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Supplementing your curriculum with documentaries and media is a wonderful option for use with just about any type of learner but especially helpful for visual learners. However, with so many options available in the streaming market, it may be difficult to find just the right service to meet your personal educational needs. The Homeschool Buyers Co-op has carefully selected a few streaming services to include in our catalog that we feel meet the high standards for content that our members expect. Here is an overview of some of the available video streaming offers at the Co-op and testimonials from those who love them.
CCC! Streaming Media – Available in a variety of topical bundles, award-winning CCC! Streaming Media provides high-quality video programs aligned to state and Next Generation Science Standards in all subject areas as well as an abundance of support materials.
Matthew A. shared the following:
WE LOVE IT! Once you get used to the interface it's easy to find stimulating and informative content on a wide variety of subjects. The ability to download or stream videos is very helpful. If internet is too slow or unavailable, downloading saves the day. Citations that can be cut and pasted are a time saver. Teacher's Guide, additional activities, and quizzes are a big help to homeschool parents. Videos are already segmented with segment titles so you can go directly to a point of interest and segments of different videos can be filed together. We even love the dated videos with their timeless information; they supply added information of history, are an added joy, and stimulate the imagination. My child comes away with confidence in his ability to perform his lessons.
CuriosityStream – CuriosityStream is an award-winning online library with thousands of educational shows and documentaries covering topics such as STEM, history, innovation, world cultures, arts, and SEL.
Judi O. said this about CuriosityStream:
My upper elementary kids love CuriosityStream! The site is organized easily enough for them to navigate on their own and find documentaries that interest them. Right now, they are all about animals. Sometimes topics of interest drive our curriculum focus and sometimes we seek videos to go along with our current curriculum focus. The price is great, and I love that there is a streaming service focused on educational materials with no regular TV shows.
Discovery Education Experience – This long-time favorite of homeschool families and public-school teachers alike provides curated high-quality content, ready-to-use digital lessons, unique collaboration tools, and professional learning resources.
Ashley T. explains:
I've been using Discovery Education as a supplement to my son's homeschool curriculum. There is a plethora of videos and materials to use to support the standards being addressed for every grade level. Many of the videos come with a quiz as well. My son, who is 13 and in the 7th grade, enjoys watching the videos because it helps him to visualize the material being taught in his textbooks and presents it in a way that is entertaining and engaging. I will continue to use Discovery Education and have told my teaching colleagues and district about it as an option to supplement the curriculum I am using as a public-school teacher as well.
Something that all of these services provide is 24/7 access to educational content at your fingertips and an end to endless searches for appropriate material for use in your classroom. This can be an invaluable asset in any homeschool.
