Time4Learning mid month review

For the past two weeks, we've been signed up with Time4Learning.  Isaiah has only used the program twice because the first time he sat down at the laptop to play/learn, we were both frustrated.  Originally, I imagined independent learning for Isaiah.  I imagined him playing and learning off in the corner while I managed the other three children.  Instead, he kept needing me to come explain directions to him as they were often not read outloud during the lesson.   

The first time Isaiah played Time4Learning, I made him do one phonics lesson.  He hated it.  After that, in an attempt to trick encourage him into liking the program, I allowed him to choose the other lessons.  Isaiah gleefully obediently skipped phonics and reading lessons and headed the science games.  He enjoyed the science lessons, but I still had to be available to read some of the directions to him. 

Yesterday, he actually asked to do Time4Learning.  I was excited about that!  He wanted to learn!  Yea!!  We sat down together this time, to ward off the frustration of him trying to do it on his own.  And I insisted he try more phonics/reading lessons.  I walked Isaiah through clicking on the right icons and he began his lessons about the sounds m/ch/sh/ck. 

The second time around was much better than the first.  Having an adult right beside Isaiah helped tremendously.  He was also more familiar with the program and maneuvered through it with a bit more ease.  And he persevered for almost an hour, staying with phonics/reading the whole time!  Isaiah was reading their online books by the end of his session! 

At this point, I would recommend Time4Learning and I will probably sign up for atleast another month.  There are Also, I want Rose and Lela to use Time4Learning to see how well they do with the lessons. 

This is my half way review.  More to come in a few weeks....