We’ve spent a little time checking out the language arts sections. You can see what each level covers – including seeing an example from each section – on the language arts tab on the website. The mechanics of grammar and writing are covered – parts of speech, punctuation, vocabulary, dictionary skills are just some of the language arts topics. Not a complete language arts selection, but the topics that can be practiced (and scored) easily. I thought my children would like working on the computer for this, but was surprised that they didn’t. I think my eldest daughter would have, but her level isn’t available – yet. The great part, your IXL membership is flexible as to which part or parts you sign up for. Want just math ($9.95/month for one child)? Just language arts ($9.95/month for one child)? Want both ($15.95/month for one child)? Get a discount by purchasing a yearly membership ($79 per subject or $129 for both – again for one child). What if your family is like mine and you have multiple children? Just add $2 per child to the monthly prices and $20 per child to the yearly prices. Your membership is full access to the subject area(s) you have chosen. If you only select math, all your children on your membership have access to the full math selections (all levels). The same for the language arts. If you have the membership for both, all of your children have access to all of the levels. I love the flexibility and ability for your child to work at their level.
There are a few options to customize your family’s experience. I turned off the timing in addition to the grade level indication. My children were thrilled to choose their own icons for their profiles – even my non-reading three year-old could tell who was who by the picture they chose. “See the horse by the name? Yes, that is your sister, H.” There is not a lot of flashiness or game-like feel to this program, but my children still absolutely love it!
Another feature that I “turned on” is e-mail notification. I get “news flash” messages for each child as they earn certificates for reaching milestones in level achievement, number of questions completed and time practiced. You can also access this – and much more from the “Reports” tab. I did have a bit of confusion when I was checking my children’s progress after the first week. You choose your criteria and parameters at the top — this includes level. I went through the list of my three users (7, 9 and 10 year olds) from oldest to youngest. The older two are doing the majority of their work in the same level, so I didn’t change anything. When I came to the youngest of the three, it showed he spent no time practicing. I knew that couldn’t be right – I had sat by him at least 90 minutes that week. Once I realized you also select the level to show, the results looked great. One thing to note, I set a timer for my children to know when their turn is over. The tracking for time practiced is just that, time practiced – not just time signed in and moving through the various pages.
I learned of the difference when I received one of those reports for my middle daughter – the one that gets math easily, but hates practicing. Turns out she wasn’t spending as much time practicing as she was just “surfing” around the site – checking her rewards boards, etc. Once we figured out she wanted to be challenged and could work at a higher level — and that Mama could see just how much time she was really practicing — things have been much better. I love that they can so easily switch between levels!
The visual representation, the ability for the younger levels to click to hear the questions and answers read for them, and the simple prizes are what keep my children interested. At first glance, I don’t see much that looks like play – but my children have all assured me that this is fun. They often work beyond the time limit I give them so they can finish “just one more section” and earn that next prize. The prizes are just a graphic on a board – but my children are loving this.
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