Horizons Algebra 1 Test & Resource Guide

Homeschoolers appreciate the Alpha Omega curricula for their ease of use and quality instruction. There are 4 different teaching options available to help you meet your math education needs: Lifepacs, Horizons, Switched on Schoolhouse (flash drive for Windows only) and Monarch (online). Please see each option for the full course description. Christian content is included in the Lifepac, Switched on Schoolhouse and Monarch curricula.

Admittedly, no math program will work for everyone - but I find few flaws in this motivating and well-laid out program. Although it may be more advanced for grade level than the "average" program, I don't consider that a negative. Because of the developmental approach to learning in this program, even a non-math type can easily succeed, while the "math whiz" will be challenged by the advanced topics introduced early. Concepts are introduced incrementally, then practiced, developed, and continually reviewed as other concepts are introduced. Horizons lays a solid foundation for numerical literacy with an early emphasis on hands-on, concept learning via manipulatives and one-on-one lessons. The program relies on few separately purchased manipulatives by utilizing common household items and including charts and number lines found in the Teacher's Guides. A useful table in the handbook shows the integration of manipulatives in lessons so you can tell at a glance just what you'll need. Analytical reasoning and mental acumen are stressed throughout the series, and memorization and drill are not neglected. The Teacher Guide is the heart of the program, containing daily lesson plans that are easy to implement. Reduced student pages are a tremendous aid in planning and supply answers to the worktext exercises. Besides plans, the handbook contains an overview, materials list, activities, and supplemental worksheets (approx. one for each 4 lessons). Designed for homeschoolers, the activities, language, and lessons require no alteration. There are 160 lessons per level, each requiring approximately 20-30 minutes per day. Tests are given after every 10 lessons to assess retention of cumulative skills. While a good part of each lesson is oral (especially at the K level), the enticing, colorful student worksheets lay foundations for lessons and review concepts previously taught. There are two workbooks per grade level. Please note that the actual lesson is to be taught by you - there are only brief instructions on each page of the workbooks, which are not intended to be self- instructional. Boxed set contains the teacher book and 2 student workbooks. Additional Student Worksheet Packets contain one photocopy of each reproducible master in the teacher book.

Using the same format as the pre-algebra in the Horizons series, Algebra continues the consistency of staying with one program. Students will explore math through sports and real-life applications throughout the 160 user-friendly lessons. The Horizons Algebra Set includes everything you need to do the course - Student Book (consumable workbook), Teacher Guide, and tests/resource guide. Topics to be covered in this course include exponents & powers, absolute value, radical expressions, multiplying and dividing monomials and polynomials, the FOIL Method, factoring trinomials, as well as solving, writing, and graphing linear equations. Interviews are found in the Algebra I course (just as in the pre-algebra) of people who use math in everyday life - some are more unusual and might present options for careers not yet thought of by your student.