Time4Learning - PreK

My review for today is Time4Learning’s Pre-K program. I am going to say right up front that I have a very difficult time reviewing computer-based material. Unless I actually log in and work through many of the exercises myself I do not have a good grasp on what the program truly is like. So I am going to give you an overview of the structure. But as far as the value of the content I am not able to comment a whole lot. Our learning environment is very writing-focused and not object-focused. So programs such as Time4Learning are more for fun than educational benefit in our home. With T4L’s fun interface there is definitely appeal and fun involved.
Time4Learning Pre-K is broken into 2 sections. Each section has different categories which provide activities for the student to complete.
Time4Learning Pre-K Level 1 includes these categories.

• School Supplies
• Alphabet
• Colors
• Shapes
• Rhyme Time
• Numbers
• Weather
• On the Farm
• Food
• At the Zoo
• Feelings
• Vehicles
• Tools
• On the Playground
• Sports
• The Human Body
• Space
• Fruit
• The Human Face
• Garden

Pre-K Level 2 includes these categories.

• At the Library
• Insects
• Color Mixing
• Seasons
• Playing Outside
• More Letters
• Healthy Habits
• Your Self
• More Numbers
• Out to Sea
• More Rhymes
• Staying Fit
• Manners
• Pets
• Days of the Week
• Time
• Making Music
• Measuring
• Nature
• Money
• In Your Neighborhood

Both levels include the same types of activities which are listed below. The Pre-K Scope and Sequence explains what each activity does.

• Story Book
• Showtime
• Patterns
• Memory
• Paint It
• Find It
• Which
• Recall
• Syllable Drum
• Idea Book
• Match It
• Puzzles
• Stories You Write
• Ordering
• BrainyBots

There is also a Playground available with categories such as Actions Games, Kids Places (PBS games), Puzzlers, Activities, Educational Games, and Two Player Games. The parent can set the maximum amount of time that can be spent at the playground. I thought that the minimum lesson time had to be met before being allowed into the Playground but that hasn’t been our experience.
T4L offers programs from Pre-K to 8th grade. Lesson plans are included on the site to help you get the most out of your student’s studies. You can also have a child working in different levels based on his ability. The website indicates that T4L tracks progress and helps students advance along individualized learning paths. I am unclear how this works as I did not find that portion evident in the Pre-K levels.
You can view a demonstration of their program if this sounds like something that might be of value to your family. Subscriptions are billed monthly. I thought the price was a bit high for Pre-K material. But then paying for academics at the Pre-K level doesn’t make a lot of sense to me so that would cloud my view. But for a family who wants more of a structured Pre-K, T4L may be a good option. I would consider the price reasonable for higher levels if the content is what fits your needs. T4L does offer a 14-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
You can read here what other Crew families though.
Disclosure:This product was provided to our family for free as members of the 2009-2010 Old Schoolhouse Magazine Homeschool Crew. No further compensation was received. Reviews and opinions expressed in this blog are my own.