K5 Learning Review

Six weeks ago I was given the opportunity to use an online reading/math program titled “K5 Learning”.  It came to me at the right time, as I was at my wit’s end with one of my darling firsties.  My sister was also having trouble with my niece, who is autistic. 

Here is an overview from K5 Learning:

K5 Learning (www.k5learning.com) is an online reading and math program for kids from kindergarten through grade 5. Our intent is to help kids build reading, math and study skills through independent study. K5 is designed for home use and can be used for after-school, weekend and summertime supplemental study or in conjunction with a homeschooling program.

Here is what happened:

My student worked on the program everyday at school and at home.  This student had no self esteem when it came to reading or even answering questions during discussions.  His mother was very impressed with the program and saw a difference when it came to homework completion.  Although, I do not have any data to show how much of increase this student made, I can say that there was a significant improvement using word attack skills.  He even brought up some of the lessons to other students, which showed me that his retention of information was improving.  The family has decided to purchase the program to use during the summer, so there will be less of a gap to fill next year.

My niece, on the other hand, had difficulty staying motivated.  She thought it was school, so she barely got past the first few lessons.  I don’t want to say that her disability had anything to do with it, but it did take her away from her routine, so that could be why she was resistant.

What I think:

As teachers, we have so many computer programs that are mandated by our districts, some of which we know have little or no impact on the teaching and learning in our classrooms.  With Response to Intervention being the newest way to get help to our students, the K5 Learning program fits the bill.  The reports are so concise, which helps us pinpoint the areas of strengths and weaknesses in our students.  Using that data, we can target intervention to those areas of need.

Try it free for 14 days and see for yourself!  Here is what the program offers:

The K5 program includes:

 free online assessments of each child’s math and reading skills,

 award-winning, curricula based reading and math content,

 over 3,000 online multimedia activities, personalized for each child based on his or her assessment,

 a highly structured environment which allows the student to proceed through the lessons in a logical fashion at his own pace,

 ease of use which allows even 4 or 5 year olds to work independently,

 attention to child safety with no external links, advertisements, chat or similar,

 comprehensive reporting to parents,

 24/7 availability and no downloads

Click here to begin, you have nothing to lose (but time):