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Time4Learning
http://www.Time4Learning.com
$19.95 for first student, $14.95 each additional student.

If you’re one who assumes that computer-based learning is somehow easier than other forms, Time4Learning will test your assumptions.  Seriously, while it is not rocket science, it is not an “intuitive” or user-friendly website; however, once you get on board and learn its quirks, Time4Learning is quite possibly the most fun you can have with this kind of program and still call it learning.

Ouch…that hurt!

When you first become a member of Time4Learning, you have to pay careful attention to the details to make sure you actually get signed up, get logged in and if neither of those happens, you understand why.  First, you’ll open a master account as the parent.  Then you set up sub-accounts for each child.  This is where things get weird:  The Time4Learning system asks what grade your child is in.  Below that is a series of questions to determine whether your child knows his colors, ABCs and numbers 1 through 0 and other primary information.  I was puzzled that Time4Learning would need to know this for a seventh grader.  Had I read the fine print above the questions, I would have seen that that section is only for lower grades.  The setup process would be much easier if the form changed based on the grade level of the student.

All About Spelling
http://www.all-about-spelling.com
$29.95 for each level, Additional materials required.

You probably remember “I before E except after C” from your elementary school days. What else do you remember about spelling? You may have learned enough to find the misspelled words in this text. Or if you’re like me, you need Bill Gates to help you out. May we suggest a better alternative? All About Spelling is an effective and systematic multisensory approach to one of life’s greatest challenges.

Getting Set Up

All About Spelling uses a lot of tools. Each level contains different Phonogram Cards, Sound Cards, Word Cards, and Key (Rule) Cards, plus any extra resources needed for that level. All levels require letter tiles which are printed on laminated 81/2 by 11 inch paper and need to be cut out. You’ll provide an index card box to keep all of the cards in, and it’s a good idea to keep the letter tiles and other manipulatives in a zipper bag or a box.

Set up was a lengthy chore as the letter tiles and the cards in this version were not perforated. It is important to carefully read the introductory material to understand how all these materials work together to provide a multisensory learning experience for your children.

Rime to Read
http://www.RimetoRead.com
$9.99 for four books or $44.99 for set of 20

For those who have taken up the challenge of teaching their own children to read, there is an ongoing debate over the value of phonics over “sight reading”. What many may not be aware of is the variety of teaching concepts that can actually be called phonics. There is an excellent explanation of the various approaches to phonics on Wikipedia.

There are many reasons for learning a new language:

Personal Development

By learning a new language, you gain new horizons, but at the same time you reinforce your own identity, and therefore also your self-confidence. A foreign language can contribute to a stronger personality.

Cultural Reasons

It is a fundamental truth that cultures define themselves through languages. A foreign language gives you access to another culture. It gives you the ability to communicate and to exchange views with people all over the world that you would otherwise not have the chance to know.