Horizons Math

So far we(4yr old and I) are loving this math(K). Actually, at the moment we are doing more than one(up to 3 per day) lesson in a day because she is not challenged by these early lessons. However, after glancing through the back portion of the book, I believe she will be adequately challeneged.

We started homeschooling our oldest child beginning in 3rd grade. She had been in a Montessori school from preschool through 2nd grade and was advanced in math. We started with Level 3 because everyone said Horizons was so advanced. Overall the books are fantastic. They offer a variety of problems with each lesson. The lessons regularly provide review of past material. It is bright and pleasant to look at (no color is very dull for an 8 year old). Each lesson also provides a reasonable number of problems especially for a student who gets bored easily/tired of doing the same type of problem repeatedly. With that said, my only 'negative' comment is if you have a very advanced math learner. By the end of the 1st book, my child was getting bored with doing the problems over concepts she had 'mastered'. Therefore by the 2nd book, if it was a review concept, I would select a few problems from that particular section of the lesson (for example if there were 8 subtraction problems I would have her do 3 or 4). If a concept was being reviewed more frequently through a series of lessons, sometimes I would allow her to completely skip sections of review problems. We will continue with the Horizons program next school year.

I agree with another reviewer, this approach is for a very bright child. Saying that, my daughter really thrived with it. If your child is "average" or you don't want to push them too hard, stick with Alpha Omega's LifePacs. Alpha Omega Horizons are specifically made to go quicker. I loved this series, too. My daughter started at 4 (almost 5) and just finished up the 2nd workbook. I'm ordering the 1st grade set for her too. She LOVES math!

As a homeschooler, I want materials that are easy to teach, and interesting and easily-understandable for my child. This math series answers those needs. The workbook pages offer an interesting variety of problem-types daily, and with their colorful, illustrated pages, they are more attractive to a young learner than a black-and-white textbook. I prefer Horizon's workbook format, especially in the younger grades, because it saves time and prevents mistakes made when copying problems from a textbook to notebook paper. About 90% of the time, a teacher of younger grades could get by without the teacher's manual, but it does offer useful tips for explaining new concepts, and thoroughly outlines each day's work. The reduced-page, picture answer key makes correcting students' work a breeze, and the optional worksheets help reinforce the lessons being taught. I've used several other programs, but this is the best I've seen and used. I wish it was used when I was in school -- Math would have been my favorite subject!

The all time best math books I've found for lower grades. Great preparation if you want to move on to Saxon Math after Grade 3. Lots of colorful illustrations, liberal use of manipulatives ( the kind you can find around your house without having to invest a bundle in pricey manipulatives), and very little teacher prep time. It's easy enough to use so that even a beginning homeschooler needn't feel intimidated by the materials. Mastery style of teaching/learning, so children keep reviewing previously learned skills and building on already mastered skills. (like Saxon Math) I've used this book even for children who were learning to speak english, and they've done very well with this series. I highly recommend Horizons Math!