Time4writing

A few weeks ago, we were asked to review a company called Time4writing.  I have to confess that when we started the Time4Writing class, it was in the middle of the summer and Cole politely reminded me that it was summer and that he didn’t want to participate in the class.  I told him to give a try and let’s see what happens.  He grudging said OK. 

What is Time 4 Writing?  It is an online writing class for grades 2-12 that will help your child learn the skills needed to write better and gain the confidence in themselves. 

How do they do this online?  Via multi-media lessons, writing assignments, and quizzes.  When you are finished, the teacher grades the assignment and gives you feedback. 

They have Elementary, Middle, and High School classes for students.  Cole is in 3rd grade so we had these choices.

• Grammar
• Sentences
• Paragraphs
• Essays

Since Cole knew basic grammar, we decided to go with the Sensational Sentences Course.  He can form sentences, but they aren’t very elaborate.  In fact he doesn’t like to write at all.  So we stuck with something that would improve his sentence structure. 

~I will note here that if you set up an internet connection for them and put parental restrictions on it, it will not work with Time 4 Writing.  Just saying.

In our first two lessons we learned the sentence types and how to distinguish the four types of sentences.  We listened to an audio explaining the all the differences while we followed along. 

 

The next few lessons covered nouns, verb agreement, punctuation, homophones, and homonyms.  By the last lesson we should be able to create and proofread sentences.  At the time this review is posted, we have only finished through week six and will finish in a week or so. 

After each lesson and quiz we received a grade.  Each grade is cumulative and by the end of the 8 weeks we should earn a certificate of completion. 

There was one little problem that we had with this type of lesson.  Cole  isn’t very proficient with typing on the computer, he’s only 8, playing games is more his thing.  He knows his way around a keyboard, but his frustration just increased.  Partly because it was summertime and he was working on school work!  I mean really mom!  The other part was his hunt and peck typing.  So I offered to type while he dictated to me.  If I hadn’t done that, I think we would still be on lesson one.  

Also while there was a teacher on the other end, we only interacted with her when there was an assignment that needed to be graded.  She then offered encouragement or constructive criticism.  Cole only needed constructive criticism a couple of times, and was always happy to see his grades.   To those students that needed more guidance I’m sure that the teacher would be there for them.  Simply send her a message and correspond through the website. 

Each course is $99 and 8 weeks long, requiring 2 hours per week to complete.   While it is a great idea to get children on the computer and writing, I feel that this type of lesson would be better suited for someone who is older and more comfortable with typing.  For instance, that High school student that needs to improve his writing skills for college.  Or maybe even the Middle school student who needs additional help with grammar. 

I also feel that with a $99 price tag per course, that it would deter some homeschoolers because it’s a bit pricey for only 8 weeks.  They could get an entire curriculum for that price.  I think it will depend on the homeschooler and their learning style. 

To learn more about the different lessons for your student go to  their website at Time4Writing.com.

 

I am a member of  TOS Homeschool Crew and receive free products and services in an exchange for a thorough and honest review.  Though I am compensated with free products, I am not compensated in the form of cash for my reviews.  My reviews will always reflect my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, and experiences on the products and services that I receive.

Can You Believe It?

As a homeschooler,  I tend to search the internet for tips and advice from the experts to make our learning experience better.  The best place that I have found for all kinds of information, including curriculum help is The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine. 

Right now TOS is offering a “Labor of Love” sale, because they know homeschooling is a “Labor of Love” and they want to keep you informed, encouraged, refreshed and most of all they want to remind you that you aren’t alone.  Beginning August 31 to September 15, They are offering homeschoolers a one-year print subscription for only $7.95.  Yes you read that right!!  $7.95!  If you would like the current print issue plus the one year subscription it is $12.95. I haven’t seen prices this low, so you must hurry to get this special deal.  They are offering only 5000 subscriptions.  So this special price may end before September 15.    

Don’t miss this low price.  Grab it before it’s gone.   Go to The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine to get yours today!

 

Peterson Directed Handwriting

Last summer, when we first started homeschooling second grade, my son begged me to teach him cursive handwriting.  It was the only thing that he insisted we learn.   I purchased a  handwriting curriculum, and we began to learn.  This year we were given Peterson Directed Handwriting to review.  At first, I thought that this wasn’t going to help us because Cole knows how to write in cursive, but then we started and I found out that we didn’t know as much as we should have. 

