My kids were introduced to the JumpStart 3D Virtual World about a year ago. Since then they have enjoyed visiting the site during their weekly computer time. When JumpStart offered to extend my membership so I could review some of their new features my kids were very excited.
I sat down to spend some time in the virtual world the other day and immediately knew how my parents felt when they couldn’t program the VCR all those years ago! The whole thing didn’t make much sense to me, but I continued on, confident that if I could write a blog I could play an internet game designed for young children. While I sat in front of my computer visiting the different places in the virtual world I slowly gained an audience.
As my children gathered around to watch me play the games the excitement was building.
“Play the pearl game mom!”
“Watch out for the what-cha-ma-call-its!”
“Go over there to get a coin!”
“You almost earned a sand dollar!”
“Push the jump button!”
Turn around, go back, you’re going to miss it!”
It wasn’t long before I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the “roll the pearl into the oyster game”. I could actually feel my competitive side rising up as I raced against the clock. I needed to earn that sand dollar, for the kids!
I found the entire experience quite amusing because I never play computer games, video games, or even watch television!
I love how the JumpStart website makes it easy for kids to navigate with a large arrow and simple key strokes. I like that my kids can create their own characters and give them a silly name. The parental controls are also a nice feature, as well the chat option that is made up of appropriate phrases. Kids cannot type their own words, which cuts down on the bathroom humor my young boys are so fond of sharing.
All in all, I found the JumpStart 3D Virtual World to be a fun and safe place for my kids to play games online. There are virtual worlds for kids ages three to eight, but even my nine year old still enjoys playing during his computer time.
The folks at JumpStart have offered a free 6 month premium membership to one of my readers. To enter to win the membership leave me a comment. The giveaway ends Monday, April 12, 2010.
