Time4Learning.com is an online curriculum for grades pre-k through 8th that teaches language arts, math, science and social studies. Children learn on the computer using interactive lessons and activities as well as printable worksheets.
Some of the benefits of Time4Learning are:
- reporting system for your record-keeping
- state standards correlation
- curriculum ranges from pre-k through 8th grade
- project-based activites
- student-paced learning
- access to 3 grade levels of lessons for each student
My daughter used Time4Learning’s pre-k program for about a month. She enjoyed the activities available at that level which are things like learning the alphabet, shapes, colors etc. One of my favorite features of the pre-k program is the ease of use for pre-reading children. All actions are accompanied by sounds and smiley faces with a nodding ‘yes’ or a head-shaking ‘no’. The story creator is another example of pre-reading activity that is usually a reader-only activity. I found that she could truly use the program all by herself and understand what she was doing.
The record keeping is very handy for anyone keeping track of the program use for school requirements. It’s nice having the ability to print this all out rather try to go back and remember what was done and for how long.
A Time4Learning subscription is $19.95 for the first child. Each additional child is an added $14.95. I wouldn’t pay this for a pre-k program. For us, that’s too much money to spend on a child staring at a computer screen every day.
Now, the program does go all the way through 8th grade so I do think it’s a good possibility for the upper grade levels. If this were to be a major portion of the child’s curriculum, then the cost would be a good value. It’s a great program – very fun and educational. I just don’t think it’s a good value for a pre-k system. These skills are better taught in person and limiting screen time is much more important at the pre-k age.
If you’re looking for a supplemental program, summer schooling, or even a major portion of a homeschool curriculum for your school age children, I encourage you to take a look at the Time4Learning site. Definitely check out the demos available and see what you think. If computer curriculum is what you’re looking for, Time4Learning may just be your answer.
-Sara O’