IXL meets the unique needs of each learner with a comprehensive K-12 curriculum, personalized guidance, and real-time analytics. Because IXL is designed to be flexible, there are many ways you can use it to support your homeschooling instruction.
Read a few of our top strategies, and choose the one that works best for you and your child!
See your child’s current knowledge levels
The IXL Real-Time Diagnostic pinpoints your child’s current grade-level proficiency in math and English language arts. Their diagnostic levels are broken down across several key strands, so you’ll be able to see exactly what your child understands, and where they need more support.
Based on your child’s levels, IXL creates a personalized action plan of the exact skills they’re ready to learn next. These skills are at the perfect level to meet your child where they are and accelerate their progress!
To get started, have your child answer questions in the Diagnostic arena for about 45 minutes per subject. This does not have to be done in one sitting, and you can choose to break it up in whatever way works best for your child!
Once your child’s levels are pinpointed, we recommend having them continue to answer 10-15 diagnostic questions each week. This way, your child’s knowledge levels will always stay up to date, and you’ll be able to see their progress as they learn and grow.
To learn more about the Real-Time Diagnostic, check out our parent guide. Or, show your child how to get started with this fun video.
Select skills that match your current resources and goals
Simplify your lesson planning with IXL skill plans. The IXL curriculum team has mapped out your instructional resources and custom-built IXL skills to precisely match every topic.
First, choose your IXL skill plan:
- Looking for an easy lesson plan? IXL’s custom Weekly Boost, Learn to Read, and seasonal skill plans give day-by-day skill suggestions for math and English.
- Do you use a textbook? IXL skill plans reinforce each chapter of the 100+ most popular textbook series.
- Do you want to ensure you’re covering your state’s standards? The IXL skill plan for your state sets your student up for success.
- Is there a test you’re helping your learner prepare for? See the exact skills aligned to the SAT, ACT, NWEA MAP, and more.
Then, suggest the skills you’d like your child to work on.
Use built-in guidance to teach new topics
On IXL, students actively learn by answering questions and receiving immediate feedback, which allows them to build a deep understanding of each concept. Plus, built-in teaching tools like examples, lessons, video tutorials, and in-skill recommendations can help introduce new concepts and reinforce understanding.
Want to introduce a brand-new topic on IXL? Select a skill, and have your child choose “Learn with an example” at the top of the page. A sample question and explanation provide a helpful overview of the topic, and outline key strategies to solve each problem.
Learn more about “Learn with an example” in this short video:
Next, have your child try a few questions. As they continue through the skill, IXL’s question-specific answer explanations will help them work through any mistakes and make lasting progress. Encourage your child to read through each explanation before tackling the next problem.
Looking for a more in depth explanation? Have your child select “Watch a video” at the top of a skill. An expert tutor will guide your child through a concept in a 2-5 minute video tutorial. Or, try one of IXL’s lessons that will walk your student through a math topic and provide specific IXL skills to help reinforce the concept.
If your child is still finding the topic too challenging, take a look at the in-skill recommendations at the bottom of the screen. These skills will help your child build knowledge and confidence in the relevant foundational concepts, so that they’re ready to take on the original skill.
If your child wants to work independently, have them visit their Recommendations wall for specific skill suggestions based on their knowledge levels. Recommendations can be filtered to show only specific subjects or starred skills.
Track your child’s progress
As your child makes progress on IXL, you’ll receive helpful insights into their learning. With IXL Analytics, you can see everything your child has worked on, and how well they currently understand each topic.
Get started with these handy reports:
- Usage: Shows how much time your child has spent on IXL, how many questions they’ve answered, the topics they’ve worked on, and the number of skills they’ve made progress in.
- Score Grid: If you’ve assigned specific skills and/or set certain SmartScore goals to reach, the Score Chart report can help you quickly see if your child has hit those targets.
- Trouble Spots: Highlights the concepts your child is struggling with. You can even see the exact questions your child received and missed, which are perfect to review together.
- Diagnostic stats: See a full picture of your child’s current knowledge in math and English language arts. Plus, personalized skill recommendations show exactly what your child should work on next.
IXL will also send you weekly progress report updates via email, so that you’re always in the loop and don’t have to spend extra time record-keeping.
Encourage your child’s growth
An important part of learning growth is keeping students motivated. On IXL, learners have built-in tools to celebrate growth and make learning fun. Here are some of our favorites:
- Games: The easiest way to make learning fun is with games! IXL has more than 350 built-in educational games for math and English. Your child can reinforce current topics or get an introduction to new ones while they’re playing.
- Awards: As your child answers questions on IXL, they’ll have opportunities to celebrate their growth. Students can collect language arts and math awards as they master new concepts, while printable certificates help celebrate their learning milestones.
- The IXL app: Take learning on the go and practice any time on the IXL app! Sign in on the IXL app and your student has access to a fun, immersive learning experience from their phone or tablet. Available on the App Store, Google Play, and Amazon Appstore.
- IXL Rockstars: Celebrate your child’s growth with the IXL social media community! IXL Rockstars are hard-working students who have answered 10,000 questions or more.
- Learning contests: Motivate your child to master new skills with a little friendly competition. IXL’s seasonal contests let students compete against other learners their age to win fun prizes!
- The Family Learning Hub: Still looking for inspiration? Check out the Family Learning Hub for more ideas on implementing IXL into your homeschool curriculum.
Hear what more homeschoolers think
Read more from the HomeSchool Review Crew and check out other IXL testimonials from parents, students, and teachers!
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