We all know that we are supposed to limit screen time and do our best to unplug but when technology has an educational component and helps us build connections to our children, then it has a value and a purpose. I recently learned about Ohanarama, a site that is an online destination designed to bring family together through age appropriate games and safe social networking designed for elementary ages.
Ohanarama takes children’s love of electronic games and uses it to build connections between children and their family through educationally rewarding games for grades 1-5. Games help children reinforce math and language skills by playing fun, age-appropriate games for single or multiple players.
Ohanarama’s online games can also be played with friends and relatives who live far away. Since 50 percent of grandparents live more than 200 miles from grand kids, Ohanarama has found a way to lessen that distance through game play. This feature is appealing to us because while we call and do the occasional video chat, I like the idea that my kids can play a game on the site with their grandparents in California in a safe way.
Game play helps earn Neuros, which can be redeemed for real-life rewards like toys and gift certificates from the Ohanarama rewards gallery. Since Ohanarama believes that their site should fun without buying anything, it isn’t a requirement to purchase Neuros to play. I love that!
Ohanarama is also a way to teach children about social neworking in a safe way. Rather than giving into the pressure of starting a Facebook account for your child under the age of 13, use the site’s social networking features to talk about online safety aspects of social networking. For example, chat features are available for family members that parents individually approve.
With monthly contests for family game play, educational content, safe social networking, and a way to play games with those despite the distance, Ohanarama is certainly a site that is worth taking a look at!
I was compensated for my time in reviewing and writing about this site but all opinions are my own.
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Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
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Here’s the thing… these games look boring. Why aren’t kids playing against their parents on cool games like Dragon Quest or whatever? Because it’s not safe?
Hi Anthony – Jane from Ohanarama here. Thanks for your comment. We’ve modeled Ohanarama after Disney World, a hugely popular destination for extended families. Disney World works because it offers variety for the family. Grandma is rarely found on Space Mountain, but Dad/Mom and the kids love it. The shows might be boring for some kids/parents, but others love them. It is difficult to match the interests and capabilities for the extended family with one game.
We do recognize that we need to continue to add to the game experience and will be offering more gameplay options going forward, including collaborative quests and more board games ( with video chat).
Have fun with whatever you and your kids are playing! That’s the most important thing.
Jane Hoffer
Co-Founder & CEO
Ohanarama