Time 4 Learning

Arminda has been using the Time 4 Learning for 8th grade for the past few days. She is enjoying it, but we are both frustrated that we can't figure out how to customize her curriculum. I would like to have her skip some of the activities that she already knows, but I can't figure out how to do it.

I use http://www.theheadoftheclass.com with my 3rd grader, and it is SO customizable. I can change things easily on that site, and I can give her assessments every few months and the site will automatically adjust her curriculum to skip activities she has mastered and repeat ones she needs more work on. I expected at least as much from Time4Learning as I can do with a free program.

I will keep looking to see if there is a way to customize (or if anyone reading this knows of a way, please let me know!) and I'll update the post.

Update: There doesn't seem to be a way to change her curriculum online to skip activities or repeat ones I feel she needs more work on. But, each assignment has a number that I can look up and have her input that into a box (I think!) to have her repeat the lesson. I'm not sure how that works with skipping lessons, I may have to give her a list of just the assignment numbers I would like her to complete and have her put the numbers in.  We love this program, but I find this extremely inconvenient.
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As a member of Time4Learning, I have been asked to review their online education program and share my experiences. While I was compensated, this review was not written or edited by Time4Learning and my opinion is entirely my own. Write your own curriculum review or learn how to use their curriculum for homeschool, after school study or summer learning.

Life Skills or Child Labor?

Today, I'm thinking about having Arminda do "Life Skills". In other words, I have a bunch of housework that I have fallen behind on and I need her help. Learning to do the laundry is a necessary skill, right? And, using the embroidery machine is pretty important too, right?  I also have a few avocados in the fridge that really need to be turned into some guacamole. Ok, so today, Life Skills (otherwise known as child labor).

She's going to be so excited!

Time 4 Learning, going to try it out.

I have Arninda trying out the website. She's been on for a few minutes and this is what she just asked me, "Mom, is this suppose to be fun? Because it's not, it's boring!" 

So far, not so good. I'll update again when she's used it longer. She using the 8th grade version. 

Update:
We tried out Time 4 Learning for both girls for a month. At first, Arminda wasn't crazy about it, but after she was on for a day or two, she really loved it. Lydia was also a fan. It was easy enough for both girls to use without asking me for help every few minutes. They both told me it was the most fun they had ever had learning. (not sure how I feel about that, since I do most of their teaching!)

We have actually decided to go ahead and sign up for the service for Arminda. Lydia will continue to use the free curriculum: The Head of the Class.

If anyone signs up, I'd love it if you use my referral

I've been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as a homeschool curriculum, for afterschool enrichment and for summer skill sharpening. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning.

Homeschooling Resource

I mentioned this in my last post, but I've been homeschooling my youngest daughter, Lydia since February. I've just begun to homeschool our oldest daughter, Arminda. Corey, of course graduated this year. (my baby boy...)

Anyway, I again wanted to mention a wonderful site I found for homeschoolers. http://www.freelyeducate.com/ This site is a WEALTH of information! If there is something you want to teach your child, look here, and Lori will show you where to find a free resource for it! I am constantly amazed at all the wonderful things she finds! Just today she posted about a free Phonics reading program: http://www.progressivephonics.com/ I plan to try it out with Lydia.

I tend to start at Lori's site first anymore if there is something I'm looking for. And, most times, I find it on her site!

Ancient Egypt, Dance Class...etc...

As many of you know, Brian and I decided to homeschool both of our girls. We started Lydia in February and I just started with Arminda. It's going pretty well. Right now, we are studying Ancient Egypt. Which, I have always found very fascinating and Lydia does too! Arminda isn't quite the history nut that Lydia is, but I think I can get her to come around! I'm considering making a mummy with the girls. I found some "recipes" online. We'll see about that though!

And, Lydia's lifelong dream has been fulfilled! She is now taking dance class!! At least for the summer. She is THRILLED!!! I am considering making her some leotards. I purchased Kwik Sew 2725 on the recommendation of a friend of mine. I really hope I get to it! I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you though!

What else... Oh, I posted a new tutorial over on my Disboutique blog, written by my friend Jeanne (like in the bottle). It's a really cute little skirt.

And, here is a great giveaway on one of my favorite sites: FreelyEducate It's for Summer Bridge Activity Books. She's giving away five. And, while you are there, look around her site, it is WONDERFUL!

Have a great day, and don't forget to vote for me for Sewing Idol, you can vote every day. Click the link over in the right sidebar. (the one that should be sparkling and says "Sewing Idol")