Do Webkinz help or hinder imagination?
Webkinz are the craze this year, at least in my first grade classroom. The kids eagerly share stories about their newest "adopted" plush toys, who come with a special code that allows their child owners to log on to the virtual world of Webkinz. In Webkinz world, kids earn Kinz cash by playing games and then purchase items to go in their pet's virtual home. They can also chat with other Webkinz users, soft of like like a My Space for kids.
It's a brilliant idea from a marketing standpoint--it gets kids hooked not just on a toy, but the entire brand. And the toys toys are super cute: made with extra-soft fabrics and spiky fur, each animal is certainly worthy of coveting by the younger set. Webkinz claim that their website is a "safe and educational" way for kids to play, and indeed, the games and activities seem both harmless and fun.
But what about imagination? Everything in Webkinz world is a virtual reality that replaces an imagined one--and the difference, I think, is huge. Remember playing for hours with an empty refrigerator box, or a pile of blocks, as they became a castle, a fort, or place to host tea parties for a bevy of stuffed toys? Webkinz leave nothing to the imagination-after a child "adopts" a pet, he or she is then given information about it including it's favorite foods and secret wishes.
In my classroom I watch children sit down to write stories--and struggle to come up with an idea. Many times they go to what they know: and write stories about their Webkinz and the virtual world where they play with them. These stories lack the spark of imagination and delight that accompanies the stories that spring fresh from a six year old's mind.
What do you think? Do Webkinz help or hinder imagination?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Finkenwalde 11-30-2007 @ 4:40PM
I think that is often a great deal of misplaced handwringing when it comes to our kids fascination with and, facileness in dealing with, modern information technology. The world has changed, kids have changed, and in some fundamental ways, the nature of what defines "creativity" has changed. I have a 10 year old girl and 8 year old boy who are equally comfortable playing in the virtual Webkinz world and playing with a box in the backyard. We need to stop viewing the experiences of our children through the lens of our own childhoods.
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ame s 11-30-2007 @ 4:45PM
My 8 and 10 year old daughters have dozens of them!
I restrict tv and computer time, so I don't think the Kinz are bad for them. I thought younger daughter was on the Webkinz sight this morning before school. She was actually taking a quiz on Study Island.
My two still get a thrill out of new coloring books. Things even out.
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Joy 11-30-2007 @ 6:55PM
I have 7 year old grandchildren and I have never heard of these things. I will also say that neither of them go on the computer to sites of any kind without mom or dad with them. My grandson doesn't have a computer in the home. Usually my granddaughter is right on top of things like this but with me never having heard of them, she must not care or believe me....I'd have heard.
I will also add that I know the world has changed and not always for the better (in my opinion) but for the most part, I'd just as soon let kids be kids as long as possible and I would hate it if all they wanted to do was play at a site for stuffed animals. Sorry.
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rebecca Biernesser 12-01-2007 @ 1:18AM
my son has one of the monkey's and I got him two more for christmas. It's a cute site for children to visit and play games on. Some of the games are easy, but for the most part the games are great learning games for the computer. There is also questions that test their minds. They earn "cash" to buy food, drinks, clothes, toys, rooms, furniture, etc. which helps them learn cash management. I even play the game at night for something to do when i want to relax. It's safe, fun, and I'm not worried about what my son learns while on the site.
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can_green 12-01-2007 @ 4:42AM
I have three children, 3,6 and 8. I think their imaginations have been stimulated, just check out some of these links to a couple of my Webkinz sites and the last one is to a copy of a picture my 6 year old drew of some of her Webkinz and some mystery characters.
http://www.weblo.com/domain/Information_Technology/webkinztoys.com/476178/
http://www.squidoo.com/webkinz-fun/
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2099/2074844391_9bb856c4c6.jpg
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Karen 12-01-2007 @ 10:48AM
I agree. We need to quit viewing the world of our children through the lense of our own childhood.
Webkinz are a great activity for children. The Quizzy section (the fastest was to earn cash) is full of great questions for the children to answer. They have to earn money to spend it (great lesson), have unhappy pets if they are neglected (great lesson), visit the doctor that regularly suggests healthy diet and lots of sleep (great lesson), have a daily newspaper (daily reading - great lesson), etc.
We tell children to write about what they know, so writing about their Webkinz isn't bad. I used it in my classroom. My children took their Webkinz on an adventure. They were brilliantly creative.
Additionally, while they give you information about your pet, you are not restricted to activities or food that your animal likes. My son hates carrots so her refuses to give carrots to the rabbit.
Webkinz is a fantastic toy for children and I highly recommend it. Would I want my child to sit for hours and end and avoid outside play? No..but they don't. They play for short bursts in between other activities.
If you aren't aware of this toy (and no, I do not work for them) it is a great gift for your beginning reader through 5th grade child.
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Kathy 2-10-2008 @ 10:15PM
http://teachingwithwebkinz.com/
Within the world of Webkinz™ there are an amazing number of opportunities for learning! On the pages of this book you will find activities and resources that encourage learning while using your students’ enthusiasm for their Webkinz™ pets! You will find the reproducibles and lessons based on the world of Webkinz™ that will not only engage children in a place where they are enthusiastic, but cause them to evaluate what they are doing, learn key concepts, and increase their brain power!
This resource will be available as an ebook download soon. Written by The Original Gadget Girl, Kathy Cothran.
Visit the website and sign up for updates for the release of this book!
http://teachingwithwebkinz.com/
http://theoriginalgadgetgirl.com
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