Disclaimer: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.
My oldest turns 16 in a few weeks and this last year, academically, has been a real struggle with him. He isn’t sure exactly what he wants to do after high school, he is considering trade school right now but I want to be sure he is ready for whatever direction he feels God calling him to. So I was actually glad to be given the opportunity to review ACT Mom Online Class from ACT Mom. We don’t always know exactly where we will go but we do believe in the value of preparation that comes from something like this. And we have access for one full year; since my son works more slowly as of late, that is very important to us that we have plenty of time.
This whole class is online and self-paced so students can complete the four courses included in as much or as little time as they want. Included in this course are thirteen hours worth of videos within four different courses. There is one for reading, math, science, and English. Once registered there are also materials that are shipped directly to the student. The complete class includes a binder full of the materials you need to go along with the videos. The same materials are also downloadable in her class; there are lots of tests for students to complete for practice. I personally find this to be a great help in learning strategic learning as well as creating some helpful habits. Want to see inside?
Can I tell you how much we really appreciate the binder that was sent to us as a part of this program? It includes all we need to work through the program: graphing paper and ACT practice tests in sheet protectors. There was also a pencil pouch with a dry erase marker (for taking the practice tests in the sheet protectors), eraser, and sticky tabs. Everything we need to get started right away. There is also an answer key along with scoring instructions so you can score their tests and see how they are progressing as they work through these courses.
Each session includes videos, a quiz, and additional resources should students want to continue their studies. Her videos are very engaging (like having coffee with your professor friend) as she walks you through the information, casually defining terms and relating them to everyday life experiences. Upon completion of each course, she links approximately eight practice tests for students to complete. There are so many opportunities for students to practice actually taking these tests.
One of the things that really got my son was the “why.” She states in her video how important it is for students to “know their why.” I love that because I believe there is so much power in that. On those hard days, it is good for us to remember why we are doing the work we are. So many of us can go so much further when we have one of these as well.
Never a fan of tests myself, I appreciate the honesty which she shares with students as she explains the purpose of these tests and the benefits that come from being studious in them. She also speaks a great deal about the need for organization which is another thing that is so important (and not just when studying for a test).
She also teaches how to read, how to discern necessary information from that which is perhaps misleading to best find the correct answers. So much of this has to do with learning to see those concepts that are repeated; how to have a strategy in your test taking that will help you to have success. Again, an additional benefit in gaining critical thinking skills within this course. Having taken these courses long ago myself, I certainly remember how confusing the wording can be sometimes. How to read, how to think on these things can make a big difference!
This is definitely one of those programs that contains so many benefits beyond just studying for a standardized test. As my son works through the courses that were included in this bundle, I can see how he is gaining more understanding and comprehension in regards to digesting information.
My oldest son tends to be very wary of academic materials; he is very practical and purposeful in what he does so if he cannot relate something to his “right now” he tends to need a lot of encouragement to complete it. Since he started these courses he has been consistent with working through the program. He appreciates the reality of what is taught and how the information is being presented. This seems to be helping him gain some better study skills as well as some more consideration about what his “why” shall be.
You can purchase the bundle of all four courses or you can pick and choose which ones you feel are best for your family. There are definitely many benefits to this course for our older students whether they have a plan or not for after high school. In my opinion, it is always good for us to keep our options open so that whatever we determine to do, we have at least a bit of the way paved. I sure wish this course would have been around when I was test taking because the insight and wisdom shared in this course is so valuable!
The ACT Mom is on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actmom36
Be sure to click on the banner below to read what other Crew Members thought about this program!
A "Peace" of Mind 