African American Homeschool - African American Parent View on Education

As an African American parent, it is important that my son receive a good education which will prepare him both for college and life. As an African American male child, it is vital that he receive a superior education. There is so much adversity he will face in the adult world and not being prepared for college is one concern he should not have. My son David is seven years and in first grade. I live in Chicago and am a single parent homeschooler.

The Decision to Homeschool

My son and I tried two public schools before I decided to homeschool him. We began this year at a magnet public school. He complained that his first grade work was "baby work" and "boring." Next, we tried a virtual school that required me to teach him for five hours a day at home. This did not work either, because David is a fast learner who loses interest quickly. Finally, I decided I would homeschool. I managed to build a career working at home so that I could stay with him. I am a newer homeschooler and feel most comfortable with using a curriculum, and I want to know that my son is learning at, or preferably above, grade level.

Searching for the Best Homeschool Curriculum

My major problem at the outset was that I had no curriculum and could not afford an expensive one. Initially, I used worksheets, a free labor intensive curriculum, miscellaneous books, etc. Yet I didn't feel confident that David was learning all that he should. While doing an internet search, I found Time4Learning. I tried the demo and was convinced that my son would like it. The first time he used it he was totally enthralled. (We only have one computer, and I work at home, so I have to schedule David's computer time which is no easy feat--because he simply loves it.)

Success with Online Homeschooling

He no longer thinks of school as a chore and is learning at a phenomenal rate. The first grade Language Arts program has enhanced his reading skills. My son has some challenges when it comes to speech and used to get frustrated when reading, especially if he could not pronounce the words perfectly. Often, he did not want to decode words out loud. However, with Time4Learning, I listen to him repeat the words after the animated characters. Doing this has boosted his confidence, and he no longer worries about making a mistake when reading.

David also loves the first grade Math program and is progressing through it very quickly. Math is his strong suit and the way the math is presented in Time4Learning is a big hit with him. He says it is fun while I find it both challenging and entertaining.

Thoughts on Time4Learning

Time4Learning has not only helped my son, David, but has also helped me greatly. It is a core curriculum which I supplement with books, lessons, projects, etc. For me, Time4Learning is a big part of his education, and he is enjoying it which makes for a happy son and an even happier mama. Time4Learning is such a blessing and the answer to my prayers regarding affordable curriculum.