Horizons Math

I thought today would be a good day to do my review of Horizons Math. Why now? Bess, who has been math resistant ever since our days with Saxon Math, turned to me today and admitted she is beginning to enjoy math. She even voluntarily did two extra pages. I tried not to faint!
So, besides turning Bess into a math-enjoyer, here is why I like Horizons.(As I've stated before, I never get paid for my reviews.)

Everything is clearly laid out for the parent in the teacher's manual with activities to teach the concepts and a list or what manipulatives are helpful for teaching the lesson. I have to admit I rarely use their suggestions for teaching the lesson. Bess is an intuitive learner, and a little explanation from me is usually all she needs. Max needs a little more help, but I find that I know best how to explain concepts to him without overwhelming him. But it's good to know I have a way to explain it if I ever need it.

Example from Grade 2

The back of the teacher's manual has reproducible supplemental worksheets and we use all of them. I find them really helpful for reinforcing concepts. I will, however, buy the worksheet packet next time, because I get tired of copying the pages. All of the answers for the lessons and extra worksheets are in the teacher's manual.

Example from Grade 2

Each year has two consumable workbooks  with 80 lessons in each. Except for grade k every tenth lesson also has a test. This is a spiral curriculum which we find works best for us.
After having used Saxon and Calvert Math, I find this too be a fairly advanced curriculum. However, it doesn't feel that way. It's colorful with many fun puzzles, and paced in a way that new concepts are paired with already mastered skills.
I've been on the fence about whether this was the program for Max, but just recently he's been asking for extra math pages. So I'm going to stick with it. I always go through a grass-is-greener period concerning math, and I really think I need to just chill and trust this program.
For those who care, this is not a secular program. However, other than being published by a Christian  company, one can hardly tell.
You can purchase the program through BookShark. But I'm not crazy about their manipulative package. I recommend buying the one from Rainbow Resource.
If you need a more in-depth review of the program, I recommend Cathy Duffy's review. She lists Horizons as one of her 102 Top Picks.

Until Next Time!