Best Kids Websites for 2008 - The Redhead Award

This year, several kids websites (aka 'destinations'/'communities') made some waves and real money.
As kids are getting more sophisticated, the site's content and experience has to improve and be innovative.
While others created lists based on grown-up 'experts' or excel sheets ($$$), I went to my expert for an one-on-one interview.

These are the best kids websites for 2008 - as selected by my very own redhead, Danielle:

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www.moshimonsters.com

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www.clubpenguin.com

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www.webkinz.com

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www.LEGO.com

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www.tutpup.com

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www.shidonni.com


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As she has an opinion (or two...) about anything, let me know if you would like to read/see more lists by Danielle.

:-)

E.T.

SAP Noodlebots Won Project Research Award

It is great to see kids get involved with dealing with/solving real issues.
I just learned that the SAP Noodlebots (FLL Robotics team) won the project research award for its Climate Change project/presentation.

Kudos to Hila and Janaki for their coaching!




Check out additional info here.

E.T.

Mac Parental Controls

Few months pass since my son started to use a mac (MacMini for MiniMe) and now my daughter started to sneak to his (or mine) as well. As she uses computers for over 5 years now, she developed some 'skills' that allows her to access sites, bypassing Glubble and other solutions.
For example, she found how to use IE and FF to get the protective tools confused...

(I do not know if I am more proud or concern at this point...)

But as she started using the Mac, the situation is under control.
I started to use Apple Mac OS Parental Controls.

After a simple setup (see bellow), she has her own user and can use the system/Internet safely.









Now, I am looking for a solution to make sure there is no hot chocolate around my keyboard...
(And no, keep saying that does not help...)



Progress made in small steps...

E.T.

Danielle@Veodia

And this is why she really likes to come to the office...



Happy Holiday!

E.T.

Competitive Learning: tutpup.com

Based on the good feedback I received on the 'Do the Math' post , I decided to recommend another great website.

http://tutpup.com focuses on Maths Game and Word Game Questions and include several levels.

The site has a very clean design, it is fun and easy to use.

And for the more competitive kids, it allow to play games and to compete with other kids, win awards and collect virtual prices.

The registration is optional and safe.

No real names, just cool nicknames...
(I dare you challenge Silver Bat 468...)

Have fun,

E.T.

Do The Math

Next time your kids would like to 'play' on your computer or iPhone, you could make sure they have one, or you could make sure they learn something new (while trashing you machine...).

http://www.thatquiz.org is a great website for teaching your kids Math.

Comment and warning :

http://www.thatquiz.org focuses on short, time based quizzes, on a variety of topics.
So, less explanation and more fun and getting points.
Make sure this would be good for your kids before you start with it.

Another option is http://www.gengarstudios.com.
BrainTuner is a great iPhone application (click the image for a direct link to the Apple store).
You can use it to stay sharp, or to prove to your kids that 3 hours sleep a night do not make you smarter...

A more generic brain/Math game is Brain Toot.

That should teach this kids a lesson...

E.T.

Mac Mini 4 Mini Me

Should young kids have their own computers?
Yes, especially when the alternative is for them to destroy my computers...
Ever since they were 2.5 years old, they did.

At the beginning, we used Comfy. A great Israeli product that supports over 21 languages!

So, our kids utilized our old laptops/desktops.
As most of the content is online, we are using Glubble to control their access (Some great features include the capability to receive access request via eMail, easy bookmarks and kids friendly homepage).

So all was well.

Until few weeks ago when my son came to me and said:

"... I do not like my computer... It is too slow and I do not like to blue sky and grass image and it is too slow and I want a one like yours and like I have in my school..."

Well, what can I say... The kids want a Mac...

So, I took the 'old' MacMini, added a monitor and an old keyboard and the kids is MacNative...
And now, my iKid continues to ride his iBike, play with the iDog, annoy the iSister and love his iMommy. Not bad for a 4 years old...

:-)

E.T.