Now that we're moved and settled I want to order a math curriculum for my first grader. I was looking at MUS, but I showed it to her and she wasn't interested at all. Since having her home I have learned she could care less about manipulatives. So I was looking at Horizons because I've heard many good things about it, and the student books are cheap! That's always good, LOL. My question is, do I really need the guide for a first grader? Pretty sure I can handle the teaching part of it, but I didn't want to miss out on anything.
I am currently using Horizons Math 1 and I would say yes you do need the teachers guide. The teacher's guide has additional worksheets and it gives one on one activities that are not listed in the student workbook. Today we had to go over counting by 6's and it suggested working with the flash cards (we did not have time for that today). It also has suggestions for manipulatives if you need them. I really love the whole program and dd is doing so well with it. We are moving rather slowly (since dd is going to ps k at the moment) but she just took test 2 and got 100 I was so proud!
okay, I had the teacher books, I was a new teaching person then and needed the guidelines. They are possible for this grade/age with out it, it does carry some goodies.. Pros; you get timed addition quarter sized quizes. extra worksheets that help reinforce a concept ( 1st grade?) You get directions on how long to teach, what to teach examples of games and activities to teach with.. but if your dd is not into the manips and just wants the work books I would not worry about it... if you get one look for a used one even. You have your answers, your alternate tests, etc, in the teacher book, but there are actually two teacherbooks in first grade becasue there is a LOT of extra. Cons.. you really can check the work with out it you dont have to do the extra busy sheets If you already have the hang of it you dont need to follow the guide, after all its easy stuff to teach.
I agree with teachermom. I have been using Horizons without the teacher manual and it's worked out fine. If I feel like she needs more practice on something, I can easily find printable worksheets on the internet. And I don't test or quiz so that's not a problem for me either. BTW, I love horizons. I actually use their phonics and reading too.
That's what I was thinking. I don't test or quiz either. I don't even give her grades right now. She does the problems, then I'll check them and we'll go over anything she got wrong and correct it together. I think I'll order her books, then get the teacher guide later if I feel like we're missing something.
I have Horizons Math 1-6 (used K too but sold it afterwards). Honestly, I don't use the TM's much until the upper grades (to check it faster). It's nice to know I have the "extra" but haven't really used them. I ordered most of them when we were true newbies (with 3 kids close in age, it doesn't take long to rack up curriculum ) Obviously, we love Horizons around here!
My family has used the Horizons Math from day 1. Dd #1 is now in 8th and my youngest school age child is in 2nd. I would say "yes" to the teacher's guides. Example: Lesson 27 has teaching tips for the telling time, a list of 4 materials that can be used to aid the child's grasping of concepts, and then there are 9 activities to go along with the teaching fo this lesson. Skip counting, flashcards and drilling addition facts are the first three, but the others are very helpful for the child to learn the math concepts that are being taught. This is my opinion. I also like that I have used this teacher's guide for three of my children and, Lord willing, will use it for my 4th. I see you have 3 children. It is an investment for all of them.
Definitely agree. Horizons can be used by various learning styles (instruction can just be changed if one is more hands-on versus visual, etc). Even though all 3 of mine learn differently, we've been able to use Horizons for all 3 (so far at least). We haven't used 6th grade yet but DD10 will start it around or after the Christmas break we're taking. Rhonda
I got the teach book for 6th as it deals with more that I would need to correct also I am using the teacher activie ideas with ds this year too! did 5th with out it and wanted it. So like i said , it could work either way, just depends on how much you want help!
I agree about the help in correcting! I know how to figure out what 234,198 + 567,899 is but that doesn't mean that I want to do it myself. Even for the younger ages it is simplier for me and less time consuming just to look at answers.
Yep! That's why I have them....with 3 kids, I need to be able to check math without thinking about it.
I've been gone all weekend, and am too lazy to read through ALL the posts! I use Horizons in grades k-3. I use the TM to grade the workbook only. I doubt I've even read any of the part that tells you what to "do"!
are you concerned about the price of the TM? I always search Alibris for discount books like that. I got my 2nd grade TM for $20 Go here http://www.alibris.com/booksearch put in ISBN# 9781580959315 in case you don't know go here to set an inside view of the tm http://www.christianbook.com/Christ...653&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers#curr
I haven't gotten the TM for Horizons Math K or 1st. I feel that my son is understanding the work and getting plenty of practice with the workbooks. One of the reasons I like Horizons is that the pages only have a few problems of each type so unless he had a major problem with understanding I wouldn't use extra worksheets and at this level I feel able to introduce new skills and grade the work. As he gets older I MAY get the TM.
