Review of Time4Learning

My children and I were recently given a four week trial of Time4Learning. They offer online lessons for children. This can be used as a homeschooling curriculum, an after school program, or for summer enrichment. The prices start at $19.95 per month for the first child $14.95 per month for each additional. Price wise, this is really cost effective.

We were using it as an after school program for DeeAnne (9) and Felicia (8); and as a "home preschool" for Zachary (4). Before using this, their daily computer time was used for fun (PBS kids, Disney, etc). All three are quite familiar with navigating around the computer, Zachary is actually a little better at it than his older sisters;)

Zachary really liked that he was allowed on the computer for a longer period of time. He also was quick to learn when the playground was available. Now, Zack is no dummy, the first time I allowed him to do the lesson on his own (while I washed the dishes) he clicked on the playground when it was available even though he had not finished the lesson he was in. Well, he was not happy when he clicked on the lesson after being in the playground and the lesson started from the beginning. I too was a little upset by this, so we just made sure to actually finish a lesson before moving on (even to the bathroom, one never knows when a computer will act up).

Felicia enjoyed using Time4Learning. However, it was very time consuming for her. She would need me to reexplain what it was that she needed to do. Learning on the computer really isn't her cup of tea. She prefers to learn from a person.

DeeAnne liked being able to choose her lessons. She took really well to using Time4Learning. The amount of homework she has, did cut into time on the computer for Time4Learning; thus she didn't get as much out of it as I would have liked.

Overall, I really like the concept of Time4Learning. However, it is missing one thing that I think is really important; a placement test. Why? Well, not all kids learn at the same rate. Some children may need to start at the basics in math, but are a few levels ahead in reading. Yes, we could sit down and go through the lessons to determine where we think they should start, but a placement test would point out what they may have missed in school. With that said, I would recommend Time4Learning for any family that thinks their children need to learn more than is being taught in school.

Related Post:
Kids Freebies (MINDsprinting printable math and reading program)

My Top Five Sites For Recipes

I love to cook and try new recipes. However, I will not pay for a recipe. Where is a girl to go if she wants to try something new? The internet of course! There are five main websites that I browse for new recipes and ideas.

1. All Recipes: Not only do they have tons of recipes, but the comments and ratings really allow me to judge a recipe before trying it (some comments tell you what adjustments can be made). I highly recommend this hot buttered rum recipe, it is so good, even without the rum!
   
2. Taste of Home: The Taste of Home website has almost all the recipes that they showcase in their magazine online for free! Every time I see the magazine, I have to remind myself that I can either go to the library and check it out or go online and not worry about late fees. One recipe that my family has been using for years is the Pretzel Dessert; it is so simple and delicious! (Yeah, if you can't tell, I love my sweets)
3. Recipe Zaar: This site is similar to All Recipes, the users rate and comment on the recipes. Most recipes are user submitted. I have only tried a couple of recipes here, yet the site has been a source of inspiration.
4. Epicurious: Consider this the one stop recipe shop for foodies. They feature recipes from Gourmet and bon appetit magazines. This site is deffintely one of my favorite stops for inspiration and to get out of a cooking rut. They have a great holiday menu guide (I'm talking all kinds of holidays, not just Thanksgiving and Christmas).
5. Food Network: I have never found a need to go out and purchase a cook book from any of the cooks on food network. Why? The recipes that I want to use have usually been featured on their shows, thus they are online for free! It isn't Thanksgiving unless I make the Good Eats Roast Turkey; once you try this turkey it is really hard to eat any other.

What are your favorite websites or blogs for recipes? Do you still purchase cookbooks and cooking magazines?

Family Fun Friday

Have you checked out your local book store lately? Borders offers different children and family events, all for free. Ours has a weekly story time, with a snack and activity. My boys love going to this while their sisters are at school. Once a month Borders offers family bingo, complete with prizes (which is what we will be doing tonight).

You can find your local Borders by going here , when you click on your store the events scheduled will come up. Barnes and Noble also offers activities, however, I am not as familiar with them.

On a side note, Michael's is offering different free Mother's day activities for the first week of May. They would make great presents for Mom or Grandma. Don't forget to check out Moms By Heart for more family fun!