Tools for this page
Print

Skoodlez

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 3, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Promising toy-based storytelling site lacks rich features.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • 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.

  • 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.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • 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 an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Skoodlez

Parents need to know that to interact on this site you have to purchase a stuffed Skoodlez toy (sold at Macy's stores for $14.99; or on eBay). An emphasis on storytelling, reading, and writing attempts to foster kids' language arts skills. Posting and rating stories is encouraged, however, kids can't chat or write comments.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Use this Web site? Review It!

  • What did you think about Skoodlez?

  •  I think this Web site is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    commoncali
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    Perfect for Kids but not so Much on Teens/Tweens

    It is an exeptabal web site but I do not theink that any 17 year old would want it or up.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    sour264
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism

    not for kids unless u like a huge bill

    some one else bought this site and now it is not for kids

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    frostee 2000
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    ages 7-12

    I think it is not the most educational website ever, but I do allow my child to play on this website.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    frostee 2000
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    ages 7-12

    I think it is not the most educational website ever, but I do allow my child to play on this website.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 6+
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Must See TV

    Age 13+
    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Game of the Week

    Age 8+
    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.