Time4Learning - Not Challenging Enough

by Sharon
(Franklinville, NJ USA)

Not every homeschool program works for every student. Find out why Time4Learning was not challenging enough for this five year old...

My son used Time4Learning for about 6 months (started as a late 4yo into his early 5th year of life). I was originally drawn to Time4Learning due to the amazing reviews. Dealing with ADHD, I thought that the "self-paced" interactive video learning might be a valid option for him. He finished the preschool level in about 3 weeks.

Math

The K level Math is very repetitive, with a short demonstration using a "magic hand". I understand repetition is necessary, but it is more than we need here. My son would get annoyed by the "magic hand" doing everything first, followed by him having to do the same work. He got very agitated when he was expected to "learn to count to 5." He could count to 100+ at that point, and was learning single digit addition. That was the deciding factor in leaving T4L.

Other Subjects

We only used the K level Language section briefly. It seemed to be going over letter sounds, and encouraging sight reading and guessing. We use a systematic phonics program (Candy4Way) and were reading single vowel words, and the T4L reading program was not compatible with that (encouraging sounding things out & not guessing).

We tried moving up to 1st grade work. The reading was still not compatible, but we had other options, like science. That was much better for him ... except the quizzes and test assumed reading.

While I don't have anything against Time4Learning, it just doesn't meet my son's needs. It isn't challenging enough for him. The company always adjusted the "grade level" within hours of requesting it. We are switching over to a Well-Trained Mind type household, and as video-based learning, there just isn't room for T4L.

Sharon, thanks for taking the time to share your experience with Time4Learning. It's always good to know the pros and cons of each homeschool program before purchasing; as you know, not every program works well for every student. I appreciate your honesty as well as your positive remarks about the Time4Learning customer service.

Find more Time4Learning reviews to decide if this online homeschool program is right for you.

Would you like to leave a comment, ask a question or share you own homeschool curriculum review to help others? Use the links below...

Comments for Time4Learning - Not Challenging Enough

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 11, 2011

Time4Learning Review...
by: Katie

It's very true that what works for one family may not work for another...we have several families in our local homeschool group that swear by a complete boxed curriculum and just can't fathom us using a computer for just about everything in our homeschool. Workbooks make both my boys and myself miserable, lol.

I'm sorry that Time4Learning didn't work for you and your wee one. We have been using it for about 5 years, with my boys embarking on their 7th and 2nd grade years this year. My oldest started the program in 2nd grade, so we didn't get to experience the younger levels with him. When my youngest started with it, he started with the Pre-K part at age 4. Maybe since he started with the T4L program (we didn't introduce any other curriculum before this and he had spent several years watching his older brother use it too), we didn't experience the same issues as you guys did? He did blow through the K program really quickly, but when we moved to 1st grade he balanced out as it was a little more difficult.

Again, I'm sorry that it didn't work for you, but even fans of the program appreciate honest reviews. :)

Hope you have a wonderful school year!
Katie

Aug 11, 2011

Flexibility With Time4Learning
by: Kathi Weiss

We have used time4learning since my son was in preK. We love it. But as you said, not every program works well for every child. That's one of the great things about homeschooling, it's not a one size fits all situation like public school often is. One of the things that we find so great about time4learning is that you can move up a level if the work is too easy for your child and you can move down a level if it is too hard for your child. My son is currently working on 2nd grade in one subject. 3rd grade in another. And 4th grade for the rest. I love that flexibility.

Kathi

Aug 11, 2011

Pre-K T4L Program
by: Jackie

I,too appreciate the honest review. It is true that what works for one person may not work for someone else. Everyone learns differently.

Just wanted to clarify that the themes in the T4L pre-k program are intended to last approximately a week each. The repetition is intentional since most kids that age benefit from repetition. Really they shouldn't spend more than an half hour on the computer at that age. The preschool program also provides Idea Books within the program that include ideas for offline activities for you to do with your child. Little ones need hands-on activities in addition to the computer program.

Sorry it didn't work for you. Hope you found something else that fits your needs a bit better. Best wishes on a fun and successful school year.

Joyfully,
Jackie

Aug 27, 2015

Time4Learning - Not Challenging Enough NEW
by: Anonymous

Sharon, thanks for your article about Time4Learning. It is a great chance for the students to start their education in an innovative way. best research papers are good for the students if they are looking for help.

Apr 06, 2016

On Time 4 Learning NEW
by: Brenda

My children are using the Time4Learning & love it 1 of my children have Autism, If 1 level doesn't work for you go to the next.

Apr 06, 2016

couldn't move to the next level NEW
by: Sharon (OP)

Moving to the next level wasn't an option at the time. He wasn't reading well enough to do 2nd grade work. But if it works for your family, I'm happy for you :)

Apr 06, 2016

couldn't move to the next level NEW
by: Sharon (OP)

Moving to the next level wasn't an option at the time. He wasn't reading well enough to do coulde't grade T4L work. But if it works for your family, I'm happy for you. :)

Apr 06, 2016

couldn't move to the next level NEW
by: Sharon (OP)

Moving to the next level wasn't an option at the time. He wasn't reading well enough to do second grade T4L work. But if it works for your family, I'm happy for you. :)

Apr 06, 2016