Horizons For Threes

Description

For those looking for a complete program that will jump-start your little one with basic skill development and Bible knowledge - Horizons for Threes might do the trick. This program includes the elements of fine and gross motor development along with cognitive advancement in an age-appropriate style.

The Bible Story Reader includes 40 stories from both the Old and New Testaments that correspond to each of the 40 lessons in the program. Each story is a one-paragraph summary of the longer story (more appropriate for the listening abilities of a 3-year old), and is followed by "thought questions" and a "prayer" that complement the story. There is a full-page, color picture for each story and some of the "thought questions" are about the pictures.

The Student Workbook contains the worksheets that correspond to each lesson. There are four pages to complete per lesson and activities vary - coloring, counting, finger tracing, matching, etc. The full-color workbook pages are intended for reinforcement of the lesson content. All pages are labeled at the top of the page with the corresponding lesson and worksheet number.

The Student Workbook Companion includes additional worksheets (one per lesson) for each lesson. These are full-color, printed on a bit heavier stock, and include activities that encourage skill development - cutting, pasting, coloring, lacing. All pages are labeled at the top of the page with the corresponding lesson and worksheet number.

The Teacher Guide for this program begins with an explanation of the curriculum and how to use each component. There is also an explanation of fine motor skill development for the purpose of handwriting. A suggested five-day schedule will help you plan your week, and short summaries of each part of the lesson aid in lesson planning. There are 40 lessons, 1 per week, and each includes a list of supplies, Bible reference and concept, corresponding story in the Bible Story Reader, memory verse (NIV, NKJV, KJV), corresponding worksheets found in the Student Workbook and Student Workbook Companion, and suggestions for expansion. Expansion activities vary from lesson but incorporate science, language arts, phonics, math, shaps, colors, physical education, cooking, social studies, music, arts/crafts, health/safety, and much more. Memory verse cards in all three versions are included at the back of the book. Parents/Teachers can make copies of the version they prefer for classroom use. These lessons are very straightforward and easy to use; there is no guesswork in executing the lessons.

The Horizons for Threes Set includes the Bible Story Reader, Student Workbook, Student Workbook Companion, and Teacher Guide. The kit is complete for one student. The pages of the workbook and workbook companion are not reproducible - purchase would be necessary for additional students.

This curriculum is research-based and incorporates techniques that work well for young children; however, there is a wide range of skill development among 3-year olds, so adaptation of the content might be necessary. Overall, this is a very well-done, complete curriculum for young children and a great starting point for teachers or parents who prefer an all-in-one early-learning program. ~ Donna

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.