TOS Crew Review - Time4Learning

Time4Learning is an online educational website that offers games and educational programs for math and language arts for grades Pre-K through 8th.

Joel (5.5, learning how to read) was my tester for the Lower Level of Time4Learning. After registering, there was a simple questionnaire regarding the child's skills to determine what level program would suit them best. Joel was placed in the Pre-K 1 and 2 level. Pre-K Level 1 was very easy. I felt it was the perfect level for Nathan, my 3.5 year old - it covered topics such as animals, colors, letter and number recognition, etc. Joel still enjoyed it, but it was definitely more "fluff" than learning for him.

Pre-K Level 2 was a bit more challenging, covering some of the same topics, but more in-depth, as well as going into concepts such as syllables, rhyming, color mixing, and so on. Joel enjoyed it and learned new things at this level.

After registering and logging in, there are tips on how to schedule out a lesson plan using Time4Learning's lessons. I didn't do this, I just allowed Joel about 20-30 minutes each day to choose what topics he wanted to cover. Often I sat with him to just see the program in action, but when he was on his own, I was still able to come back and check his progress through the "Reports" option. I don't know how it looks at the older levels, but at the younger level, so it didn't go into much detail - it told me which activities he had completed and on what date.

After a few lessons are completed, there is also a "playground" section which has more traditional games as well as links to other game/educational websites. There are parental controls for the playground, which allows the parent to set up a time requirement of lessons before the playground can be accessed, and then a time limit of how much time can be spent on the playground. I think this is a great feature! Although, we did discover that it is possible for the child to wind up on other sites that are not necessarily relevant - at one point Joel opened up a Priceline page! Thankfully, Priceline has nothing offensive on it, but I do recommend parental oversight when the child is using the Playground.

Can I just state the obvious? A fun and educational computer game?! Time4Learning was a HUGE hit at our house! Even my older children were clamoring to try different activities and watch Joel as he went through his lessons. The activities were varied, fun, and engaging for Joel, and (the most important part) - he actually learned from them. Topics ranged from numbers and letters, colors and shapes, to seasons, insects, animals, and even personal hygiene and manners!

As a side note, to help you understand our computer use philosophy, I thought I'd describe how we use online learning in our home: usually as a time-filler or supplement, not as a full curriculum. I don't believe young children need or are benefited by a ton of "screen time". However, I will allow the children to spend 20-30 minutes once or twice a week doing educational stuff online, through trusted sites and strict monitoring. (For the purpose of this review, obviously, the time was bumped up to 20-30 minutes daily, rather than just a few times a week) This is helpful when I'm needing a nap, just some downtime, or something for littles to do while I'm working one-on-one with an older, or vice versa. I felt Time4Learning fit this purpose wonderfully! Joel was always excited for his time to "play" and I was confident that the site was safe as well as contributing toward his learning.

Unfortunately, the one drawback for us is the price of the program. Currently priced at $19.95 a month, plus $14.95 per additional student, it is just out of our budget for online learning. However, in other families, it might be considered a good value, as every family's situation is different! I am, however, keeping it in mind if we decide to take a summer break from formal schooling or perhaps for a month after the baby is born - I think Time4Learning would be very useful to supplement with, especially to keep those essential skills such as math and language arts fresh, without being a strain on me!

I recommend checking out their site, trying their Lesson Demos, and seeing what you think!

Be sure to check out what others thought by stopping by the TOS Homeschool Crew blog!

Disclaimer: I was given this product specifically for the purpose of reviewing here on my blog as a member of TOS Homeschool Crew. I received no other compensation in regards to this review.