online homeschooling sites

[MJB]

I just canceled time4learning.com. My son has used it since September, but has hit a plateau. He finished 1st grade language arts and is about halfway through the 2nd grade language arts, finished 1st and 2nd grade science and social studies, finished K math and has done much of the 1st grade math. He can't really move on in any of these subjects except LA-- the 3rd grade science and social studies are too hard along with the 1st grade math subjects he's been unable to finish.

So now we're looking for a computer program for reading that is at a late 2nd grade level. I would love if it included spelling, math, science, or social studies but I might be dreaming. I'm willing to pay but not a ton (t4l is $20/month which is my limit, and that only seemed worth it when he was using all the subjects). He loves to use the computer and I'm not comfortable letting him loose with google although he does sometimes sneak in google searches. I'd rather have a kid friendly, educational program he enjoys.

[Lillian J]

You could install a kids' search engine for him - here's an article that reviews some. Here are some they don't mention: KidsNet, Kidrocket. And here's a set that the Internet Public Library has compiled.

You might take a look at Learning in Motion and see what you think about their K-8 materials.

Whoops! Got to run to an appointment. More later... Lillian

[chfriend]

Would http://www.lessonpathways.com/Home work?

[MJB]

The kids' search engine might be a good idea. But based on his previous google searches, I don't think he wants to use the internet in an educational way when given free roam.
Learning in Motion's language arts program only goes up to 2nd grade.
Lesson Pathways looks really cool but seems to involve a lot of parent involvement. I'm really looking for something he can do independently on the computer.
I also looked up readingeggs.com which I've heard recommended on here, but it looks like it doesn't quite go up to his reading level, either.
Maybe this is a sign that he should get off the computer for a while and just read more books? He reads a lot of books a day already and begs for constant stimulation while his big brother is at school. Maybe I'll allow a little educational TV instead.

[Lillian J]

Originally Posted by MJB

The kids' search engine might be a good idea. But based on his previous google searches, I don't think he wants to use the internet in an educational way when given free roam.
Learning in Motion's language arts program only goes up to 2nd grade.
Lesson Pathways looks really cool but seems to involve a lot of parent involvement. I'm really looking for something he can do independently on the computer.
I also looked up readingeggs.com which I've heard recommended on here, but it looks like it doesn't quite go up to his reading level, either.
Maybe this is a sign that he should get off the computer for a while and just read more books? He reads a lot of books a day already and begs for constant stimulation while his big brother is at school. Maybe I'll allow a little educational TV instead.

You might try looking through some of the annotated links I've put together and see what might appeal to him: Gateway to the Internet - the few pages that begin with articles do have listings to other websites underneath those. There are lots of good websites about things children tend to be interested in - it doesn't need to be traditional school subjects in order to be educational, stimulating, and helpful in gaining stronger skills. I'm not big on a lot of computer time for young eyes, but it could certainly provide some high quality, satisfying time in stimulating his imagination - although many sites will require you to be there to read a bit to him, and some involve suggestions of activities to do with him off the computer, such as hands-on science experiments. But as for proving more books, that certainly can't hurt - here's a site that has some great ideas:
Children's Picture Books.

All the best in finding something that works well for him - Lillian

[ChristaN]

Dd#2 is using EPGY for math. We signed her up through their open enrollment program which runs $135 for a 12 month year running June - May. You need to do it as part of a group of 8+ kids to get this rate, though, and someone needs to serve at the "school" support associate to trouble shoot problems for the kids in your group. You get both math and LAW (language arts/writing) for this price, but we haven't used the LAW program since she is too busy with other stuff to fit it in. From what I have seen of LAW, it is more grammar, writing, parts of speech, etc. than reading instruction. Once a kid is reading fluently, there doesn't seem to be as much to teach in the way of how to read, though.

I don't know if finding a group of kids to do this together is a possibility for you or if this is the type of program you would want. We have been very happy with the math program, though, and dd can do it quite independently. There are lectures that pop up with a recording of some guy to walk you through how to do the problems. In any case, if it does interest you, the website for the open enrollment program is here: http://epgy.stanford.edu/district/index.html

[elizawill]

for a solid reading program lik T4L, you could look into hooked on phonics master reader. it *may* be a little advanced, but i'm not sure. you'd have to look at it. the HOP website has samples, but you can find it used for MUCH cheaper. it is solely computer-based & can be done independently. my daughter enjoyed it.

here are some websites divided by subject & they're interactive. your ds may like them?? if not, they're free - so no big loss, ykwim?

http://www.e-learningforkids.org/
http://www.abcya.com/ (click on appropriate grade)
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/
http://www.iknowthat.com/com


here are some educational videos divided by subject:
http://www.neok12.com/



hope this helps!

[MJB]

Thanks, Eliza! The e-learning and iKnowthat websites look great! The HOP looks good, too, but I don't want to spend that much, since I'm really only looking for something to keep him busy until June.

[ChristaN]

Originally Posted by MJB

The HOP looks good, too, but I don't want to spend that much, since I'm really only looking for something to keep him busy until June.

If this is something that you actually buy from HOP, they usually have coupons. I haven't ever bought any of their stuff, so I can't vouch for it personally, but the coupon code "SAVE40" was working to give you 40% off last I checked (I'm keeping a list of coupons for a website so I come across some even if I don't use them myself ).

[DaughterOfKali]

Just noticed that iknowthat is going to start charging.

[elizawill]

yea, the HOP is expensive. but if you find it used, it's not so bad. i found our master reader set for $40 including s&h and vegsource.

i didn't realize the one site is going to be charging soon. sorry about that.