Horizons Math — One Math Curriculum I Recommend to Parents

With all the math curriculum out there, I wanted to be able to recommend something to parents who weren’t sure where to start.  I chose one that looked comprehensive, interactive, research-based, and visually appealing.  Horizons Math is a program (that’s often recommended by Sonlight) that has all of these things.  I just ordered the kindy set since my son (we unschool) is really into math and workbooks. 

As a former elementary school teacher, I was really impressed with the program as well as the fact that many of the manipulatives called for are found around the house.  I also bought a few sets of materials that were necessary such as 3D shapes and base ten blocks.  I feel that hands-on materials should be used often in math (and everything else, actually) so I wanted something that encouraged children to take a more active approach to understanding mathematical concepts.

Sample pages can be viewed on the Sonlight homepage.  I couldn’t find sample pages on the Alpha Omega Horizon page.  They aren’t the most impressive pages available but definitely give you an idea of what the program offers.  By the way, the teacher’s manual is good in that you’re not boxed into a specific script.  The program provides parents with a guide but doesn’t “box them in” regarding instruction and how it should occur.

Note: I have since found a bit of religious content in this program.  I have the kindergarten set, so it’s not a lot–only one page. Just wanted to add that in cas you were wondering about religious content.  Not sure how the sets for the older children are…

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Excellent Math Site for Kids

I learned about this through the unschooling math listed called “Mathing Off.”

I explored it for a bit and there are some really great games on it that will enhance a child’s math skills as long as you’re there to provide feedback and assistance. It’s not providing explanations, so you really need to spend time with your child when he or she visits the site the first few times. 

One game, “Add It Up” is lots of fun.  I also liked the one designed to improve spatial skills.  Very cool. 

With so many math sites out there, I’ll try to wade through them and post about some of the best ones here.

Kids’ Numbers

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