# LearningTested

> Education and learning guides: early learning, STEM and coding kits, reading and math programs, language apps, homeschool curricula, test prep, online courses, study tools and classroom supplies.

LearningTested publishes learning products reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://learningtested.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://learningtested.com/guides): how to choose
- [Glossary](https://learningtested.com/glossary): learning products terms defined
- [How we test](https://learningtested.com/testing-methodology)

## Topics
- [Early learning](https://learningtested.com/category/early-learning): Preschool and kindergarten learning: letter and number skills, early reading apps, learning kits and screen-time limits.
- [Reading & math](https://learningtested.com/category/reading-math): Reading programs and phonics, comprehension, math curricula and practice apps, tutoring and catch-up help.
- [STEM & coding](https://learningtested.com/category/stem-coding): Coding apps and courses, robotics kits, science kits, microscopes, engineering and electronics sets.
- [Languages](https://learningtested.com/category/languages): Language-learning apps, structured courses, online tutors, immersion and bilingual resources for kids.
- [Homeschool](https://learningtested.com/category/homeschool): Homeschool curricula by subject and philosophy, planners, record keeping, state requirements and online schools.
- [Test prep](https://learningtested.com/category/test-prep): Prep books, courses and practice tests for the SAT, ACT, AP, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT and professional exams.
- [Online courses & adult learning](https://learningtested.com/category/adult-learning): Online course platforms, professional certificates, bootcamps, MOOCs and skills learning for adults.
- [Study tools & classroom](https://learningtested.com/category/study-tools): Graphing calculators, student laptops and tablets, note-taking tools, flashcard apps, classroom supplies and teacher resources.
- [Learning support](https://learningtested.com/category/learning-support): Structured literacy, assistive reading and writing tools, executive-function aids and working with schools.
- [Arts & music learning](https://learningtested.com/category/arts-music): Art kits and curricula, music lessons and learning instruments, and creative learning for kids and adults.

## Buying guides
- [Which Graphing Calculator for the SAT, ACT and AP Exams?](https://learningtested.com/guides/graphing-calculator-for-sat-act-and-ap): The digital SAT includes a built-in Desmos graphing calculator in the testing app, and students may also bring an approved handheld calculator. The ACT allows most calculators on the math test but prohibits computer algebra system (CAS) models such as the TI-89 and TI-Nspire CAS. AP math and science exams publish their own approved lists. A non-CAS graphing calculator such as a TI-84 Plus CE model is accepted on all three, which is why many schools standardize on one.
- [How to Choose a Coding Kit or Course by Age](https://learningtested.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-coding-kit-by-age): Preschoolers learn sequencing best with screen-free coding robots and cards. Children about 5 to 7 can use ScratchJr, and Scratch is designed for ages 8 to 16. Around age 11 to 13 many children are ready for text-based languages such as Python, often through microcontroller and robotics kits. Match the kit to the child's reading level, and favor tools that let them make their own projects.
- [How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum: Approaches Compared](https://learningtested.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-homeschool-curriculum): Most homeschool curricula follow one of a few approaches: all-in-one boxed curricula, classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori-inspired, unit studies or online school. Choose by how much planning you want to do, how your child learns and what your state requires. Many families mix approaches, using a structured math and phonics program and a lighter approach for history and science.
- [How to Choose a Phonics Program: What the Research Supports](https://learningtested.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-phonics-program): Look for a program that teaches phonics systematically and explicitly: letter-sound patterns in a planned order, practiced in decodable texts that use only the patterns taught so far. Strong programs also build phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension, the five areas identified by the National Reading Panel. Be wary of programs that teach children to guess words from pictures or context.
- [Language Learning Apps vs Tutors: What Each Can Teach](https://learningtested.com/guides/language-apps-vs-tutors): Apps are good for daily vocabulary and grammar practice but give little speaking practice. Structured courses add progression and grammar explanation. Live tutors are the fastest route to speaking. The US Foreign Service Institute estimates about 600 to 750 class hours for English speakers to reach professional working proficiency in languages like Spanish or French, and about 2,200 hours for Arabic, Chinese, Japanese or Korean, so set expectations by language.
- [SAT vs ACT: Which Test to Take and How to Prepare](https://learningtested.com/guides/sat-vs-act-which-test-to-take): The digital SAT has two sections, Reading and Writing and Math, is adaptive by module, takes about 2 hours 14 minutes and is scored 400 to 1600. The ACT tests English, math and reading, with science optional, and reports a composite score from 1 to 36. Colleges accept either. Take a full official practice test of each, then prepare for the one where you score higher.
- [Screen Time and Learning Apps by Age: What Pediatricians Advise](https://learningtested.com/guides/screen-time-and-learning-apps-by-age): The American Academy of Pediatrics advises avoiding screen media other than video chatting for children younger than 18 to 24 months, and limiting children aged 2 to 5 to about one hour a day of high-quality programming, watched with a parent where possible. For older children, the AAP recommends a family media plan with consistent limits. Good learning apps have no ads, no pressure to buy and a clear skill they teach.

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