Let's Get Those Brains Popping!

Gina and I jumped into the world of BrainPOP this weekend.  It was called a Leadership Summit which was actually a confusing name.  I assumed it was for administrators since I received it.  Having attended, I wish more of you could have been there with us to learn about and feel the excitement for BrainPOP.  I will keep an eye out for more opportunities like this and if you really get excited about it, you can talk to me about becoming a Certified BrainPOP Educator at FETC in January.  All teacher accounts have been created and I believe Gina has given you the logon credentials.  She can also help you create your classes and assign students.  To get started, and to learn more about BrainPOP if you haven't used it before, go to the BrainPOP Educators website at https://educators.brainpop.com  Because we have a school site subscription, you can take advantage of the mixed quizzes and everything it has to offer including Newsela.  I will do some training at our next half day PD.  In the meantime, there are plenty of screencast videos to get you started on the Educators website.  Here is one you should all watch to help you set up your classes https://educators.brainpop.com/video/brainpop-setting-class/

Dear Tim and Moby:

What would prevent teachers from using BrainPOP with their students? 

From - A Friend

Dear Friend:

They probably don't know where to start.  Here's a suggestion.  Ask them to choose a topic they are working on, like sound.  Then watch the movie.  (Every topic comes with a movie.)  Then they should choose one thing to focus on.  Maybe it's "Make a Map" which is concept or mind mapping.  Or maybe they want to do "Make a Movie" or just some activities.  When starting with BrainPOP, they should stick with one item for each topic until they are really comfortable with it.  If they scroll down, then can also find lesson plans associated with the topic.  For example, sound has a lesson plan called "Create your own string instrument."  How exciting would that be?!!  And for the younger students, don't forget to check out BrainPOP Junior where they will meet my friend Annie.  There are all kinds of games and activities for students of all ages to play.  My favorite is Guts and Bolts where you build a human one system at a time.  Making the blood flow through the heart is kinda tricky. Good luck! - Tim & Moby

Gina will be out Monday morning learning about the role of Assistant Principal.  She will also be out Friday morning learning about our MIS program CE Tracker.  By mid-October we will have all the PD we have done since August loaded on CE Tracker for you.  Have a good week.