 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Shidonni
Common Sense Media says
Safe, creative virtual world is fun but needs better tools.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this virtual world is safe and age-appropriate for younger kids. Kids have to know their real-life friends' user names in order to add them as online friends -- there's no way to "friend" strangers. However, parents should note that friends can send each other messages, and there's no language filter on what they can type.
What's it about?
Aimed at kids ages 4-10, SHIDONNI blends elements of virtual worlds, social networking, and creating. Kids start by drawing an animal that "comes to life" as an animation, dancing around the screen. Then, kids create a habitat for their creature, give it some food, and send it off into the universe to explore and play games. Kids can find friends online and send snacks and other goodies to their pals' pets. Users have the option of joining the basic site for free or purchasing a "pro" membership with special features for $5.95 a month.
Is it any good?
By letting users draw their own animals, habitats, and accessories, Shidonni puts a creative spin on virtual pet sites like Club Penguin and Webkinz. However, Shidonni's interface isn't very intuitive -- parents may have to help younger kids master the basic commands. And good luck trying to draw an animal that's more sophisticated than a bug ... or even a pet rock. Overall, Shidonni gets the thumbs-up for its creative concept and cute features -- like drawing snacks to feed your creature -- but could use an upgrade in user-friendliness.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about setting limits on online game play. How can you balance computer play with playing in the "real" world? Families can also talk about safety with virtual worlds and social networking. How do you know if you can trust someone enough to make them your online friend?
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AGE
do you love it
i love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
A great website for kids
This is a great website! It has a "Shidonni Pro" option for a small fee, but it is super fun with or without.
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Kid, 12 years old
June 5, 2010
AGE
I know its weird for a 10 year old girl to still be playing a game like this but it's so cool! Kids can draw their animals and they come to life! You can also draw food for your animals. But I could do without the membership just so you could get more colors and stuff. You can also request for your animal to be turned into a plushie but its very expensive (about $70.00+)
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Kid, 12 years old
June 24, 2009
AGE
THIS SITE IS SOOOO COOL!
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AGE
Used this with lots of students aged 6-9. They all love it. A very safe way to introduce social networking and virtual worlds to young children. Builds on Kid Pix skills and includes simple games. Experience grows as use leads to more features (tools, books, games) emerging. Students continue to send me animals and messages over the summer.
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AGE
great for early elementary school
*://www2.shidonni* - no more readymade items kids need to buy. I LOVE that the prizes are new creative tools as opposed to virtual money and products.
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Kid, 12 years old
April 28, 2011
AGE
Perfect for anyone!
It's awesome! I joined a few months ago and I'm eleven! All the animals are adorable, and you can buy a stuffed version of it and enter shows... Awesome!
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AGE
I think it's a great site.
My daughter is crazy about it, she's drawing new animals all the time and she is very excited about the whole thing.
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Kid, 9 years old
June 8, 2009
AGE
tell me
can how to get to this site i don`t know how to get there
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AGE
Brilliant website! Educationa, affirming and fun!
Wow! LOVE this site. My 5 year old daughters discovered this recently and now we battle for our own computer time. They love drawing their own creatures and delight when they come to life! What's great is that the more they play, the more games they enjoy, the more design tools are added. I am dumfounded at the rate at which they've picked it all up and watching them enjoy it so much is such a pleasure!
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| Genre: | Creating |
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