Wednesday, December 11th
2024 Homeschool Supply Company Reviews
BrainPOP
- Short, fun videos with characters Moby and Tim
- Tests comprehension post-video
- Includes concept mapping and vocabulary exercises
- Higher scores on state tests for BrainPOP users
- Up to 4 student profiles and teacher resources
- Content labeled for parental discretion
- Focus on science and standard school subjects
- "A+” Better Business Bureau rating
- iOS app logs activity; Android users should use mobile web
- Best used with other resources for advanced study
- Two-week trial available for new users
BrainPOP stands out in the realm of educational resources with its origins tracing back to 1999. Dr. Avraham Kadar conceptualized a way to break down complex subjects into engaging, digestible content for children.
Animated educational videos
From the outset, BrainPOP has been dedicated to creating animated educational videos that aren't just informative, but also genuinely entertaining, often infused with a type of humor that resonates with kids. The platform uses a combination of wit, playful animation, and relatable scenarios to keep students captivated and eager to learn. This approach to education through amusement has become BrainPOP's signature, making it a popular tool in classrooms, homeschools, and anywhere learning happens.
Engaging video content
A BrainPOP lesson typically starts with an animated video that's both informative and entertaining. These videos usually last five minutes and feature Moby, an orange robot, and Tim, his human friend, who explore and explain a specific topic or concept. For example, in a science lesson about volcanoes, Tim might talk about the science behind volcanic eruptions while Moby provides humorous moments that also reinforce the lesson's content.
Follow-up quizzes
After watching the video, students can take an interactive quiz that tests their comprehension of the material just covered. This quiz usually consists of multiple-choice questions directly related to key points from the video. It serves both as an immediate assessment tool and a reinforcement of what the student has learned.
Further learning activities
Beyond the video and quiz, BrainPOP lessons include various activities designed to deepen understanding and apply knowledge. Learning activities offered by BrainPOP include concept mapping, graphic organizers, related readings, and vocabulary exercises. BrainPOP Jr. learning activities include writing about a topic, discussing it, engaging in word play, and drawing about it.
Students who use BrainPOP perform better
A study comparing students who use BrainPOP with those who don't found that the BrainPOP users did better on state tests at the end of the school year in 2015-2016. This study was done across five states - California, Colorado, Florida, New York, and Texas - and looked at kids in grades 3-8 in three main subjects: reading and writing (ELA), math, and science. The team, led by Dr. Kevin Miklasz, found that the improvement in scores for BrainPOP users was not just a fluke - it was a real difference that could be clearly seen in the numbers. On average, students with BrainPOP did better than students without it, with score increases of about 38 points for ELA, 45 points for math, and 46 points for science. These positive results are strong enough to meet the "Moderate Evidence" level by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) standards, which means there's good evidence that BrainPOP really helps students learn better.
Homeschool plan recommended
BrainPOP offers two types of plans for families: the Homeschool plan and the Family plan. For homeschool parents, we highly recommend the Homeschool plan. With this plan, you can create up to 4 student profiles (as opposed to only 2 with the Family plan), access learning activities and student creativity tools, use a teacher dashboard to assign work, and access professional development resources. Professional development resources include lesson plans, pacing guides, and instructional resources from the Educator's Hub. Additionally, standards alignment guides (aligned to Common Core, US State, and Next Generation Science) can be found on every topic page.
Plans for different grades
As a homeschooling parent, BrainPOP has you covered from kindergarten to 8th grade. For the little ones in K-3, you can opt for BrainPOP Jr., which comes at a friendly cost of $29.95 monthly or an annual rate of $295. Moving up the educational ladder, for children in grades 3-8, the standard BrainPOP plan is set at $39.95 per month or a yearly subscription of $350.
Combo plan for multiple age groups
Do you have kids in multiple grades? The BrainPOP Combo plan is your go-to option, granting access to the full range of K-8 materials for $49.95 a month or $430 annually. This is ideal if you're juggling different grade levels under one roof. You also might consider this plan if you have a precocious second grader who would benefit from access to materials beyond their grade level in a given subject.
You may need to monitor your child's use
Some parents who used BrainPOP have requested the ability to hide certain topics from their children until they feel their child is ready for it. For example, there are movies on the menstrual cycle, human reproduction, and drug use. BrainPOP marks these kinds of videos with a Sensitive Content label, meant to indicate that the video includes a topic that may be uncomfortable or sensitive for some viewers. The Sensitive Content designation is usually mentioned in the movie itself or in its description. It appears that there is a setting for school-level administrators to restrict access to certain topics by student grade level; however, it's unclear if parents on a Homeschool plan can also access these content control settings in their dashboard. If not, and if you don't want your child to watch these videos, that means you will have to monitor them while using BrainPOP, which can take away some of your freedom to get other things done in the meanwhile.
Science-based, not religious
BrainPOP is a non-religious educational platform that sticks to standard school subjects and teaches science from an evolutionary perspective. This means it's not specifically designed for homeschools that teach creationism. While it's a good fit for many types of schools and homeschools, families that focus on creationist teachings might find that some of BrainPOP's science content doesn't match their beliefs. Such families may need to look for additional resources that agree with their views or use BrainPOP selectively.
A hit with users
BrainPOP boasts a top-notch "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, highlighting its quality and trustworthiness. On top of that, you can find many positive reviews online from parents and teachers. They often talk about how much they like BrainPOP for its fun way of teaching, the variety of subjects it covers, and how easy it is to use in teaching at home or at school.
