We have tried Time4Learning several times, but prefer SmartTutor. It does not have social studies and science, but those subjects aren't any good through T4L anyway.
I like ST better because:
1. It gives students an initial assessment to see where they need to be placed throughout different strands. Math has 3 strands (number skills & algebra, geometry, and measurement) and reading has 5 strands (phenomic awareness, phonics, sight words, vocabulary and reading comprehension).
2. The system will automatically move the student though the program based or a) their placement test and how they perform on each assignment or b) lessons the parent assigns for them. You don't have to choose just one of those options, as there is a separate section for both.
3. You get several types of detailed reports. First, there is a report on your child's initial assessments that tell you where she placed in skill for each strand in contrast with her grade level. Then, you can pull reports on your student's progress two ways: a) completed lessons and percentage of correct answers and b) what grade level she started at on each strand and where she is now. Each grade level has "low" "mid" and "high" and you can see your student progress through the reports. There is also a lessons completed report and "time on task" report that are easily printable in case you need them to satisfy your state's requirements.
I tried this program at first because it was a little cheaper than T4L, but stuck with it because I like it better. From what I can tell about K5 Learning, they at least use the same reading program as ST (ST also only goes up to 5th grade).
For math fact fluency, we got Reflex Math for $59/year/3 students through the HSBC, but you can get single student subscriptions for $35 on the Reflex Math website. It is amazing at getting students to remember their facts and the kids LOVE it. It really is great and lets me easily see which facts have been mastered fluently and which have not.
We like using BrainPOP as a supplement, but its quite expensive to just use once in a while, so our subscription is off for now. We also use Dreambox as another math supplement and Reading Eggs for additional learn-to-read and comprehension practice.
As from those things, I am currently in the middle of buying regular school-publisher books (McGraw-Hill, Pearson and Harcourt) for my kids through Amazon. I did a TON of research before buying and am really happy with what we chose. Most utilize worktexts, so the lessons, guided practice, homework and quizzes are all in one book, which I prefer. I don't like buying the hardcover book + the practice book + the homework book + the tests + the teacher editions. Too expensive and too much stuff to keep track of with 3-4 kids all in different grades.
I like ST better because:
1. It gives students an initial assessment to see where they need to be placed throughout different strands. Math has 3 strands (number skills & algebra, geometry, and measurement) and reading has 5 strands (phenomic awareness, phonics, sight words, vocabulary and reading comprehension).
2. The system will automatically move the student though the program based or a) their placement test and how they perform on each assignment or b) lessons the parent assigns for them. You don't have to choose just one of those options, as there is a separate section for both.
3. You get several types of detailed reports. First, there is a report on your child's initial assessments that tell you where she placed in skill for each strand in contrast with her grade level. Then, you can pull reports on your student's progress two ways: a) completed lessons and percentage of correct answers and b) what grade level she started at on each strand and where she is now. Each grade level has "low" "mid" and "high" and you can see your student progress through the reports. There is also a lessons completed report and "time on task" report that are easily printable in case you need them to satisfy your state's requirements.
I tried this program at first because it was a little cheaper than T4L, but stuck with it because I like it better. From what I can tell about K5 Learning, they at least use the same reading program as ST (ST also only goes up to 5th grade).
For math fact fluency, we got Reflex Math for $59/year/3 students through the HSBC, but you can get single student subscriptions for $35 on the Reflex Math website. It is amazing at getting students to remember their facts and the kids LOVE it. It really is great and lets me easily see which facts have been mastered fluently and which have not.
We like using BrainPOP as a supplement, but its quite expensive to just use once in a while, so our subscription is off for now. We also use Dreambox as another math supplement and Reading Eggs for additional learn-to-read and comprehension practice.
As from those things, I am currently in the middle of buying regular school-publisher books (McGraw-Hill, Pearson and Harcourt) for my kids through Amazon. I did a TON of research before buying and am really happy with what we chose. Most utilize worktexts, so the lessons, guided practice, homework and quizzes are all in one book, which I prefer. I don't like buying the hardcover book + the practice book + the homework book + the tests + the teacher editions. Too expensive and too much stuff to keep track of with 3-4 kids all in different grades.
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