Using ALEKS Math with Reade has been a new experience for me. Since beginning homeschooling I've never relied on a computer for teaching or assessment. This was a leap for me!

Reade, my nine-year old "fourth" grader savors every moment he's given to utilize a piece of technology. The computer is no exception. So I was grateful to have been provided the opportunity to use the ALEKS Math Assessment and Learning. Reade enjoys the computer and he enjoys math - perfect combo!

The program begins with an assessment. The child works through many, many math questions to determine what he does and does not know. At the end of the assessment, the parent and child are provided a pie chart from which the child will work to gain mastery of unmastered topics (or review of mastered topics). This is a GREAT tool! It was easy for me and for Reade to understand what we needed to do to get him in line with state standards in specific topic areas.

Which brings us to the next step of lesson work. By selecting a piece of the pie, Reade could practice what he wanted to practice. And based on his answers, he was guided to the next appropriate question and assessed at regular intervals. On days when I wanted to limit the computer use (which were many, as we are not a tech-heavy family), I could print a worksheet for him to complete at the table. The worksheet option was actually my favorite option of the program beyond the assessment.

The reports provided are nice as well. But as I believe I would feel with any computer-based program, I felt a little too out of the loop. Since ALEKS is a subscription-based program, I could choose to subscribe during down times such as breaks or when we're going to be busier than usual. Reade really enjoyed it. I just missed doing the teaching!

I would easily and strongly recommend ALEKS to any new homeschooler as a great way to ease into teaching. Subscriptions to ALEKS  can be purchased here and begin at $19.95 per student, per month with discounts offered for longer subscriptions paid in advance. There are also discounts available to families who would have several children in grades 3 - 12 using ALEKS at one time.

(three out of three)

Patty