TOS Review: Time 4 Learning

Time 4 Learning calls itself : "Homeschool Curriculum, After School Learning, Summer Use For Preschool, Elementary, & Middle School Students." Curriculum is available for grades Preschool through 8th grade. They combine online learning with "fun educational and teaching games." The Language Arts and Math cover state standards for each of the grades. This is a secular homeschool provider.

I did a free trial with grades: K, 1, 3, and 8th. My daughter did find the 8th grade math difficult so I had her do the 7th grade math. The language arts she found just right academically. My daughter did not like the language arts because of the language and slang used during the lesson. One time the girl said OMG! Taking the Lord's name in vain. She got to the point in it that she muted the sound and was still able to answer the questions correctly. We do Switched on Schoolhouse, and she is always muting the computer programs, so that is not uncommon for her. She did some science and history and skipped the evolution topics.

For Kindergarten and 1st grade, I really liked the program. They followed public school standards (I checked) teaching phonics progressively. I like how they slowly introduced each letter. The only thing on this level is that if they don't do well, it still moves them forward to the next lesson. This is were parents come in to watch carefully how they are progressing and repeating exercises as necessary. The math was done well too. I do felt if was a little slow in making progress, but good overall. The boys did well. They learned fractions, counting money, telling time, addition, measurement etc. There is no science in Kindergarten, but in first grade there is. The problem I have with it is for a non reader, the quiz is not read to them, so if he does not tell me when he comes to the quiz, he does poorly on them.

For 3rd grade, I was a little disappointed. I was pleased at the educational aspect of it. But some of the stories my son could not relate to (detention) and some stories I felt were encouraging students to disrespect adults. The comprehension section has been helpful for him. The math section has challenged him (in a good way.) They do have science and history at this level. These are not automatically read to the student and you must have a plug in if you need it read to the student. On one computer we used we were unable to download the plug in.

My boys have really liked using this program and have asked numerous times and even on weekends to do "school on the computer." I do plan on continuing it with them for as long as I am able to afford it.

Like I said, this is a secular curriculum. So you have to deal with evolution, bad attitudes, and the rare discussion of bodily functions (animal and human.) I did not see these at the k and 1st grade levels. Time 4 Learning I do believe is trying to make this as homeschool Christian friendly as possible. They have a parent forum and have started a discussion just for this topic. I always tried to be in the same room with the students when they were using the program. We skipped any lesson with evolution in it. Evolution doesn't scare me, because they do understand the truth. However I am cautious at the upper levels of the program. Starting to see some attitudes, etc, I didn't like in 3rd grade.

Is this a complete curriculum? I don't think any curriculum could truly call themselves complete. However with some supplementation (handwriting, journaling, math drill, daily reading, etc.) this could definitely be good base. There is a lot of support for homeschoolers to use the curriculum. There is also a parent forum to discuss anything from supplementing to discussing material covered to parent support for homeschooling. Visiting and posting on the forum is free and you don't have to be using the curriculum to check it out and ask specific questions about the website.

Time 4 Learning cost approx. $19.95 for the first student and approx. $14.95 for the second. If you email them they do offer discounts if you pay quarterly and by the year.

My contact with Time 4 Learning has been positive. They are eager to work with Christian Homeschoolers.

Time 4 Learning - Getting Started Review

I am just starting the review process for Time4Learning and like to share with you a little about how we are progressing with the program as we go through the month.

The first thing we did was register each child. For the lower level (grade 3 and down) we had to answer a few questions about the child's abilities in language arts and math. I have one upper level (4th grade through 8th) that I was able to place on her grade level. (Which I can change later if need be.) I also made up passwords for each child at this time. The program also runs a quick check to make sure you have everything installed for the program to work properly and make sure there are no security issues.

While waiting to receive our account set up confirmation (less then 24 hours) I was able to explore the Getting Started Guide and Hints and Help section. The program is not that difficult to figure out, but knowing that this info was available was helpful. The three areas I found to be important to parents was: the parent login page (to access account information, among other things,) the child's back pack on the student launch page (to see grades and progress), and by clicking the parent button on the "Lesson Time" page (to set time limits, etc).

Shortly after setting up our accounts, I received an email stating we were ready to go. Each child logged in on the lower and upper login pages, depending on their level. Logging in takes you the the student launch page. You can see a sample here.

There are suggestions on how to proceed through program, such as how much to do each day on the getting started guide page. You can preview the lessons before hand if you would like and you always have the option of skipping a lesson.

There is also a parent forum / message boards, but I have not taken much time there. This is a great place to connect with other parents using the program and ask your questions. You can even ask questions about the program / website before signing up.

My children are essentially computer illiterate so I have been sitting between two computers as they work two at a time. My 6 year old tends to push buttons off the page so I have used F11 button to make it full screen for him. My boys do tend to watch each other and just click away rather then check the correct answer. I have made them redo lessons when they score less then 80%. They are doing this less and less as the week has gone by. They have been enjoying the lessons so far and are using the skill they have learned. My 7 year old non reader proudly shows me the "table of contents" page on books he picks up now. They now ask to "do" school.

I will check in next week with an update on content!