Sunday, March 4, 2012

K5 - TOS Review

Photobucket K5 Learning is a personalized online learning program.  It includes 4 reading and math programs.  K5 Reading focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, sight words, vocabulary and reading comprehension.  K5 Spelling features adaptive instruction, automatic word generation, an optimized visual interface, and a 150,000+ word database.  K5 Math covers numbers and operations, geometry, measurement (including time and money), algebraic thinking, and data analysis.  Lastly, K5 Facts develops instant recall of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. 


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To begin K5 Learning, I first had the kiddos complete the online math and reading assessments.  Skill areas being measured include:  phonemic awareness, phonics, sight words, vocabulary, reading comprehension, numbers and operations, measurement concepts, and geometry.  Following their assessments, I had immediate assessments for each of them showing their strengths, weaknesses, and overall placement.  Using the assessment data, K5 Learning tailored and individualized instruction for my children by placing them at the appropriate levels within each of the sub-skill tested. 


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As far as my family's satisfaction with the program, only one of my 3 kiddos really enjoyed and seemed to benefit from this online program.  Rachel still isn't an overly confident or proficient computer user, so this style of learning is just not her favorite.  Then, Caleb really had very little interest.  I believe, this was just a personal preference.  He absolutely LOVES and is incredibly successful with another online program we're using, and this one just didn't seem to resonate or click with him. 

Therefore, Jeremiah seemed to be the beneficiary of what K5 Learning has to offer.  Mathematically, he finds some concepts challenging, so I had him concentrate his efforts in the online math lessons.  He seems to thrive with computer-based learning.  As evidenced by Jeremiah's increased confidence and level of ease, this program helps kids learn math facts online.  I like that it eliminates the need for lots of drill and practice worksheets.

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View sample lessons for each subject in each grade level. Also, be sure to note the 14 day free trial available. Free reading and math assessments are included as well as access to all lessons. There are no obligations nor credit card information required. I always encourage readers to sample lessons and take advantage of free trials prior to purchase. This allows you to ensure that the program is beneficial and will meet the needs of your children. 

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Subscription Pricing:
First Child: $25 / month or $199 / year.
Additional students: $15 / month or $129 / year

More Info: 
Website:  http://www.k5learning.com
Blog:  http://www.k5learning.com/blog
Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/k5learning
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/k5learning

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While this program wasn't a perfect fit for all my children, I do recognize its value as a supplemental program to whatever curriculum you are already using.  The TOS Crew Blog is a great place to visit.  There you can read what my fellow Crew Mates are saying about K5 Learning.  They always provide a wealth of information and honest feedback on the products reviewed. 

Disclosure:  My family received a complimentary limited subscription to K5 Learning in exchange for my honest opinion and review. 

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