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.
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