Homeschool math can be both challenging and fun with the Horizons Math Homeschool Curriculum by Alpha Omega.
About this Math Curriculum
Horizons Math brings a unique approach to its math curriculum. Instead of introducing math one concept at a time, the program uses a “spiral” approach. This approach consists of teaching multiple math concepts simultaneously.
According to Horizons, this method ensures that students will recall their earlier lessons and integrate them into their learning.
Our daughter is considered “gifted” and her Alpha Omega Academy teacher suggested this for her and it was a great fit!
What Parents Like About Horizons Math
This program comes highly recommended by many homeschooling parents. Though the spiral approach is a new teaching method, many parents attest that their children embrace it. The most common aspects parents enjoy about Horizons are as follows:
- They enjoy that this homeschool curriculum takes the trouble to consistently review topics before proceeding to the next level of topics. These reviews help ensure that children are fully ready before attempting more advanced topics.
- Horizons also reuses concepts constantly throughout their workbooks, so children are less likely to forget them.
- Parents proclaim that despite Horizons’ constant reviews, the program still maintains enough variety to keep lessons interesting. This approach is especially helpful for students who have ADHD, or for those who have a low threshold for boredom.
- Parents enjoy that this homeschool math program includes object-oriented activities for the hands-on learner. These activities do not require special “manipulatives” but ordinary objects found at home.
- Parents also enjoy that the workbooks contain real-world math problems, which help children learn how to apply math to real life.
What Parents Dislike About this Homeschool Curriculum
- Parents state that their children enjoy Horizons’ colorful workbooks, which keeps them engaged in the material. These workbooks also contain games that make math fun for children.
- Some parents dislike Horizons’ constant review of old material. They claim that these reviews become repetitive over time, which makes it tedious for their children.
- Horizons also uses a great deal of flashcard drills, which can be off-putting to both children and parents. (Some parents just skip them!)
- Some parents state that the teacher’s manual for the early grades is unnecessary because the material is so easy to teach. They wish that the teacher’s manual was optional.
How to Decide if Horizons Math is for You
In order to know whether your child will take to Horizons, ask yourself if he or she enjoys variety and is not easily overwhelmed by learning two or more topics at once.