Well, in the midst of husband with two jobs, and two boys with birthdays this week, and those rapidly diminishing brain cells, I am late on this review. My sincere apologies to the Big IQ Kids people.
So, what is Big IQ Kids, you ask? Well, let’s start here: www.bigiqkids.com
This is an interactive site that helps your child in many different areas: spelling, vocabulary, US states, and math. Here’s their slogan: “Helping Kids Become and Stay A+ Students!” Each subject has different levels and they are also customizable. You can put in your own vocabulary and spelling for your child/student to practice. As a TOS Crew member, we received a one year premium subscription, but there is a free one that you can check out first. Click here to see the differences in the two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEl6CMBTy4M&feature=related
Children are highly encouraged to do the lessons daily; that helps with reinforcement and builds mastery of skills.
You can also watch a video about the different features here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8pxUQfEn_k
Here are some screen shots from the different parts as well:
This shot is from the spelling section. The program has over 40,000 words in it, but parents/teachers can also customize the lists and the program will create lessons and tests specifically for the words you choose as well.
Here’s Math: The program can be set up to go with standard grade level topics or with specfic areas of practice for your particular student. It is very extensive drill and practice for those who need it in a fun, colorful format.
Here’s vocabulary: again, the program is loaded with a large number of standard words, from elementary grades through SAT prep words, or parents can customize the lessons to suit their particular needs.
And, US States. Students study one state at a time and are quizzed on basic facts and other interesting things about it.
After each lesson is completed in any section satisfactorily, the student earns reward coins which can be redeemed by playing games.
Pricing varies but two options are: monthly: $19.99, and a 12 month membership is $99.99. You can also just sign up for a premium in one particular section as well. To read all about pricing, click here: http://www.bigiqkids.com/Pricing.html
The age range is elementary on up, since it is customizable.
Now, how did we use this? Scientist, who is in 4th grade, really enjoyed the US States the best. We are not currently studying US geography, so he was very interested in learning about the states-especially the unique things from each one. He also did the math quite often, but wasn’t thrilled with the repetition. The lessons were longer than the ones I have him do on paper, and that caused a bit of a problem, but I did see progress in his skills, so that was positive for me. Unfortunately, we were unable to access spelling or vocabulary due to our dial-up internet, but he did also really enjoy the games he was able to play.
Little Mommy, who is in 2nd grade, concentrated on math, since that is her weakest subject at the time. Again, it was a bit long for her, but she did see herself improve, and she enjoyed the rewards as well.
Overall, this program is not a great fit for us at this time. Mostly because of our slow internet. Also, though, I am not one to be comfortable with my children doing so much of their school work on the computer. I do like it for extra practice and think it would be great for children who love computer games and need extra practice in certain subjects. I would have loved having access to this when I taught public school! I would have highly recommened it to families for my struggling students. In fact, I will recommend it to my current public school friends whose children are in need of some extra help.
Again, we are enjoying the parts of BigIQKids that we can and we are thankful to have an opportunity to try new things.
Disclaimer:
4 For His Glory 
Leave a comment