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Innerstar University
Common Sense says
Parents say
Kids say
A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this website.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that users must own an American Girl doll to access most areas of this upbeat virtual world. Once inside, the site's messages are positive and emphasize healthy self-esteem. Since girls communicate through prescripted messages, no personal information is shared and the space is a safe place for American Girl fans to play.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
Amazing, fun, safe, and NOT too expensive!
unfair
What's it about?
Girls can access INNERSTAR UNIVERSITY with a code from a new American Girl Doll. A few games are available for free without a code. Girls receive awards for completing activities, which include a body confidence-building dance game and a music performance game encouraging dedication. The virtual world features an impressive focus on self-esteem and positivity; game intros outline ways to boost girls' self confidence and support them trying new things. Girls can also express themselves by decorating their room and choosing new avatar outfits.
Is it any good?
Girls who purchase new My American Girl dolls or Innerstar University books receive a code to enroll in the INNERSTAR UNIVERSITY virtual world. The campus-like atmosphere includes a number of activities, such as playing lighthearted games, like one that lets girls try on different hairdos. Another activity, the Body Balance game, illustrates basic yoga moves and gives girls an encouraging, upbeat message when they finish playing. Awards and medals earned by playing the site's games are stored in an online yearbook. Girls also work to complete task-oriented projects that include exploring different sections of the site. To buy room decorations and outfits, users receive 1,000 Stars -- which are the site's currency -- when they enter.
There are several fun activities on the site, and thanks to the frequent positive messages for completing activities, Innerstar University aims to build girls' self-esteem. The only catch? Without an American Girl doll code to log in, class may let out quickly -- there isn't much to do.
Online interaction: Girls can invite friends to play certain games, friend other users, and send messages to each other through the site using pre-written messages.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about staying safe online. Why is it safer to use pre-written expressions when sending messages to people you don't know?
What kind of conversations or words should you watch out for on websites where you can send messages without any restrictions?
InnerstarU.com has games and other activities to make learning fun. How can you make school, homework, and reading more fun?
Website details
- Subjects: Math: addition, counting
Language & Reading: following directions, reading comprehension - Skills: Self-Direction: achieving goals, personal growth
Emotional Development: persevering, self-awareness - Genre: Virtual Worlds
- Pricing structure: Free
For kids who love playing online
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.