www.skoodlez.com)

common sense media says

Update: Company is out of business; no web support for toys.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this company apparently has gone bankrupt. Inquiries to the former public relations managers resulted in no further contact information for the now-defunct company.

Educational value: Because this site is centered around reading and writing there are lots of opportunities for learning, especially for kids ages 4 to 8 (any older and this site might not be intellectually challenging enough). For instance, kids can learn what nouns, verbs, and adjectives are while filling in the blanks to make a story or learn about word recognition in the games section.

Positive messages: There's no chatting with other users on this site, so there's little chance of getting rejected or encountering a rude user. Most of the story frameworks that help kids construct a story are based on positive experiences, like playing sports, hiking, and reading.

Violence: Not applicable.

Sex: Not applicable.

Language: A dictionary defines words for kids. While there are no expletives listed in the dictionary, you will find the words for female body parts, like "vagina" and "uterus" -- but oddly, male genitalia entries are excluded.

Consumerism: You have to buy a real-life stuffed toy, sold exclusively at Macy's stores, to participate on this site. Also, there are opportunities for kids to earn virtual cash by writing stories. Called "Samoleez," this virtual play money can be spent in the still under-construction shop.There are no ads on the Web site.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

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

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the elements of a good story. Characters, setting and emotions all play a big part in making a story that's enjoyable to read. What do you like to see in a story? Should there be suspense or events that make you want to keep reading? Do you like to read about characters who solve problems that you've encountered? Do you think the stories on this site are interesting? What do you like to write about? How does it feel to post your stories for other to read and rate?

Is it any good?

Designed to get kids excited about reading and writing, Skoodlez.com has a noble goal. Unfortunately, even though the Skoodles toys were heavily promoted at Macy's during Christmas '08, much of the proposed content was not available a month later. However, the main part of this site, the writing exercises, are live and fairly robust, and should allow kids a comfortable spot to flex their creative muscle. As new features are rolled out, hopefully they'll be as nicely done.

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

staceyem
parent of 8 year old

stinks for all involved

I am really mad...........my poor children were given these darn skoodlez for Christmas, and they can't even go online because there is no website!! We should get a refund!!

Skoodlez (http://www.skoodlez.com)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

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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

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stinks for all involved

gjgoyguobyohbpj

It's aight...

A waste!

No Website - STAY AWAY FROM PRODUCT

fantastic

pet books

great for any age!!!

wehow

Beware, still for sale, but website does not exist

08.08.10 NO WEBSITE!! DO NOT BUY> NOT BBB ACCREDITED

its great

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