 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
BJ Pinchbeck's Homework Helper
Common Sense Media says
Vast library of links a boon for kids doing online research.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that BJ Pinchbeck's Homework Helper is an educational site and academic oasis. A library of educational links provides users with information covering almost every topic that comes to mind. The site is constructed so that each category is broken into subcategories. For example, the "English" section offers links on grammar, mythology, poetry, literature; and authors; "Computer Science" offers links on programming, networks, and web design; and the "Science" section offers information about anatomy, botany, biology, physics, and much more. This homework hub is a wonderful aid to students across the board, but users should be cautious about straying to links with mature or inappropriate content. As a bonus, BJ Pinchbeck provides a "College Companion," an entire site dedicated to preparing for college prep and being successful while in college.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn about good resources that may help when they get stuck on their homework. BJ Pinchbeck's Homework Helper surfaces "best of" links on academic subjects (English, math, art/music), search tools (reference sites, search engines), and current events. Although the site serves up lots of relevant info, it will vary in quality, and kids won't find much direction on how to use it for their specific needs. Expect comprehensive, well-vetted homework references, but little direction on their use.
Subjects
- Language & Readingphonics, vocabulary, writing
- Mathalgebra, calculus, geometry
- Scienceastronomy, biology, physics
- Social Studiesglobal awareness, history, the economy
Skills
- Collaborationrespecting other viewpoints
- Communicationasking questions
- Creativitycombining knowledge
- Emotional Developmentmoving beyond obstacles
- Health & Fitnessfitness
- Responsibility & Ethicsembracing differences
- Self-Directionidentifying strengths and weaknesses
- Tech Skillsusing and applying technology
- Thinking & Reasoninganalyzing evidence, applying information, thinking critically
What's it about?
Kids sift through educational links to uncover information about their determined subject matter. This site is a library of helpful websites, which cover almost every topic under the sun. If a student needs help, or just wants to delve deeper into a certain topic, this is a place that offers a good array of information. For instance, kids interested in social studies click on the Social Studies tab. From here they can find links to Ancient History, American History, Geography, and more.
Is it any good?
BJ PINCHBECK'S HOMEWORK HELPER is a wonderful resource for finding information. The links provided on the site are carefully selected and should be extremely helpful for kids researching topics online. Pinchbeck created his site with the help of his father and the Discovery Channel at 9 years old. Since then, he has graduated from Drexel University and has branched out on his own. Not only does the site cover information relating to ordinary scholastic subjects, it also includes progressive and engaging sites that encourage kids to get involved in politics and their communities.
As users browse through the many different links, they'll probably encounter some sites that are broken or no longer existing. It is also easy to navigate away from the original site and topic of concentration, if users aren't careful. But, overall this is a no-hassle library of links helpful for quick questions and homework assignments with something for everyone.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about using the Internet for homework help. What makes up a good resource for school kids? Can you think of a site that's not a reliable hub of information? Why is it not reliable?
Families can also discuss age-appropriateness. Is it better to have a site for a specific age group or for a specific topic, or does it matter?
What kids can learn
Kids can learn about good resources that may help when they get stuck on their homework. BJ Pinchbeck's Homework Helper surfaces "best of" links on academic subjects (English, math, art/music), search tools (reference sites, search engines), and current events. Although the site serves up lots of relevant info, it will vary in quality, and kids won't find much direction on how to use it for their specific needs. Expect comprehensive, well-vetted homework references, but little direction on their use.
Subjects
- Arts: drawing, painting, photography
- Hobbies: board games, sports
- Language & Reading: phonics, vocabulary, writing
- Math: algebra, calculus, geometry
- Science: astronomy, biology, physics
- Social Studies: global awareness, history, the economy
Skills
- Collaboration: respecting other viewpoints
- Communication: asking questions
- Creativity: combining knowledge
- Emotional Development: moving beyond obstacles
- Health & Fitness: fitness
- Responsibility & Ethics: embracing differences
- Self-Direction: identifying strengths and weaknesses
- Tech Skills: using and applying technology
- Thinking & Reasoning: analyzing evidence, applying information, thinking critically
How kids will learn
The Internet can feel like an abyss. BJ Pinchbeck's site could help kids find what they're looking for without being overwhelmed, as its resources are carefully selected. For kids who need extra help to complete their homework, this balance of freedom and support could boost their confidence. There's lots to sift through, so kids are on their own to read content and formulate hypotheses.
How parents can help
- Help kids see that not all sites are created equal. Invite them to investigate a few links under the same topic area to determine what's best for their use.
- Point kids who have difficulty digging for information and researching toward this site. Show them a few sites that are most relevant to the topic they need help with.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Best all around site
BJ provides a thorough list of links on a vast array of topics that are useful from grade school through adult. A nice place to start for any question.
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AGE
e.g. I BELEIEVE ITS PRETTY GOOD FOR TWEENS.
I BELIEVE ITS DEFINATELY AGE APPROPRITE. BUT IT DOES HAVE A COUPLE OF BROKEN LINKS. OTHERWISE ITS FINE AND SOMEWHAT HELPFUL IN HELPING CHILDREN.
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Kid, 12 years old
October 9, 2011
AGE
BASIC
I think it's basic
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| Genre: | Educational |
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