Monday, September 12, 2011

Review: Big IQ Kids

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Big IQ Kids is one of those finds that makes homeschooling sooo much easier.   Big IQ Kids is an online program designed to help kids in grades K-12 master skills in spelling, vocabulary, math, and US geography.  Your child works on one lesson a day in each subject area (about 10-15 minutes each) and the lessons progress as mastery is achieved.  It's totally customizable so you can tailor the program to partner with your curriculum.  You can also get progress reports on each lesson to see how well your child is mastering the material as well as any trouble area.  For each lesson completed the student earns a coin to spend in the game arcade, an area of the website with "fun" games and a student created avatar.

We have been enjoying the last of our summer break and although Ms. Q has been using Big IQ Kids almost everyday and trying to learn how it works, she is really excited to start using Big IQ Kids as part of her school day.  When I told her that I scheduled it into her day she literally jumped up and down!  She really likes the way the characters talk and give her directions and she loves earning game coins.  The Spelling Bee is her favorite.  She is not totally sold on the drill aspect of the math program but after I lowered the number of problems she had to complete in each lesson she was better (and complained less).


Big IQ Kids has both a free play and a premium membership option.  The spelling and vocabulary programs are all free.  We used the free spelling program last year to help practice Ms. Q's spelling words and we were both really excited to try out the premium member options.  The spelling Jr., math and geography programs are part of the premium membership.

 
The free spelling and vocabulary programs are great but if you want to be able to track your student's progress, have lessons that progress with mastery, and give your child access to the game arcade and buddy then the premium membership is for you.  The pricing starts at $7.99 for single months or $39.99 for a yearly membership.  You can read more about pricing options HERE.  In my opinion, Big IQ Kids is a little pricey.  BUT, if you are willing to prioritize Big IQ Kids in your curriculum budget you will not be disappointed.

If you would like to read what others are saying about Big IQ Kids, please visit The Old Schoolhouse  Homeschool Crew Blog.


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Disclosure: As a member of the 2011-2012 The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Homeschool Crew, I was provided this product for free in exchange for my review.  No other compensation was given and this review reflects my honest opinion.

1 comment:

The Adventurer said...

i haven't heard of this one yet will give the free portion a try with my kids and see how it goes. Thanks for linking up to the NOBH:)