Ten Ton Hamster

JumpStart announced it's plan to launch a Pre-School Virtual World. It will be for children ages three to five and will have a cost of $29.99 in retail stores and will have a subscription option for parents to keep track of their child's progress for $8-$12.

Virtual World news reported the following:
It's not the first virtual world for preschoolers--Disney's BunnyTown launched last fall--but Knowledge Adventure announced today JumpStart Advanced Preschool World. Aimed at 3- to 5-year-olds, the virtual world packages "adventure-based learning" into a 3D virtual neighborhood where users can design their own homes as well as customize their avatars' clothing, faces, hair styles, and more. “Blending learning and entertainment is the best possible development environment for kids,” David Lord, President and CEO, said in a statement. “By being the first to create a 3D virtual world for preschoolers, JumpStart’s adventure-based learning approach raises the bar for inspiring kids’ minds.”

Kids can also visit a library where they can earn rewards for playing educational games, learn about instruments at the music house, painting in the art house, or just play in the swimming hole and watch music videos at the theatre. The first, set for a holiday release, will add a pet playground, beach, and a jungle.

According to CNET, the company will add a subscription option for $8-$12, letting parents check on their kids' progress and kids' share their art and designs and access new content. The point seems always focused on education, though, with social fun as the background.

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