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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.

Spears Christian Art Curriculum
www.SpearsArtStudio.com
$39.95 to $149.95

Spears Art Studio has found a way to combine fine arts, crafts and an appreciation for things spiritual in their Christian Art Curriculum. Written by Diane Shields Spears, an art educator, the curriculum strikes a balance between core learning areas, art appreciation and practical art.

While we “tested” the October and May themes, this review will use the December theme as an example as parts of it are available in the online samples at Spears Art Studio.

Deeper Roots
Discovering a Christ-Like Character
http://www.deeperroots.com
$28.95 for Teacher’s Guide, $19.95 Student Edition.

Deeper Roots Publications offers an enviable range of Bible study products. Discovering a Christ-Like Character is a good example of the thoroughness and the richness of way they cover a given topic. We can only touch on the depth of Deeper Roots in this space, but the comments below should give you a picture of what can be done with this curriculum. I encourage you to download some of the sample lessons on the Deeper Roots Website to get a first-hand feel before you order.

Take a Deep Breath

The teacher’s manual is about 340 pages of lesson plans, teaching suggestions and resources. It may seem overwhelming at first, but the guide is well organized, easy to follow and adaptable to your unique situation. Several resources are recommended to support the curriculum. Most of these are not “required”, to get the most out of Deeper Roots but you may want to check them out. Operation World, for example may be available at your local library or your church’s missions office. Other resources are required, such as the Matthew DVD, available from the International Bible Society or the Deeper Roots Website. As with any curriculum, you need to consider all of the other materials you’ll need to round out the program – before you order and well before you sit down for the first lesson.

Searching for and finding scholarships is only the first half of the process. You still need to apply for each scholarship you are trying to win. Applying for scholarships can be time consuming and takes dedication and motivation. But the thousands of dollars you could receive makes the effort worthwhile. Below are some hints to help you apply for and win scholarships.

Be proactive.

No one is going to track you down to give you a scholarship; you need to do the legwork yourself. So when you find awards with eligibility criteria that you can meet, contact the provider and request a scholarship application packet. Whether you have to request the application via email, phone or by sending in a self-addressed stamped envelope, do it. There's just no other way to get the ball rolling than to be proactive and assertive in requesting information for yourself.