Time4Learning vs Sonlight®: Pros and Cons
Before spending your hard-earned money on any curriculum, you should fully understand their pros and cons. As for the Sonlight® curriculum pros and cons, we did most of the legwork for you and created this informative page that also highlights Time4Learning. After all, you should have a clear picture of what program will best suit your family.
The Difficulty of Picking Out the Pros and Cons
Before we move ahead, it’s important to point out that every family has their own reasons for homeschooling. And just as there are different reasons, there are also different curriculum packages that will better fit those needs. While one family may believe the Sonlight® pros and cons match their children’s learning style, another may think differently. So, as you review this page, keep in mind that no one curriculum is perfect for everyone, but there will be one that better meets your needs.
Teaching with Sonlight® vs Time4Learning
We’ve created a chart that will help you identify the pros and cons of both curricula. This should make the process of choosing a program much easier. While you browse the chart, look for the pros that match your needs as a homeschooling family.
Homeschool Use |
||
| Advantage | Disadvantage | |
| Sonlight® | Various purchasing and curriculum options available so parents can customize their child’s education. | Book-based curriculum may not work for student’s who require a more interactive approach to learning. |
| Time4Learning | One low monthly fee includes 4 core subjects (math, science, social studies and language arts), plus automated grading and recordkeeping. | Online homeschool curriculum requires internet connection and computer or tablet. |
Pricing Structure |
||
| Advantage | Disadvantage | |
| Sonlight® | One time expense, unless you require more lessons. | Full grade levels range from $300 to $900. |
| Time4Learning | No large up front purchase; cancel at any time. All subjects are included for one affordable price. | Must create a monthly budget. |
Lesson Style |
||
| Advantage | Disadvantage | |
| Sonlight® | No internet required. Literature based program. Offers hands-on activities for purchased correlate with our 1st grade through middle school programs. | There’s an additional fee for the hands-on activities. |
| Time4Learning | Interactive lesson approach is helpful for visual and auditory learners. Step-by-step guides, printables and Virtual labs included for kinesthetic learners. | Must have computer or device with internet connection to view lessons. |
Recordkeeping |
||
| Advantage | Disadvantage | |
| Sonlight® | You do it yourself. Science and ELA worksheets do capture answers for parents to save that work if needed. | More administrative work for you. The Instructor’s Guide can be used as a list that parents check things off of as students complete them. |
| Time4Learning | Saves time and gives you concrete information for homeschool portfolios and reviews. | Account must be kept active to access archive of grades (although they can be downloaded and saved for future reference). |
Worldview |
||
| Advantage | Disadvantage | |
| Sonlight® | Many school subjects include bible verses and are written and taught from a faith-based worldview. | Religious teaching may not meet the needs of all homeschooling families. |
| Time4Learning | Can be used by most any homeschooling family, regardless of worldview. Families may skip any content they find objectionable. | Does not include dedicated Bible curriculum content, so Christian families must supplement this subject. |
Finding It Hard to Choose?
You may have read over the Sonlight® curriculum pros and cons and the Time4Learning pros and cons but still don’t have a clear answer. The automated record keeping that Time4Learning provides sounds great but so do other aspects of the Sonlight® curriculum.
Don’t worry. Many homeschooling families blend curriculum programs and find the sweet spot that matches their children’s needs.
If you want to learn more about Time4Learning and Sonlight®, visit these other pages for additional information.
- Time4Learning vs Sonlight®: Overview
- Time4Learning vs Sonlight®: Features
- Time4Learning vs Sonlight®: Pricing
- How to Use Time4Learning with Sonlight®
*Time4Learning is not affiliated with Sonlight®. Time4Learning’s purpose with this article is to provide information to families who are considering an eclectic approach to homeschooling or who wish to compare the benefits of using both curricula. Time4Learning’s products and services are not endorsed or sponsored by Sonlight®.
