Horizons Math K

Horizons Kindergarten Math

Horizons Kindergarten Math is a print-based, teacher-led math curriculum for kindergarteners. The full course runs 160 lessons across two student workbooks plus a teacher's guide, covering counting, single-digit addition and subtraction, telling time, identifying coins, days of the week, following directions, position words, and an introduction to simple fractions.

Horizons uses a spiral curriculum design, which means concepts are introduced briefly, then revisited again and again across the year with a little more depth each time. This contrasts with mastery-based programs, which work through one concept thoroughly before moving to the next. Spiral curricula are usually a better fit for kindergarteners who get bored doing the same kind of problem repeatedly, and for parents who'd rather their child see a concept five times across the year than spend a whole unit on it once.

The teacher's guide walks you through each day's lesson, with a daily lesson planner, a student readiness test, answer keys, teaching tips, and 40 supplemental worksheets for concepts your child needs more time with. Lessons reference manipulatives—base-10 blocks, a calendar, a clock model, and colored crayons are the most commonly used at this level—but the manipulatives aren't included in the kit, and many families will consider them optional.

Horizons Kindergarten Math has no religious content. Christian references begin in the grade 4 level of the series.

Horizons Kindergarten Math is a good fit for a kindergartener who's ready for a full math curriculum, and for a parent who wants a fully scripted lesson plan rather than building their own. The colorful pages and spiral approach make it a particularly good fit for kids who lose interest with extended drilling on one concept, or who are deflated by black-and-white workbooks.