Common Sense Media Review
By Conny Coon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
British edu-site encourages learning both on and off-line.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
What's It About?
Created in the United Kingdom, this \"mouse club\" has nothing to do with that other mouse (Mickey's), but is just as fun -- and doesn't come with a barrage of product placement and movie tie-ins. Preschoolers will delight in their three virtual playmates, Blue Mouse, Red Mouse, and Roly, who show up throughout the site's games and activities. Parents and teachers will discover great tools and tips for enhancing the educational experience throughout this safe site.
Is It Any Good?
Top-notch graphics and engaging animated characters offer a welcome place for preschoolers to gently learn skills and become accustomed to using a computer. The offerings are plentiful, and there are enough games, activities, stories, and downloads to provide hours of educational entertainment. Parents will appreciate the resources and links, teachers will benefit from the various lesson plans, and kids will enjoy the wide variety of games, puzzles and activities so much they won't even realize they're learning at the same time. The site also includes -- and encourages -- many offline activities, including crafts, party ideas, coloring pages, and travel activities.
Online interaction: Users can send simple animated ecards to other friends' email addresses. The messages are pre-selected and encouraging ("It's so cool to see you back at school!"), so there's no chance of inappropriate language getting through
Talk to Your Kids About ...
How playing online can actually be a great way to learn, too. What types of things can you learn from interactive games and activities that will help you perform better in school?
Why it's important to learn in many different environments. Even though playing online can help teach computer, math and reading skills, it's important to also find other ways to play and learn away from the computer.
How important it is to learn how to operate a computer correctly and safely. How will a computer be used later in life … in school and in the workplace?
Website Details
- Subjects : Language & Reading : following directions , letter or word recognition , naming , reading , Math : counting , grouping , patterns , shapes
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , decision-making , problem solving , solving puzzles , Creativity : imagination , making new creations
- Genre : Educational
- Pricing structure : Free
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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