Peterson Directed Handwriting is a very unique handwriting curriculum established in 1908 that focuses first on the controlled movement in a rhythmic manner with the aid of our voice.  This way we can master the movements even before we begin to write on paper. 

With our curriculum last year, it focused on the form, shape and slant so much that it drove us both crazy.  It was trace this or that and for my son became so tedious that he quickly dreaded it and for me I became frustrated because he would find every excuse not to do his handwriting.  With Peterson it wasn’t like that, we were able to print a worksheet for each letter and quickly move through the letters. 

The first thing that we were taught was how to finger trace and by creating a game out of it, it was easier to teach.  Another thing that we learned was that as a leftie Cole didn’t have the paper in the proper position.  So I tried to teach him the correct way to hold the paper and Cole told me that it was harder this new way.  I keep trying to teach him the correct way, however I may have to give up on it, because he just resists too much. 

I used the PDF by Hand Cursive step 1 first to learn the basic movements and review the letters the Peterson way.  It has 81 pages that include the steps to learn the rhythm and four basic movements for the letters.  I then moved on to PDF by Hand Cursive step 2 it has 59 pages and gives you “sequenced movement practice for cursive letters and words.”

Both of these are e-books that were designed to work with a digital tablet.  We don’t have a digital tablet, so we printed a worksheet a day and moved through the lessons at our own pace.  They are in color, but if you don’t have a color printer it can be printed in black and white.  They are individually priced at $19.95.   But if you wanted the PDF by Hand full version, which includes the note pad (digital tablet), picture pad, On Your Mark Game, Print step 1-3, Cursive step 1-4, and Word Masters 3 and 4.  All for $125.  I recommend that you contact Rand at Peterson Directed Handwriting for the best fit.

One of the unique features of Peterson’s is that they offer a series of handwriting webinars at no extra charge for those who register.  I found the few times that I “sat in” on the webinar with Rand, I found him extremely informative and helpful.  They also have a wide variety of tools from pencils and position guides to textbooks and training classes. 

I do believe that if we had started with Peterson Directed Handwriting it wouldn’t have been as much a struggle to learn cursive handwriting, and I also believe that he would handled it much better.  Cole said that he liked Peterson better than the one last year, but he doesn’t particularly like that we have to learn everything over.  I reminded him that this time we were doing it the correct way.  

 

 

 

I am a member of  TOS Homeschool Crew and receive free products and services in an exchange for a thorough and honest review.  Though I am compensated with free products, I am not compensated in the form of cash for my reviews.  My reviews will always reflect my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, and experiences on the products and services that I receive.

The Schoolhouse Expo

It's back to homeschool time and registration is open for the online Schoolhouse Expo, October 4-8. It's five days of top homeschool speakers, fellowship, and fun door prizes.
Save $5 per ticket! Register between August 16 and midnight August 22, and you'll pay only $19.99. Plus you'll receive over $200 in free E-Books.

You’ll be inspired by speakers including:  Zan Tyler, Dr. Jay Wile, Jeannie Fulbright,Carol Barnier, Diana Waring, Todd Wilson, Davis Carman, Kim Kautzer, Lee Binz, and many more! 

A special teen track is planned--the entire family will definitely want to listen to these special sessions. They've also planned a special focus on a topic that touches every homeschool--writing. Plus, an array of other topics that will inform and inspire you throughout your homeschooling years.

Don't forget, MP3 copies of each session comes with your LIVE event ticket.

There are two special preconference shows on August 24 and September 21 with Dr. Jay Wile, Jeannie Fulbright, and Kim Kautzer. 

The theme this fall is “Celebrate Homeschooling” We're going to celebrate the unique blessings of homeschooling, the beginning of another school year, our families, and the freedom to tailor our children's education to best meet their needs.

If you cannot make the Live event,  then the October Expo To Go is just your ticket! You'll reserve MP3s from all of the workshops. This week only, pay just $14.95!

You can visit either of these links to get more information.
http://www.SchoolhouseExpo.com
or
http://bit.ly/aWHFiL

 

Disclosure: As a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I will be receiving free tickets to the Expo in exchange for this post.