INOBTR » Games

Fun (Educational) Websites

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:52:48 +0000

Worried your kids are going to forget everything they’ve learned since school got out? Worried that they are playing mindless games (which isn’t all bad)? Then our friends at Common Sense have compiled a list of some Educational Websites that are also fun, safe and good for your kids. Check them out.

Here is a sample of what you’ll see on their site:

Safety Tips From a Game Blogger

admin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:03:48 +0000

We highlight a lot of games here on the website (probably because I love to play online games…) trying to note the ones that offer a safe playing environment. I have not checked out Stardolls yet, so be sure you check it out completely before playing (or allowing your children to play). But check out this Blog from one of its members. What a great example of kids who play games trying to help each other play safely! Tips include:

Do not open links, files, or go to any site that a person you do not know sends you.

Do not open any links that have two http, or are unfamiliar

Do not open any links that have words before the main site(example: star.stardoll)

Check out all of the tips from one teen to another!

Yoursphere – A Social Network Just for Kids

admin — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:09:21 +0000

No one over 18 allowed! Concerned about your children using facebook, MySpace, or the myriad of social networking sites out there? One mother took it upon herself to create a social networking site that is aimed at kids, for kids and kids alone. Have your kids check it out – there are games, videos, and contests – all monitored by a team of security experts.

Check out the spheres: create, connect and share!

A sphere is a group where friends with like-minded interests like sports, music, fashion, gaming, academics, performing arts and more, interact. Yoursphere members can join any sphere, and can create their own – about anything they wish, and invite their friends.

Members can get a feel for what’s inside all the spheres by checking out their home pages. Here you can see what’s going on, what’s new, who has joined, what the latest posts are.

Get the Most Out of Online Games

admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:30:20 +0000

Common Sense Media has done it again – great new blog about online gaming. You know we are big supporters of Common Sense Media as a great guide to what is safe for your children. Here is a “common sense” approach to online gaming with tips and recommendations for games by age.

There are descriptions so that non-gamers can understand the difference in the types of games. There are also recommendations for safe games by age level. Check it out

More Safe Games for Kids

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:57:39 +0000

I was wondering about the net today and thinking about other places where kids might find fun games to play online that were also safe. Here in Missouri, all I had to do was look to our own state government’s website. One game even uses a maze to illustrate how a bill becomes a law – fun and educational. Click here for some safe games with a little teaching on the side.

Check out your government’s website too. Here are just a few we looked up for you:

Virtual Worlds for Kids

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:38:43 +0000

The advent of a new Virtual World game for kids often gets us to wonder - are we grooming kids to spend all their time playing games online? To many adults, online games seem like a waste of time. However, they have been shown to aid in reasoning and judgement, to engage children in a way that can be both educational and fun, and can provide oftentimes free age-appropriate activities that teach children how to use computers. We just stumbled across this website today that offers reviews of many virtual world games for kids with some insights into the advantages of each. Even this site could be a fun place for parents and kids to connect as they pick out games that are acceptable to be played in their home.

Here is what they say:

Since the great success of Club Penguin, more virtual worlds for kids get introduced to the market every single year.

How do you know which ones to go to for the best value in terms of education and fun factor?

VW for Kids was set up for the very purpose of providing up-to-date information and non-biased reviews of virtual worlds for kids. Check it Out.

Anti-Phishing Phil

admin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:59:44 +0000

Do you know how to recognize a fake website address? What tricks do scammers use to lure you into giving them information? Learn how with this game.

We’ve all received strange emails that “look real”, but in fact are meant to steal information or send you to inappropriate websites. The folks at Wombat Security Technologies, Inc developed a fun interactive game that helps you learn what to look for in fake addresses and shows you tricks that scammers use. Play the first two rounds with your kids. Kids – play it with your friends to see who can get a perfect score first and teach yourself some of the tricks that scammers use to “phish” for your information. Contact Wombat Security Technologies directly for information on how to get the complete game.

Click on this image to play.

Kids Against Bullying

admin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:28:30 +0000

Check out this new site against bullying. The PACER Center’s site offers games, videos, contests and information for younger children. While the site focuses on bullying in real life, the consequences and harm are the same online. This site offers information for parents and educators and games that can be used as discussion starters for parents and their children. Good fun for kids while they learn and good resources for parents. The site also keys into the respect for all children and the PACER Center in Minnesotaa is a Champion for kids with disabilities. Visit the Site

kidthing.com

admin — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:08:35 +0000

Here’s a new site that features a free downloadable player. Their claim is that it is safe for children because it is not a browser, “it lives on your computer, not on the web”. I haven’t checked out any of the games, but recent additions included the chance to be part of a free digital book, entitled “Dear Mr. President”. The games and activities are in partnership with the NEA and there are special offerings for teachers. It should be noted that the games and activities need to be purchased. There are some free activities and some start at just 99 cents. It looks fun for youngsters and the NEA stamp of approval is a good recommendation.

Visit the Site Read a review from Darlene Harley of geek.com

Online Gamers keep it local, says new study

admin — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:32:23 +0000

By Kristin Kalning Photo – Sony Online Entertainment

Games editor

msnbc.com

updated 8:04 a.m. CT, Mon., Feb. 23, 2009

Massively multiplayer games can be a global melting pot. Hop into “World of Warcraft” or “Guild Wars” and your North American warrior can rub shoulders with an Australian healer.

But more often than not, online gamers are more apt to hang out with people in their neighborhoods than people on the next continent, says a new study. The analysis, which tracked the playing habits of 7,000 people in Sony Online’s “EveryQuest II,” says gamers game with people they know: friends, friends of friends and family. Read Entire Article