IXL for Math and Language Arts {Schoolhouse Crew Review} -

We have been using IXL in our family ever since our first time reviewing this great program. Long known for math practice that children enjoy using, they keep adding more and getting even better! Not only have my children been practicing a range of math skills, but my some of my children have been practicing language arts skills, too. They have been thrilled to work on the desktop or the iPad through the app.

My youngest son, four years old, is thrilled to have his own school – and on the computer or iPad makes it even more exciting for him. He is working in the beginning level of math – having fun while identifying shapes, comparing sizes, and of course, counting various objects. It is easiest for him to use the app on the iPad; the touch screen makes it easy for him to manipulate. The audio reading the questions and answer choices for him allow him to work independently – just like his older siblings. He is working through what he knows and learning how to use the program. Before long he will have finished all the skills in Level A. It will be easy to select Level B and continue on when he’s ready. Math skills are available for the earliest learners (pre-K) through senior in high school levels (pre-calculus).
My youngest daughter, six-year old first grader, is working on math also. She does most of her work at grade level. When she is really enjoying a specific skill and completes all the Level C work for it, she chooses Level D and continues with that skill. We really enjoy how easy it is work at just the level that the child needs, changing as often as necessary. This daughter has been working on IXL for a year now. The addition of using the iPad for some of her daily work is always fun. We are limited to only being able to use the app when we have wifi access. This is a bummer when we are on the road, but wonderful when we are spending the day at Grandma’s or the library. This daughter has even enjoyed ~~working~~ playing while we grocery shop (so happy on of our regular stores has wifi!).

My 3rd grade son, 6th grade daughter and 8th grade daughter are all working on both math and language arts skills. Language Arts is available from 2nd through 8th grade levels. My children don’t really know what level they are working on though. There is an option to have the levels labelled by letter instead of grade number. My 6th grade daughter is actually working on many of the same math skills at the same level as her younger brother. This would really affect her confidence if she knew. I am so thankful for this option. It lets my children focus on their learning and practice and not whether they are doing the work others say they should be. We also have the option to compare the skills and levels in IXL with our state’s standards. It automatically has our state shown because of our address information. We do not do any portfolios or testing in Indiana, but if we did, it would be nice to know what would be expected to be learned for each grade.

It is important to note that IXL is a membership website for practicing skills. There is not instruction but practice for specific skills. If a problem is answered incorrectly, then an explanation is shown. This is shown below the initial problem and correct answer. If the incorrect answer was just an error in inputting the answer, it is easy to go on to the next problem. If there is confusion, it is easy to scroll down and review the process. If there are continued difficulties, a lower level for this skill can be selected. This has been so easy for my children to navigate on their own. For most of their basic math learning they are able to progress simply by working through IXL. My one daughter that struggles with math concepts is still progressing, just with some needed instructional help from mama. My dyslexic daughter is really enjoying the new feature having the question presented with audio. Previously, this was only an option for the youngest grade levels.

You may be wondering how I can keep up with all that my children are doing. I get frequent emails of my children’s progress. I can also easily access reports from my own sign-in on the website. I can choose which student, which levels (great when they are working across a few levels) and which subject. My only question is their motivation. They earn little rewards (a sticker in a square on a grid) for completing skills, or practice for a certain amount of time or number of questions. I like that there are several opportunities to earn these rewards, I just don’t know that this simple reward would have been enough to motivate me at their ages. There are no flashy graphics or extra games. It is not boring practice, but there really are no bells and whistles. And it works! My children are all making good progress and ask to do their math. On our busiest days when little formal schoolwork is accomplished, I know doing math will be no problem.

IXL is a subscription site. A membership can be configured in numerous ways for most any need. The initial student for one subject is $9.95/month or $79/year. Add $2 per month for additional students ($20/year) in one subject – math or language arts. Want to do both subjects? $15.95/month or $129/year for one student. For two students, both subjects it is $17.95/month or $149/year. It is easy to figure exactly what your costs will be by choosing monthly vs yearly, number of students (1-10) and math and or language arts.

Be sure to check out the other reviews from my fellow Crew members. You can also visit the IXL website and sample problems from all levels and both subject areas.

Thank you IXL!