Online Learning

BigIQKids is an "online learning academy"which provides extra practice and skills for students in grades K-12.  We were allowed to try a membership to BigIQKids for the past several months.  Two of our children tried out the program.  This program is a little bit overwhelming at first.  There are so many options and things to try out that it is hard to know where to begin.  There are several areas of learning that can be drilled and enhanced through BigIQKids:

Spelling: With a over 40,000 word dictionary, SpellingTime comes pre-loaded with 40 lessons for K-8th grade appropriate word lists. Or, as a parent or teacher, you can easily enter your own word lists and SpellingTime will automatically create a week’s worth of lessons, quizzes and tests around your own list with the goal of achieving 100% on the Friday spelling test.

Math: You can set up a child's lesson to mirror what they are doing in their current curriculum. For example, if the child is on double digit addition and single digit multiplication, the program can focus on just these two areas providing invaluable practice and reinforcement that is certain to provide them with the tools to ace their next test. Or, BigMathTime can automatically generate grade specific and subject specific lessons as per your requirements.

Vocabulary: With an extensive library of elementary through SAT prep words, BigVocabTime comes pre-loaded with word lists OR, as a parent or teacher, you can easily enter your own word lists and the program will automatically create a week’s worth of lessons, quizzes and tests around your own list with the goal of achieving 100% on the week’s vocabulary test.

U.S. States: Every elementary student will be confronted with the need to know their US State facts to mastery. BigStatesTime is the ultimate tool in learning the state's location, capital, spelling, abbreviations and general state facts. The program allows parents/teachers to add additional facts which will be included in the child's lessons and the program culminates in a “State Mastery Exam” that, if passed with 100% mastery, awards the child a State Master Certificate.
Once into the program, students play games and do exercises until concepts are mastered.  Students are given immediate feedback and parents receive e-mail reports of their child's progress.  The prices of BigIQKids vary from a free version to many different subscription options.  To see the pricing structure and options available go to:   http://www.bigiqkids.com/Pricing.html 
Overall, my kids weren't completely sold on this program.  It has so many options they had trouble focusing on just one area.  Also, there is an option for some words in the spelling and reading sections to be read by the computer.  The computer "voice" is a little unusual and so my kids didn't use that option.  I think the program just wasn't a good fit for us right now, but I'm sure it would be a great fit for other families.  I recommend reading about the program on their website and trying the free version, then purchasing a subscription if the program fits your family.  To read what other crew members have to say about this program, go to:  http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783856/

**I received no compensation from TOS or BigIQKids in exchange for this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.**