Horizons Math 1 - A Review

This is a review of Horizons Math 1

Uses a spiral approach - a subject is briefly introduced, practiced a few times, and then added to later. Very visual - workbook pages use a colorful, organized format. Review is mixed in with new concepts on workbook pages. There may be 4 or more different tasks to complete on each workbook page (i.e., it isn't just a page full of addition problems). Book is fast paced & moves quickly.

Horizons math is GREAT for:

• Visual learners
• Kids that are easily bored by focusing on a single concept at one time
• Kids that do not do well with the Mastery approach
• Kids that like a fast pace
• Teachers that want continual review throughout the year
• Teachers that want a program laid out for them to follow, with a daily plan

Horizons is TERRIBLE for:

• Auditory & hands-on learners, those who do not do well visually
• Kids that need to focus on a single concept & master it

Other disadvantages to Horizons:

Horizons' pace:
You spend a week's lessons memorizing addition facts 1-9, and a week later are memorizing addition facts 1-18. A child is expected to count by 2s to 20 before starting the program, but only spend 1 week on practicing counting by 2s to 100 before switching over to counting by 3s to 100. This is the very same reason I abandoned Singapore Math Earlybird K: the pace did not suit us - it went too fast and we were never able to master something before moving on.

In conclusion: Some people really like Horizons math. Horizons math is not for everyone. It does not offer enough hands-on and auditory teaching methods. It has a quick pace that may not work for everyone. For us: I give Horizons Math 1 TWO THUMBS DOWN.