Maiko (a.k.a. Lilly2000)

Whyvillian since May 8, 00

Have you ever thought about what Whyville is REALLY all about? Have you ever thought about WHY you signed up for Whyville? Maybe you should after you read this article, you might change your mind.

I took a look at the Visitor Center ("About Whyville", under your bus), and realized that the lessons that Whyville teaches are usually taken for granted, or just plain ignored. For example, how many of us actually look at all of the pictures in the Illusion House and think about them, rather than just quickly heading to the next door? I don't, I admit it, but I'm going to change that.

Whyville is a terrific way of teaching kids science because it lets us think for ourselves, rather than just memorizing facts. It's also fun! So, next time that you play a game, don't rush through it, actually think about what you are doing. Make sure you understand why you are doing it too, not just so you can get clams. You are doing it so you understand the concept of the game, and how to solve problems related to the game.

Other than science, which is pretty much emphasized as Whyville's main topic, Whyville has many lessons that are sort of hidden. For example, it teaches us social skills. How? You talk to people in Whyville every time you come on! Most people learn how to be friends with complete strangers, and this can be helpful in the future. For example, at a new job, you have to talk to strangers, and you have to be friends with them or else no work will get done.

Another thing we learn in Whyville are computer skills. Since I first came to Whyville, which was over a year ago, I realized how much my typing skills have improved. I can type much faster than I could before I came to Whyville. Some of us also learn how to draw on the computer by making face parts at Akbar's, which is often a very challenging task when you first start. From my own experience, I can tell you that it's very hard to get used to drawing with a mouse, but it could pay off in the future. I was recently asked by a friend to design a cartoon character for his website. You could be doing this for a living! Also, you could become a fashion designer when you are older if you have a lot of good ideas for clothes.

In Whyville, you are also learning how to take care of your money. We have to save up for a room for a house, and furniture, and then have some to spare for entertainment, such as clothes and projectiles. Sounds a lot like adult life, doesn't it? Which means Whyville is preparing us for life. It wouldn't be realistic for City Hall to give us a plot, lots of clams, clothes, furniture, and bricks when we start, because that's not how real life is. We are also learning how to fight for the things that are important to us by writing articles in the Times, and writing petitions and signing them too.

Wow, I honestly can't believe how much we can learn from this site, and how much of the learning we take for granted. Sure, we want Whyville to be fun, but it's also important for it to be educational. So next time you play a game, sign a petition, read the Times, talk to a friend, or go shopping, remember that it's all part of learning. Just because it's fun, doesn't mean it's not educational!

-Maiko AKA Lilly2000