how many of you use some kind of computer curriculum

[happycc]

Have you used an online curriculum for afterschooling?
I have reviews for a few but would like opnions of others.

5 out of 6 of my kids have used Headsprout Reading. I can't say enough great things about Headsprout except I wish it went up to higher reading levels. I think it only goes up to a second grade reading level. Some may think using Headsprout might be overkill if you are already sending your kids to school but I have to disagree. In one of my daughter's K class, I don't think there is enough emphasis on basic phonics, sounding out, blending etc. In another school two of my daughters went to they had pages and pages of sight words to print out on flasshcards to memorize. This was at the start of the school.

I really like Brain Pop and considering getting another subscription. Has any tried Brain POP Jr?

We are trying a trial subscription to PBSKidsPlay for my Preschooler. I needed something to keep her happy while i worked with the older ones. I am also trying out Pokemon Learning League which I think is really creatively done.

I want to know about the EPGY program out of Stanford.

Explode the Code online program.....

Explore Learning....

I am also thinking about ClicknRead for my youngest perhap as she is not ready for Headsprout. I am wondering if parts of ClickN Read can be skipped to start where Headsprout stops. Does anyone know?

What about K12?

Do you know of any more?

[mommatlaw]

My 5 year old DD has just started HeadSprout (again). We tried last year, but that was overeager on my part, and it was too early. I think now is the right time, and I'm following her lead. I am hoping that she doesn't burn out (the other night she insisted on doing several episodes). So far so good, but I think I'm going to limit it to one episode 3 or 4 times a week to keep it fresh. It seems as though the program does a terrific job of keeping things interesting. I plan on continuing HeadSprout during her Kindergarten year - it can only make the K transition easier.

This is our first consistent on-line curriculum. We have jumped on to Starfall a few times and I have checked out BrainPop. I am anxious to take a look at the other programs that you mentioned. We have a few Clifford and Pony-type games, but they don't hold her interest, and don't contain enough learning time. Although I hope for her to do lots of hands-on, old fashioned learning, I believe that the role of computers in the classroom (and in life) will only grow, so online work is a must.

Her little sister (2 years old) is anxious to do everything that big sister does, so I imagine she'll get on to the computer as soon as her motor skills will allow (maybe at 3).

For some really terrific software and resources for various ages, you may want to check out The Critical Thinking Company at www.criticalthinking.com (http://www.criticalthinking.com)

Have a great day!

Michele

[happycc]

Do a google search for Pokemon Learning League. Good for 3-6th grade-interactive and positive.

[purplecow7]

EPGY - My son used it when it was a disk based system. We had trouble with the disk and sometimes frustrating. However now they have switched to a web based system and it is awesome. He used the k-2 program and the 3-4 grade program. You are asigned an on-line tutor and he would sent the reports and encouraging words. If we had question he was pretty quick to answer them and they also had an online support system. Very helpful for me since I am not always great with computers. I usually received answers in 24 hours.

This is the same program that John hopkins uses, but is cheaper to use the EPGY one. You can now also pay month to month which was better for me because I had two children using it at the same time. DD did the k-2 program.

The good is that it is a smart program meaning if you child knows the answer then you only get a few problems in the area if they get some wrong then they get more problems. The bad is that the lecture is very flat sounding and sometimes dh or I would have to re-explain it. But I think that was more of the fact ds was not a good listener.

On a side note it really challenge my son. He was so used to school math being easy and then he flew throught the k-2. When the math started getting hard it was an adjustment for him. This was a good thing, but difficult to go live threw with a perfectionist child. But we did and he loved the program. DD did it as well and she liked it, we stopped it and will be starting up this summer again for them.

My 4 year dd loves www.starfall.com (http://www.starfall.com). Actually it has started to become a problem because she always wants to be on the computer. LOL

[Afterschooling Mama]

Pokemon Learning League? I am checking this out tonight!!!

I also hadn't realized that EPGY was not monthly, which would be nice for summer. I might check into that also.

Thanks!

[JeenneNY]

I've used Brain POP when they had a free 30 day limited membership a while back. The movies were well done and it would have been a great supplement but my dd was only in K at the time.

The only thing I have at the moment that is on-line is Jumpstart World for K and 1st Grade. The first 2 worlds are free with purchase of the CD and then it costs another $80 to open up 8 more worlds. It's are internet linked, it sends you progress reports, educational ideas and updates the "worlds" seasons and holidays. My daughters loved it and I find it very educational. My husband was the one that gave the go-ahead for the $80, he said it was worth it.

[EndsWell]

I am very interested in Pokemon learning league - very cool.

We used Headsprout for my son in 1st grade to get him to the next level in reading. It was well done.
We also use GeeGuides, an online art curriculum. http://www.geeguides.com/parents/

-Adriana