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Smartycard (http://www.smartycard.com)

common sense media says

High scores -- and parents' money -- yield real prizes.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this high-quality website for kids grade 2-6 motivates kids with real-life rewards for playing educational games online, if parents pay the $6.65 and up monthly fee for the rewards. Otherwise, kids can still play the games but they'll see a lot of reminders that they should tell their parents to "unlock" their wish list of rewards -- eveyrthing from Wii games to books and passes to virtual web sites.

Educational value: Well-crafted games on all major elementary school subjects -- math, science, social studies and English.
Positive messages: Learning should be fun and have its just rewards, and this site definitely offers both. The question is whether intrinsic or extrinsic rewards are most motivating for kids.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: There is a strong focus on the rewards portion of this site, the rewards mall, and "wish lists." Also, prominent reminders to kids such as: "You've earned points, but they're locked. Ask your parents to buy a smarty card."
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: There's a reminder for kids to not use their own name for a screen name. Grade level is the only other necessary identifier for kids on this site. Parents receive notices via email about their child's activity on this site, and they can sign up for an exclusive parent account to monitor their child's educational progress.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

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What to talk about

Talk to your kids
How online marketers get your kids to want stuff they may never have wanted before seeing them on websites like these or on TV. Read CSM's Kids social sites and the buying bug.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Most kids who love to learn, who love colorful online graphics and who loves games will take quickly to this engaging, well-organized site. The games are almost wholly educational and challenging. Kids can choose from activities in all general school subjects by grade level and "easy," "medium," and "hard" levels within those grades. Parents get progress reports. Most prizes are also semi-educational and definitely hit on the most up-to-date kids' consumer wish lists.
This review was written by Dana Villamagna
 
 

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TomPo
parent of 3 and 9 year old
7
 
Good
It is a great way to motivate your kid to learn.
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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