Has Anyone Tried IXL?

My older kids used it through school - and had access to it at home through the school. They liked it and I thought it was helpful. We used it primarily for math. My kids never thought of it as homework - it was fun.
Hope that helps :)

What is your purpose? Are you looking for a curriculum, or just a fun way for kids to strengthen their skills? My kids play with a few math websites. They like them because they are fun computer games, and I like them because you use math to play the games. Sumdog is one of the sites they play with, and it's free.

We don't use a reading website - we just get books from the library and read :)

I haven't heard of IXL, but there are so many free websites that can help your child.

Some that I have tried for homeschooling that are paid sites are:

http://www.adaptedmind.com/

or

https://www.time4learning.com/

Both can be used to supplement the public school curriculum.

I recommend fun games or daily everyday stuff for math and reading.

I did end up purchasing Life of Fred Math which has helped so much and they also make Life of Fred reading and Language arts. I would highly recommend these for any child that is struggling.

http://www.educents.com/life-of-fred-sale?gclid=COL8i7GRk...

http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/index2.html

Can you say more about what your concerns are? And your goals? And what you have already tried? Is he falling behind? Are there special needs involved? Have you had teacher conferences during which they expressed concerns about his weaknesses? Or do you want to push him academically to make him the top student?

Do you read to him? Every day? Do you play board games that involve math skills? Do you have toys and activities that involve problem solving and logic while still having fun? Do you cook or bake with him so that he has to read a recipe, measure, and perhaps double or halve it (which automatically teaches fractions)? Even Legos are really based on fractions and multiples (2 double bricks equal one quad brick, and so on.) I think putting a child on a website alone is far less effective than engaging with him and showing how math and reading are part of everyday life. There's a lot more to intellectual development than doing worksheets/drills (on line or paper), reciting math facts, and so on.

Maybe we could be more helpful if we knew your goals, his issues, and your philosophy.

The best education in reading is reading to your child and having him read books that he enjoys.

Never heard of IXL, but have used Khan Academy for math. It's free.

My kids use IXL for math at school. They sometimes will access it at home. I (as a teacher and parent) think it is good. But, I wouldn't purchase it as an individual parent. Can you even do that? I thought they only sold school licenses that also allow home access.

I think a better thing to do would be to find math and reading related board games and just read books. If you do want online, check out Khan academy for math and Epic! for access to online books. Epic! has a small monthly fee.

Check with your son's school. If you are looking for remedial mateials, try i-Ready. If you are looking for advanced materials, try the A/R programs for reading and math.

Your son's school may already have subscriptions in place and be able to share log in information with you.

My kids use it through their elementary school and they LOVE it. More times than not we find them on the computer or their ipads they are using IXL. Great tool!

Yes to IXL. My kids have used it for years, since about 2nd grade for my daughter. Now, in middle school they are required to use it for school assignments along with traditional math books and give them an account for free. I have to say, now that she has to do it, it's not her favorite, because it can be tough, but it's a great way to keep practicing what is being taught in school or go back a bit to help them get up to speed. Our neighbor kids used it to advance in math and now one of them is 2 years ahead. It was his goal and he used IXL to get there. Studied it by himself each night starting in 4th grade. We also like Khan Academy for my middle schooler and for helping me learn how to teach her something, and XtraMath.org for my 4th grader for math facts.

Our school has a subscription to IXL for Math. I am a teacher and I think it's great! The kids like it too. The math topics are divided up well. They can also move between grades (up or down, depending on level). My kids are in K, 2, and 5 and all like it!

Our school uses it as part of the math curriculum (they also use Everyday Math).
My second grader really likes it and has gotten it pretty well.

Even my Kinder uses it.
It's helped them come along pretty well with Math skills, is flexible for grade levels, and makes them use logic to solve problems. I'm a fan.

I'd see what programs your school district is already paying for. Ours pays for First in Math and the kids can play from home.

I've googled work sheets on specific topics. I can't really remember if IXL returned anything. I personally wouldn't pay for a service. Like OPO said there are free resources out there like Khan academy and You tube.

My daughter's school uses IXL for Math and reading. Sometimes its assigned for homework. I like the site and so does my daughter. I don't know if it costs but if it does you may want to check with your sons school to see if you can get it free through them. With being on a computer it helps with testing. Most standardized tests are online so this site gives them more experience doing math and reading on a computer.