Teacher Stories
8 Reasons Why Teachers Who Grew Up on BrainPOP Choose it in Their Classrooms Today
When creating meaningful moments in the classroom, educators often draw inspiration from their own memories of being a student. For many young teachers who were once school-age students in the early aughts, BrainPOP holds a special place as one such educational experience that brings back the feeling of joy and excitement around learning.
That’s why, 25 years after it first “POPped” on the scene (pun intended), many teachers who grew up using BrainPOP as kids, now choose to use BrainPOP to empower, inspire, and engage their own students decades later.
Coming full circle with BrainPOP
Since its beginnings, BrainPOP’s mission has been to empower kids to shape the world around them and within them. With a little humor, creativity, and heart, Tim, Moby, and the relatable cast of characters have encouraged kids to ask questions, think critically, and take pride in their intellectual pursuits.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that many of those students grew up to become teachers with a passion for passing the same love of learning onto the next generation. We spoke to three of these teachers to learn more about BrainPOP’s impact on their own education, and why they choose to use it in their classrooms today.
1. Instills a love of learning
For some teachers, a lifelong love of learning starts at a young age. What begins as a childhood curiosity, once nurtured, can bloom into a career. “Tim and Moby taught me pretty much everything I know about science. They made science enjoyable. And now I’m a science teacher! So I can’t wait to bring them out in my classroom.” – Lorraine Weiskopf, Science Teacher, Mississippi
2. Characters that transcend time
Everyone wants someone on their team. For many students, Tim and Moby are the educational partners they can trust. “When I was younger, I just really loved the characters. I was raised watching BrainPOP in my schools and I grew up with Tim and Moby.” – Lorraine Weiskopf
For others, the characters brought joy and silliness to the classroom that made learning stick. “The most memorable thing about BrainPOP is 100% Moby and the humor his character brings to each episode.” – Certified BrainPOP Educator (CBE) Serena Pezzullo, 2nd grade teacher, Florida.
Now as teachers, it’s a full-circle moment. They get to see their own students forging the same relationships with the characters decades later. “My students absolutely LOVE BrainPOP!! Any time they see Tim and Moby on the screen their eyes light up and they cannot wait to hear what the two have in store.” – CBE Serena Pezzullo
3. Speaks to students on their level
Today’s students walk, talk, dress, and act differently than they did two decades ago. But despite the generational changes, BrainPOP’s animated movies continue to grow alongside students, always meeting them where they are and helping them make sense of their ever-changing world.
“My students absolutely love BrainPOP because it speaks their language of exploration and student autonomy. They are always eager to see what new content we will explore, and the interactive nature of the videos keeps them fully engaged. The platform’s ability to present complex topics in a fun and digestible manner makes learning enjoyable for them. They appreciate the way BrainPOP breaks down information and allows them to understand and retain it better.” – CBE Nikiya Alfred, 3rd and 4th ELA Instructor, Illinois
4. Content that sparks conversation
We often say that the best learning happens in a loud classroom, which means that the best learning tools should prompt questions, encourage discussion, and actively engage students in their learning. “One of the most exciting parts of using BrainPOP in my classroom is seeing my scholars come up to the SMART board to facilitate learning. They take turns leading discussions and asking insightful questions, which fosters a collaborative learning environment. This not only builds their confidence but also enhances their critical thinking skills. Watching them take ownership of their learning and actively participate in the lessons is incredibly rewarding.” – CBE Nikiya Alfred
In situations where I might not have all the necessary materials to teach a particular topic, BrainPOP truly saves the day.
5. Evolving with teacher needs
As the landscape of education, and edtech, has changed over the past 25 years, BrainPOP has evolved to meet the needs of teachers and students today. “Now that I’m using BrainPOP in my own classroom, I am always looking for ways to align videos to our current standards, enrich student learning and expand upon topics discussed in the classroom.” – CBE Serena Pezzullo
From adding new leveled activities to help teachers differentiate, to embedding state standards within topics, BrainPOP has adopted and expanded to make sure this new generation of teachers and students has what they need to succeed.
“One of the standout features of BrainPOP is its ability to cater to various learning and teaching styles. The platform includes interactive videos, quizzes, games, and creative tools, which allow me to tailor my lessons to meet the diverse needs of my students. Whether I am working with visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners, BrainPOP’s resources ensure that each student can engage with the material in a way that resonates with them. This flexibility is invaluable in creating an inclusive classroom environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.” – CBE Nikiya Alfred
6. Making cross curricular connections
“As an educator, I have witnessed firsthand how BrainPOP has significantly impacted education by seamlessly merging STEM and ELA concepts. The platform offers a vast array of topics and resources that make it easier to create interdisciplinary lessons. Whether it’s exploring scientific phenomena, diving into mathematical problems, or enhancing language arts skills, BrainPOP provides comprehensive content that helps bridge the gap between STEM and ELA, making learning more cohesive and integrated for students.” – CBE Nikiya Alfred
7. Learning kids ask for
At the end of the day, teachers are looking for ways to spark joy in the classroom and help their students look forward to learning. “My end goal as a teacher everyday is to just make learning fun and enjoyable. Growing up watching Tim and Moby really did that for me when I was growing up, so I just want students to have the same experience and enjoy coming to school and enjoy learning.” – Lorraine Weiskopf
“BrainPOP is a fun, unique, and creative way to get students motivated and want to learn. There are endless opportunities to grow, learn, and explore through its platform while having fun along the way.” – CBE Serena Pezzullo
8. Always in your corner
For the past 25 years, BrainPOP has been a thought-partner, educational ally, and reliable resource for students and teachers alike. “In situations where I might not have all the necessary materials to teach a particular topic, BrainPOP truly saves the day. Its extensive library of resources means I can quickly find high-quality content to supplement my lessons, ensuring that my students receive a thorough and engaging education regardless of any material constraints. BrainPOP’s reliable and readily available content allows me to focus on delivering effective instruction, knowing that I have a robust support system to back me up.” – CBE Nikiya Alfred
25 years of BrainPOP and counting
While much has changed over the past 25 years, one thing has remained the same: BrainPOP’s commitment to helping teachers create engaging, joyful, and essential learning experiences that their students will remember for years (no, decades!) to come.
Are you an educator with a story about growing up on BrainPOP? We’d love to hear it!
Samantha Hodes is the Community Engagement Associate at BrainPOP. She has a B.A. in Sociology and Education and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.
