time 4 learning

[housazoo]

has anyone tried this? do you use it as your main curriculum or as a supplement?

thanks
irene

[Cadam]

We have used parts of it. We really liked the things we did but it isn't classical at all. I think the math is rather weak and you get out of it what you put in. We mostly did grammar, writing and other LA topics as well as most of the science and a little history. I also used it for test taking practice for my son.

If I wasn't committed to a classical education and just wanted a good basic education for my ds I would seriously consider it, or at least most of it. It doesn't meet my goals but it is a good online, traditional schooling option.

[Aurelia]

We used it for about 3 months (K and 1st grade). The LA was nice, and Ariel really liked the 1st grade lessons. I really hated the K math, though. We were using it as a supplement but dropped it because I was really looking for something to supplement math since we already had other programs for reading/LA and I just didn't like the animations for it at all. 1st grade math was better, but not enough to make me want to continue to pay for it. JMO.

[Beth in SW WA]

bumping for more info on the K-1 math...

[dragons in the flower bed]

We use it for first to fourth grade math, along with drill games and Singapore and the book recommendations on LivingMath.net.

Is it classical?

I read in an archaeology magazine that a scholar discovered ancient jars with slightly different images around a band in the center, so that when you spin them, you have an animation of a man running or a woman dancing or some such thing. As far as I know, no ancient Greek math animation vases have been discovered. I believe therefore that I can safely say that the delivery method is not classical.

However, the characters that host the animated segments put every math concept in a concrete (though often silly) situation so that kids start pondering, "How would I solve that sort of problem?" before they're presented with the mathematical method of doing so. That, I believe, is in line with the traditional classical goals of creating thinkers.

I will quote David Quine's excellent article (http://www.cornerstonecurriculum.com/Q_A/cornerstone_answers7.htm) on whether the method by which we teach math really matters:

"if your goal is mathematical thinking (which would include the ability to recall the math facts), then your instruction would be very different.

Charlotte Mason writes: 'The chief value of arithmetic, like that of higher mathematics, lies in the training it affords to the reasoning powers. The child may learn the multiplication table and do a subtraction problem without any insight into the rationale of either - without seeing the reason of them.' Memorization is only one small part of the reasoning powers."

The animated sequences in Time4Learning are great for developing larger reasoning powers.

I do believe a classical education should have a human delivery system, at least for most of it. But when it comes down to what's available here, I have Pythagoras' exhortation to "not talk a little on many subjects, but much on a few," but I have no Pythagoras, or even a math geek neighbor I could send my kids to visit once a week. So a bright blue robot it is.

The scope and sequence is also very modern, teaching algebra and geometry concepts as early as second grade (or before). Since these things are on standardized tests, and since I don't subscribe to the idea of a grammar stage in which children should focus mainly on memorizing, I'm glad the scope and sequence is so modern.

What I don't like? I hate that kids can click randomly and eventually get to the right answer. You must watch your kids, or know that they're honest and diligent, in order for this program to work. I also dislike the other levels: K is just silly fluff you could get on Noggin or Nick Jr.'s websites, and grades 5 and up do away with the animated sequences and become textbooks that you must click through instead of turning pages with your fingers.

But, for 1-4, my opinion is that it's a pretty good program.

[Aurelia]

bumping for more info on the K-1 math...

They covered all the topics of a fairly standard K and 1st grade curriculum (I briefly compared it to TX standards and the S&S from Calvert) thoroughly, so I have no complaints with the content.

The K math presentation is supposed to be rewritten, I think. The K LA recently was, IIRC. As it is, I felt the voices were annoying (the kid who read the script didn't do so great a job, IMO), the instructions went on too long and it was impossible to skip them. The 1st grade was more recently done, and while you can't skip the instructions, they don't go on forever and the voices are recorded far better.

[Beth in SW WA]

They covered all the topics of a fairly standard K and 1st grade curriculum (I briefly compared it to TX standards and the S&S from Calvert) thoroughly, so I have no complaints with the content.

The K math presentation is supposed to be rewritten, I think. The K LA recently was, IIRC. As it is, I felt the voices were annoying (the kid who read the script didn't do so great a job, IMO), the instructions went on too long and it was impossible to skip them. The 1st grade was more recently done, and while you can't skip the instructions, they don't go on forever and the voices are recorded far better.

Thanks!! My dd 5 is always looking for stimulation. Is it $20/mo just for the math?

[mommysweird]

It's $20/month for EVERYTHING for 1 child - I think it's an additional $15 for each child you add after the first. We use it right now because I have a pretty demanding 8 month old and it's a quick easy way for me to get school done most days. I have a 6yo 1st grader. T4L has been an answer to prayer for me because, especailly in the beginning of the school year, I felt completely useless because I wasn't even getting the basics done. DS loves it, too. I really see results from the LA portion. He's actually reading and comprehending by CHOICE more often. Rather than whining about reading.

We've used a little bit of the math, but had been using MUS. However, I am not seeing the retention from MUS that I would like (it just doesn't seem to be "clicking" in his brain), so today we started using T4L for math, too. I figured, I'm paying for it, so I might as well give it a shot!! After we were finished, he seemed to "get" it more than he did with MUS. Not such a blank stare after the lesson was completed, KWIM?

We're using FIAR for the more rich, deep stuff. My plan next year is to continue with T4L (it's working well and then I'll have a TODDLER - even MORE work for mama!) and add either WP or TOG (I'm leaning toward WP at this point). I hope this reply encourages you and answered at least some of your questions. Is it classical? Probably not, but it's working for us. We're getting school finished every day and that's most important to me right now. ;)