Horizons Math by Alpha Omega Pros and Cons

If you're looking into using Horizons Math, this site will give you all the information you need to make an informed choice.

Horizons Math program consists of 2 student workbooks with 80 lessons in each along with a teacher handbook.

The teacher handbook contains a scope and sequence (what the student will be learning this year), daily lesson plans, answer keys, worksheets and unit tests. There are extra worksheets in the teacher manual for extra practice or for multiple students.

These books are brightly illustrated and capture childrens attention. It is a manipulative centered curriculum that uses concrete hands on activities to reinforce the math concepts. The manipulatives are not included but the teacher manual suggests ways to make manipulatives from items you have in your home. This is a money saver.

Horizons Math has new placement exams that you can use to decide which book your child should start with starting with grades 2-6. The math programs cover pre-Kindergarten through 6th grade but the placement tests are used for grades 2-6 only.

This is a one-on-one teaching curriculum that requires more parent interaction than the self guided Lifepacs that Alpha Omega also offers for Math.

The program introduces math properties to your child one at a time and them gives practice using the consumable workbook. They use the spiral method of teaching math which introduces the topic, reviews it and then reinforces it throughout the book. Your student will be have plenty of practice of new material and then use it for a time. Eventually that concept shows back up again in later lessons for further reinforcement. Some children do well with this approach and some don't.

All of Alpha Omega curriculum is based on the Bible. They weave scripture and Christian living into all their subjects - even Math!

Tests are available every 10 lessons with and exam each quarter (4 per year) and 1 final exam. You do not have to use these, but they are available to check how much information your child has retained over the year.

Weaknesses of Horizons Math

Weaknesses - Some children may be overwhelmed by the visually exciting pages and may get distracted. Also, as mentioned before, if your child has trouble with the spiral approach to Math like many of the common packaged math programs use, then you might have a frustrating year in Math.

The best place to find Horizons Math seems to be the Christian Book Distributors website. 

I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

More Math Resources:

All Homeschool Math Reviews available on this website - Homeschool Math Review

My son's favorite multiplication practice game - Timez Attack

If you need a homeschool coach to help you figure out what is best for your children, feel free to contact me.