Learning activity not tracked with Android
BrainPOP's Support team is ready to assist users from Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM Eastern Time, with the exception of major US holidays. For those wondering about mobile access, BrainPOP does include access to their mobile apps with any subscription plan. However, it's important to note that only the latest iOS apps will log a student's activity and track their progress. If users are on Android or other non-iOS devices and wish to monitor their child's learning journey, they should use their mobile web browsers to ensure that their child's progress is recorded accurately.
Content is broad but not deep
BrainPOP is great for teaching basic topics to younger students, but as kids get older and start learning more complex subjects, especially in math and science, they might need more detailed study materials than what BrainPOP provides. The platform is super interactive with its videos and quizzes, but it doesn't let you change the curriculum much or give detailed reports on how well a student is doing, which some homeschool parents really need. For subjects like writing and foreign languages, BrainPOP can help, but it won't have everything needed for a full learning experience. So, parents will likely use BrainPOP alongside other learning tools. Also, since BrainPOP is all online, if you want your kids to do hands-on activities like science experiments, you'll need to organize those yourself to go with the BrainPOP lessons.
Free trial
You can try out BrainPOP for free for two weeks, even the Homeschool plan. When you sign up, they'll ask for your credit card number. If you enjoy BrainPOP and want to keep using it, you don't have to do anything and you'll start getting billed after the trial ends. But if it's not for you, make sure to cancel before the two weeks are up, so you don't get charged. It might be helpful to set a reminder for yourself to make that decision before the trial period is over.
We recommend it
BrainPOP is a well-liked online learning tool that has been around since 1999 and is a favorite for homeschoolers who need something engaging and fun for kids from kindergarten to 8th grade. It's great for teaching many different subjects with short, funny animated videos and quizzes that help kids remember what they learn. While it may not cover everything students need for more advanced study, it's praised for its engaging approach and solid foundation in subjects like science and math. With an excellent reputation, including an "A+” from the Better Business Bureau, and available mobile apps for tracking progress, BrainPOP is handy for parents and fun for kids. Plus, families can test it out with a free two-week trial before deciding to subscribe. Although it doesn't cover high school-level material, BrainPOP still hears a very good rating in our review.
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The 10 Best Homeschool Supply Companies
Where Can You Find the Best Homeschool Supplies?
In recent years, homeschooling has seen a remarkable rise in popularity. It's no wonder, given the wealth of websites offering homeschool supplies and curriculum options for families. This idea has captivated the attention of parents seeking alternative educational approaches for their children.
Traditional educational systems often struggle to cater to the diverse needs and learning styles of individual students. Homeschooling provides a flexible and customizable framework, allowing parents to tailor the curriculum to match their child's unique strengths, interests, and pace of learning. This personalized approach can foster a more engaging and effective learning experience.
Homeschool Supply Company FAQ
Continued from above...
Homeschool platforms on the internet can be grouped based on how they approach education and how they structure their payment systems. In one corner, you've got the curriculum providers that package everything up neatly, resembling what you'd typically find in a traditional school setting. These all-inclusive bundles usually come with textbooks, workbooks, teacher guides, and assessments. The deal here is a one-time payment that covers the entire curriculum - a straightforward and wallet-friendly choice.
On the flip side, there are websites that thrive on flexibility. They empower parents to cherry-pick individual resources from different publishers to craft a tailor-made curriculum. This is like a buffet where you choose what suits your educational goals or your child's unique learning needs.
Maybe you're teaching history from a textbook you bought from one homeschool provider, and it occurs to you that your child would benefit from a fascinating historical documentary. Supplementary homeschool resource websites offer exactly that. They provide videos, worksheets, and interactive activities to complement your existing curriculum. These resources, such as videos, worksheets, and interactive activities, can give your homeschooling experience an extra kick. Enhancing your educational toolkit this way usually comes at the price of a monthly subscription fee.
In another arena, you'll find platforms that champion the power of the collective. They're all about group buying, letting homeschooling families unite to score the discounts on curriculum materials that public school districts enjoy. This privilege usually requires a membership fee.
Online learning homeschool platforms allow kids to learn while still getting the screen time they might crave. For a monthly or yearly fee, you gain access to a virtual world of learning. It's an enticing option for those who prefer a high-tech homeschooling experience with the convenience of online access, or for those parents who would prefer their iPad Kid be exposed to something more educational (or wholesome) than YouTube's algorithm.
When it comes to homeschooling materials and curriculum websites, you've got plenty of options to consider. To make a smart choice, take these factors into account:
- Cost. Is the curriculum or resource within your budget? Think about the overall price and whether it's a good deal for what you're getting.
- Teaching style. Does it match your child's learning approach and your teaching philosophy? Does it offer the flexibility and customization you need?
- Ease of use. How much time and effort will it take to set up and use the materials? Is it user-friendly or complicated?
- Support and assurance. What kind of support or warranty is provided? Does it cover not just the curriculum but also potential issues with other resources or services?
- Returns and adaptability. Are there any return conditions or restrictions if the curriculum doesn't work for your family? Can you adjust it as your child's needs change?
Before making your final decision, it's wise to read reviews, explore product descriptions, and, if available, watch demo videos or sample lessons. Keep in mind that choosing homeschool materials is an investment in your child's education and growth. The right choice should align with your educational goals, your child's learning style, and your family's lifestyle. Top Consumer Reviews has ranked and reviewed the best homeschool supply and curriculum websites, and we hope our evaluation helps you make a confident decision about the next step in your child's educational journey.
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