Time 4 Learning Review

Posted on 2008-Dec-8 at 02:00 PM

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