Today’s home educator has many more options available to them than earlier homeschoolers did. Certainly computers and the availability of the internet has added more exciting options and multi media learning opportunities. One exciting option available on the internet is Brainpop (grades 3 and up), Brainpop Espanol and Brainpopjr (K-3) which offer animated educational content, lesson plans, games, quizzes and downloadable worksheets through their respective websites. Ideal for both group and singular learning, Brainpop can be used in a variety of ways from introducing a lesson or topic, to illustrating complex subject matters and reviewing material. No downloading, special hardware or software installation is required. Simply log on through the member sign-in and begin. Navigating the website is both quick and easy. Older children may enjoy navigating the website and activities themselves. There are a variety of online activities and downloadable materials.

In our homeschool I use Brainpop to introduce a topic. I have found this is a wonderful way to  grab my children’s attention and I’m amazed at how much they pick up from the animated shorts. In addition to the animated movie there are a variety of supplemental activities available for each topic titled: Game, Activity, Belly up, Pop a joke, Word wall, Quiz, Read about it, draw about it, write about it, and talk about it, in addition to an easy or hard quiz. Though I am not a fan of Belly Up or Pop a Joke, I can see why it would be entertaining for children, and it certainly isn’t harmful.

Please watch the animated video tour here for a more detailed introduction.

Online Features include:
Educators Activity Pages
Graphic organizers
Curricular tie-ins
Posters, bookmarks, stickers, certificates, and clip art

If you are interested in learning more about Brainpop and how it can help you in your homeschool, sign up for the free trial membership and test it out yourself! If you have used Brainpop previously or are signing up for the free trial membership, please leave a comment below!

Karin Katherine is a proud stay-at-home mother of four. As the 7th of 8 children, Karin feels blessed by her average size (in her mind anyway) family and wouldn’t mind a few more – God willing and her husband notwithstanding. Her biggest homeschooling dream is to one day homeschool across the United States in an RV. Please visit her blog Passport Academy.