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A Letter from BrainPOP’s CEO: Teachable Moments for the Ages

January 11, 2021 by Scott Kirkpatrick

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Voting and Democracy

Browse Free Content
  • Teaching Kids the Facts About the U.S. Government
    • BrainPOP Jr. (Grades K–3)
    • BrainPOP (Grades 3–8+)
      • Resources to Help Kids Manage Their Feelings
        • BrainPOP Jr. (Grades K–3)
        • BrainPOP (Grades 3–8+)
      • Encourage Digital Citizenship Skills
        • BrainPOP (Grades 3–8+)

        In the past year, Americans have grappled with historic events and lessons that will persist well beyond our lifetimes: a global pandemic, racial justice protests, an emotionally charged presidential election process, and most recently, an incursion on the United States Capitol. We watched in horror as a mob that included extremists and hate groups descended upon and desecrated the Capitol Building in an attempt to derail our democratic processes. 

        In the words of Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black, “These tragedies have reminded us that words matter, and that the power of life and death is in the tongue. We have been warned that eternal vigilance continues to be freedom’s price.” 

        Young Americans are witnessing a barrage of jarring news reports and imagery that leaves them with many questions, concerns, and fears. How do we even begin to address it all with our kids as we struggle with it ourselves?

        Educators, parents, and caregivers, you play the most essential role in inspiring kids to carve out positive paths forward. You can empower them by seizing this moment to talk about what it means to be aware, engaged, and invested citizens who respect each other and our democratic values. They are relying on you to help them work through intense feelings. This is no easy task, but we are here to support you through these difficult conversations and teachable moments. 

        Throughout January, we are offering a selection of relevant BrainPOP resources for free:

        For younger kids (grades K–3), BrainPOP Jr. has topics explaining the Branches of Government, the President, Rights and Responsibilities, and Facts and Opinions. We also have topics to help kids manage their feelings, including Anger, Mindfulness, Conflict Resolution, Emotions, and Empathy.

        For older kids (grades 3–8+), our U.S. Government topics on BrainPOP provide helpful background and context covering Democracy, the U.S. Constitution, Voting, Presidential Election, and the Branches of Government. To help kids deal with their emotions, try Mindfulness, Stress, and Conflict Resolution. Encourage kids to become discerning consumers of news and information with our Digital Citizenship collection, which includes topics like Media Literacy, Online Sources, and Social Media.

        As we begin a new week, I hope we will all reckon with and internalize the many lessons of recent days and months. If we do, I believe we have the power to move forward as a more empathetic and unified populace.

        In grateful partnership,

        Scott Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive Officer for BrainPOP



        Teaching Kids the Facts About the U.S. Government

        BrainPOP Jr. (Grades K–3)

        BrainPOP Jr. Branches of Government

        Branches of Government

        BrainPOP Jr. President

        President

        BrainPOP Jr. Rights and Responsibilities

        Rights and Responsibilities

        BrainPOP Jr. Facts and Opinion

        Facts and Opinions

        BrainPOP (Grades 3–8+)

        BrainPOP Democracy

        Democracy

        BrainPOP U.S. Constitution

        U.S. Constitution

        BrainPOP Voting

        Voting

        Branches of Government BrainPOP

        Branches of Government

        Resources to Help Kids Manage Their Feelings

        BrainPOP Jr. (Grades K–3)

        BrainPOP Jr. Anger

        Anger

        BrainPOP Jr. Mindfulness

        Mindfulness

        BrainPOP Jr. Conflict Resolution

        Conflict Resolution

        BrainPOP Jr. Emotions

        Emotions

        BrainPOP Jr. Empathy

        Empathy

        BrainPOP (Grades 3–8+)

        Mindfulness BrainPOP

        Mindfulness

        BrainPOP Stress

        Stress

        Conflict Resolution BrainPOP

        Conflict Resolution

        Helping Kids Develop Digital Citizenship Skills

        BrainPOP (Grades 3–8+)

        Media Literacy BrainPOP

        Media Literacy

        Online Sources BrainPOP

        Online Sources

        Social Media BrainPOP

        Social Media

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        A Letter from Our CEO

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        Welcome!

        Launched in 2020, the BrainPOP blog aims to inform, inspire, and entertain a growing community of caregivers and educators aligned on one goal: providing children with the tools and skills needed to thrive in tomorrow’s world.

        We’re still working out the kinks in this beta phase, but we hope you like it!

        If you have any thoughts or feedback about topics you’d like to see us write about, please don’t hesitate to reach out at blog@brainpop.com.

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