Time 4 Learning is an online curriculum designed for preschool through 8th grade students. It can be used as supplemental curriculum, after school activities, summer school activities, remedial education, or a complete homeschool curriculum.
I had not heard of Time 4 Learning before we were offered the chance to review it for the TOS Homeschool Crew. That is probably simply because I prefer not to use online or computer-based curricula. It doesn't fit well with my Charlotte Mason educational methods.
After reviewing Time 4 Learning with four of my children for the past 5 weeks, I'm ready to share my list of pros and cons for this website.
Pros:
- My children did enjoy their time at the Time 4 Learning website.
- It is based on a standard scope and sequence, which is helpful for those in more restrictive states or homeschooling with external boundaries placed on them: ex-spouse, educational probation, state requirements, etc .
- Can be customized to move at your child's pace.
- You can choose the correct level for your child.
- Parents can track their children's progress and print reports for their homeschool records.
- Would work well for those needing to provide records to the school district each year.
- Would work well for those desiring a computer-based curriculum that students can work on independently.
- Allows schooling to continue when the parent is sick, or busy with other demands.
- Provides fun interactive lessons and games that can be used for supplemental reinforcement, or tutoring in specific subjects.
- More affordable than some other online curricula .
- Has helpful discussion forums where parents can seek support and advice from other parents, including forums for homeschooling parents and Christian parents.
- The visual, interactive lessons may work well for students who struggle with textbooks and workbooks.
Cons:
- Too expensive for my family: a 12-month subscription for 5 children would be substantially more than we spend on all our yearly curricula.
- No high school grades currently available.
- Not reusable -- reusing curriculum with future children saves money in the long run.
- Computer based curriculum is not my preferred method of education.
- Online classes are difficult to manage with larger families: requires a schedule or multiple computers with internet connections.
- Does not fit our Charlotte Mason homeschool style.
- Requires parental supervision to be sure the student does not repeat the same lessons over and over.
- Since it is not a Christian curriculum, you will need to work around the evolutionary viewpoint of some of the lessons.
While Time 4 Learning doesn't really fit with our family's educational style, or our current educational budget, I can see how it would be very helpful for other families. If I were to be hit with a long-term illness that made it difficult for me to manage the daily tasks of homeschooling, then Time 4 Learning would be an option I'd consider. If we were suddenly to find ourselves with an extra $80 per month (and no debt to pay off), I would consider a membership to use as fun, supplemental educational materials.
Time 4 Learning memberships are available for $19.95 per month for the first student, with no long-term commitments. Additional students can be added at the discounted price of $14.95 per month, per student.
Click the banner at the top to read more reviews on this product by other Homeschool Crew members.
Trusting in Him,
April
