Disclosure: I received a free trial and was compensated for the time invested in reviewing the product. I was not required to provide a positive review, and these are my actual thoughts…and opinions. 😉
I recently shared how we are looking at some new homeschool options for my oldest daughter, and one area I really became interested in was online educational programs. In January, I did some looking and found a few programs to research, and one of those was a program called Time4Learning.
You can imagine, I was so excited when I got the opportunity in February to sign-up and try it out!
My eight-year-old is becoming much more independent, and while I love doing projects and hands-on learning, she is not so into that any more. Instead of forcing her into my teaching style, I’m trying to figure out what works for her particular bent.
After about a month of use, I can tell you that she really likes Time4Learning. Since it’s almost the end of the year, we have our own curriculum in place–so we weren’t using it as a full homeschool curriculum. It was more supplemental, and at this point, I think that works best for us.
With that said, you definitely could use it as a complete homeschool curriculum…and many people do. They have recommended booklists, spelling lists, and various other printable options to go along with lessons. There is also a whole Time4Learning forum with tons of great advice and ideas for how to best utilize the program. You can also find help on Facebook and Twitter.
Another idea is to use the program for an “after-school” learning option or for extra help instead of tutoring. I especially think it would work well in the summer when we don’t formally school. Maybe it would keep some of that summer brain drain from happening….
With three girls eager to do the program, the biggest drawback for me personally is cost. The program is $19.99 per month, and each additional child is $14.95. Granted, if you were using this for a complete curriculum, that wouldn’t be too bad at all. Compared to many other of the online educational programs, it is pretty inexpensive. I guess the one thing about paying for it is that you’ll actually make sure you use it! Slightly different from how I often forget about or don’t use the educational freebies I’ve picked up or found online…
How Does Time4Learning Work?
Time4Learning has what they call an “automated online learning system”. It is set up according to a particular learning sequence for the grade level(s) you choose. Subjects include math, language arts, science, social studies, and a special learn-to-read program for young students.
Once your child picks the subject, they complete the online lesson presented to them. Once they’ve completed a set number of assignments, they will take a quiz or test over the material. Finally, you can track their progress through the Parent Dashboard.
You can find a short video of how Time4Learning works. You can also try a demo of Time4Learning if you want to see it in action.
The program is multimedia and animated. I, personally, find the graphics a little cheesy, but the girls really seemed to enjoy them. My oldest was the only one using it, but the other two would crowd around to see what was going on. Because my daughter enjoys being on the computer, the program was also motivating for her.
The first time you look around Time4Learning, it can feel a little overwhelming. Once you take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the program and check out their helpful resources for getting started, you’ll be able to figure it out pretty quickly though.
And your child will probably figure it out much more quickly than you do!!
My favorite parts of Time4Learning:
- The option to place your child at one grade level in one subject and a different grade level in another subject.
- It’s easy to check and see how your child is doing.
- The multimedia lessons really held my daughter’s attention.
- The parent forum is extremely helpful.
- It works for ages preschool-8th grade.
Overall, I think Time4Learning is definitely a great option if you are looking for an online educational program. We’re still sorting through and praying about our decision, but it is one of our top three options for next year.
Want another opinion about Time4Learning? Check out Becky’s review over at This Reading Mama.
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Time4Learning has graciously donated TEN 14-Day Trials for me to give away! To enter to win, just follow the directions in the form below. This giveaway will end on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 10 PM CT. The winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email to claim the free trial subscription.
Tonia says
This is such a great give away, and very timely too. I’m trying to decide what to use for my son for preschool, this sounds like a wonderful possibility.
BPosh says
Thanks for offering this giveaway! I am looking into curriculum for my 3 children for next year. Hopefully I did the entry form correctly!
Sharon R says
Sounds like a good option. I’d really like to try it.
Kristin B says
I have two boys… one with SPD… this looks like a GREAT tool for us to be able to use in our learning! Thank you for this generous opportunity!
Sarah Ballenger says
I’m curious to try their language arts section for my first grader.
Kala says
I’ve been looking at trying this for my daughter!
Angela P says
Thanks so much for the giveaway.. Good luck to all who is entering!
Christine says
I’d love to try this for my daughter.
Nicole M. says
We also use Time4Learning with my three boys and they really enjoy it. We use it as a full homeschool curriculum (but my youngest just plays on his brother’s account because he’s too young to need his own) and have found it to be very comprehensive. Science is definitely my oldest son’s favorite subject and social studies takes a very close second! So glad your daughter enjoyed her time with Time4Learning! I think summer time activities to keep their minds busy would be a great idea!