Mizu
kid, 11 years old
5
 
WATEVER
this website is BOR-ING!!!
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quiquiondra
kid, 12 years old
10
 
About MinyanLand
it was ok it is just my computer doesn't let me see all of itso i am not going to play it like right now i will just wait untill i get my laptop back form the stupid shop.
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (5)

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines