In the popular the SIMS series of gaming
sites, the viewer makes decisions and then the consequences of those choices are
played out. In MyPopStudio, you
design the entire look of the Pop Star that you create: from skin color to eyes to hair to
clothing to shoes. Going one step
further, you also select poetry from the lyric bank, put together the form, and
style of the piece. In addition to
the Music category, there are TV, Magazine, and Digital options as well.
In my opinion, this creative tool is not
the most important feature. This
site goes depend than reinforcing basic skills, to addressing their age
appropriate socio-emotional needs.
Interactive tutorials educate the viewer with fast images, hip music,
and graphics.
The self-esteem of young girls builds up to
age 9, then drops off quickly after that.
The poor self-image that can result can sometimes lead to more physical
and emotional complications. (Gurian, 2008)
The program is engaging, but this is not just for young girls. Beyond the easy animator, choices in
music, clothing, hair, etc., the blog and curriculum guide are the real stars
here. Aimed specifically at girls,
the hidden objective is for the student to question the images they see, and
talk about themselves as well. More importantly, through the download lessons, the site encourages open dialogue between adults and
children about how she feels about herself. Furthermore, the blog contains more tips from the
game’s creators, as well as from adult viewers and experts about how to talk
with children about what they see in movies, television, music videos,
advertising, etc.
The site recommends that parents view the content
with their children to see their creations, hear their music/lyric choices and
ask questions about them. If you work with children 9-14, particularly girls, or even
have one at home – MyPopStudio is worth a look.
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Gurian, A. (2008, October 30). About Our Kids. Retrieved August 17, 2010, from Disorders and
Treatments:
http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/how_raise_girls_healthy_selfesteem
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