My daughter is ready for second grade Math and I have narrowed it down to Horizons and Abeka. She picks up Math concepts easily and is kind of cut and dry- We have friends who use Math U See and it was just not for her. What is your pick?
I haven't used SOS for grades that early, although my two use it now. I have one in 10th grade (but doing 11th grade work) and one in 9th grade. I did switch my 9th grader from SOS math to Teaching Textbooks and I'm glad that I did. That being said, I have taught Abeka for years and think that it is one of the best (possibly THE best) curriculum out there. I would highly recommend it for her math. My main reason for not using Abeka for my children is because SOS makes it so easy since it does the lesson plans, grading, etc. for you, taking a tremendous load off of the parent. Hope this helps!
We used A Beka math in second grade and liked it for the lower grades, although I do not think it is cut and dry. But you also do not have to order everything that comes with the math curriculum. As a whole, I really like A Beka math and think it is thorough.
I use Horizons for math and Abeka for mostly everything else. I really like Horizons and I did look at the Abeka math last year (for second grade) I chose to stick with Horizons because the Abeka math is all in one big book. I know that would bring my one daughter to tears. With Horizons I like the idea of having 2 books, it gives them a goal to look towards mid way to have a fresh new book, and breaks it up a bit I think. I also like the spiral approach, it works well with my two.
We use Abeka for math and I think it is a very good program. As for the book being big... you could always rip out the lesson every day and not have them work "in" the book. I ordered the math curriculum guide, the student text and the test book. I didn't order the rest of the optional items because we have so much stuff like play money, dice, flash cards and such already here at home. I didn't order the text key because I figured I could correct 2nd grade math on my own lol. We have never used Horizon math so I can not help with a comparsion.
Just an observance, there are some teens and pre teens at my dds school that have been there throughout the duration of thier school, the school uses Abeka for under grades and jr/sr they go to SOS, the kids seem to have a lot of trouble with the SOS math.. not understanding certain terms and such, so I am not sure how good Abeka math is, I do know that Horizom math was awesome for my ds and dd and they are doing great in maths, ( dd did struggle with her life pak math for algebra1 but part of that was her age) Now we are doing MUS for high school maths, in our home school. We love MUS. but for younger grades I would go with Horizon because it is great for begining! ITs colorful its repetative in short sections etc and fun! It also advances rather quickly to do a year and a half of work in one years time.
We have not used Abeka, but we do and will continue to use Horizons. My DS loves it!! There are ideas to use in the TM, too, to expand the lessons as you need to.
We use Horizons too. Personally can't stand Abeka for Math...lol. I've used Horizons with all 3 kids for the last 3 1/2 years...so I've used every level K-6th grade. I like them all! (although K is my favorite because it got my son off to such a great start!)
Well now I am even more confused than ever LOL. Seriously Thank you all- I am not so concerned with the Abeka being a big book because I do usually tear out the assignment-but I do see how that might be a problem for some. And if Horizons is faster paced then I am not sure that would be the best choice either, however the repetitiveness appeals to me. As far as the supplements, we too have fake money, flash cards etc so I would not have to purchase everything and I also think I would be OK w/out the teachers guide for second grade. Thank you all again!!!!
even though we don't use Abeka with the rest of the subjects,I used Abeka math with my 3rd grade dd and it helped her a lot. I would recommend it