Alpha Omega Horizons - More Information

Horizons Mathematics More Information - Top

Horizons Mathematics is a balanced and well-organized approach to primary math composed of analytical reasoning, manipulatives (hands-on learning), memorization and drill. Every concept, from addition and subtraction to graphs and estimation, follows a deliberate pattern of introduction and gradual development to ensure student success. Fundamental concepts previously obtained in earlier units are reviewed in subsequent grade levels for true mastery. Every math concept follows a general pattern of gradual development in all seven grade levels.

Analytical reasoning skills are used in daily decision making. Beginning with an introduction to each concept, Horizons reinforces thinking skills to help ensure a thorough understanding of all material. Students obtain reasoning skills from the principles taught in Horizons lessons and learn to apply these skills to real-life situations.

Numbers, Order & Value: It begins with a strong emphasis on counting and advances to the development of number comparisons, rounding, estimating, order of operations, prime factorization, Roman numbers, scientific notation, base 2 numbers, and integers.

Addition & Subtraction: It begins with adding and subtracting single digits numbers to other numbers and advances to include six-digit by six-digit operations. Comprised of addition and subtraction properties, making changes, and adding and subtracting equations.

Ratios, Measurement & Decimals: From a foundation in money, time, calendar, dimension and capacity, the concepts progress to temperature, unit conversions, ratios, percentages and decimals.

Fractions & Comparison: Included concepts are tall, short, long, longer, larger and smaller; also covers parts of a whole on to addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of mixed numbers.

Equations, Colors & Geometry: Recognition of colors, shapes and direction lead to computations involving area, perimeter, volume and surface area. Geometric definitions of point, line, segment, and ray develop into geometric constructions with a compass and straightedge. Equations are manipulated by addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and are written for word problems.

Graphs, Estimation & Solving: Counting images on a pictograph expands to counting images on a bar graph, line graphs and coordinate graph; rounding numbers continues to estimating solutions and operations involving problem solving; finding the average of a list of numbers provides background for finding the mean, mode, median and probability.

Multiplication and Division: Learning multiplication facts one through ten advances to include multiplication and division terms and properties, multiplication problems with 5-digit numbers and division problems with 4-digit divisors.

Horizons Penmanship More Information - Top

Good handwriting is a necessary skill in life. Often in modern times good penmanship is neglected. Many children and adults rely on computers for writing skills and lack the important ability to fill in a form, write a card of congratulations or sympathy, write a personal letter to a friend or add a personal touch to messages. While computers often fail at times, the ability to write is foolproof.

Handwriting is very important. Similar to riding a bike or developing any other skill, handwriting must be obtained through consistent practice. Due to busy schedules, handwriting is often left out of the curriculum and is primarily used during a short time frame as "busy work."

Handwriting time should be relaxing, not stressful. You should always provide students with adequate "warm-up" time before writing exercises, especially when children are learning the formation of new letters. Have students form letters in the air, on their desks, etc. as an everyday introductory activity until they become familiar with letter formations and correct starting and ending points. After doing warm-up exercises, try playing soft classical music in the background as children practice.

Grade 1: 1 student book and 1 Teacher Handbook. 160 lessons of manuscript printing on ½ inch lines, students write selected Bible verses from the NIV. Reduced student pages, all instructional material and Special Page masters are in the THB.

Grade 2: 1 student book, 1 Teacher Handbook. 160 lessons with 80 lessons of manuscript printing and 80 lessons that transition to simplified cursive on ½ inch lines, students write poems and selected Bible verses from the NIV. Reduced student pages, all instructional material, manuscript masters for all cursive pages, and Special Page masters are in the THB.

Grade 3: 1 student book, 1 Teacher Handbook. 160 lessons with Days 1, 2, 4, & 5 of cursive writing and Day 3 practice is manuscript on 3/8 inch lines, students write selected Bible stories from Genesis (NIV). Reduced student pages, all instructional material and Special Page masters are in the THB.

Grade 4: 1 student book, 1 Teacher Handbook. 160 lessons with 4 days of cursive practice and 1 day of manuscript practice. Students practice penmanship by copying the parables from the Bible (NIV). The Teacher Handbook contains a course scope and sequence, teacher tips, copies of all the student workbook pages, and reproducible copies of the parables.

Grade 5: Good handwriting is a necessary skill in life. In this course, students will practice penmanship using documents written by the Presidents of the United States. New in this course is the skill Builder section which provides a focused review of individual letters, their stroke sequences, and the joinings between them. The 160daily lessons follow a weekly cycle of both practice and performance in cursive writing.

Horizons Phonics and Reading More Information - Top

Horizons Phonics is a phonetically based word-recognition and early reading program. Strong emphasis is placed on comprehension and language arts skills. In this course, students learn to identify the name and sounds of each letter through picture association from the sequential alphabet story.

The use of each individual letter sound blended into words is further reinforced by pictures and printing letter names. Sentences and stories are introduced immediately. Dolch sight words are incorporated to enhance comprehension. In addition to the reading section, much emphasis is placed on the following: spelling, alphabetizing, rhyming, vocabulary development, sentence structure including statement, question, and exclamation sentences, puzzle and make-up words, phrases and sentences for accurate decoding, auditory skills in recognizing a spoken word, sequence, diacritical markings, complete sentence identification, nouns verbs, pronouns, apostrophe for possession, and contractions realistic choices.

There are several activities associated with each skill. The teacher can choose to expand on a certain skill by utilizing the accumulation of words for each segment. Using the puzzle approach on the white board with easy-erase markers allows the teacher the freedom to review and expand the material within the lesson. Underneath each skill name in the Scope and Sequence is the list of activities that are included with that skill.

Phonemic awareness is the ability to recognize, think about and work with the individual sounds in spoken words. Understanding that words are made up of speech sounds improves reading, spelling and comprehension.

Phonics instruction teaches the relationships between the letters (graphemes) of written language. This is done through a systematic sequence with explicit instructions on how to teach these relationships. A substantial amount of practice is provided for applying the relationships.

Fluency instruction enhances the ability to read text accurately and clearly. A fluent reader speaks smoothly and with natural tone. This strand allows students to understand what they read.

Vocabulary development helps students to use the right words for effective communication. The student learns how to associate familiar spoken words with those words they have yet to see in print. With the use of pictures and illustrations, words are given meaning leading to an understanding of reading.

Text comprehension is the number one reason for reading. Reading words without understanding their meaning is not effective reading. With this program, students become active readers who comprehend the meaning of stories.

Spelling practice applies phonics relationships of letters.

Penmanship development builds motor skills and reinforces all of the other learning strands. Horizons teaches manuscript style printing.

Horizons Physical Education More Information - Top

Physical Education is an important aspect of your students’ education! Available for Preschool-12th grade, the Horizons Physical Education curriculum gives your students a complete, well-rounded education by teaching healthy living and exercise from a Christian perspective. Clear goals and outlined plans are conveniently designed to focus on building strength, endurance, flexibility, and sports knowledge. Students will love exercising with this physical education curriculum that teaches motor skills, anatomy, games, exercise techniques, and lifelong healthy practices!

Focusing on health fitness throughout all grades will help encourage students to remain physically active for life. The Horizons Physical Education curriculum is divided into four complete teacher’s guides. These comprehensive teacher’s guides contain teaching material and goals for each grade level for the entire school year. Each grade includes fitness, motor skill, intellectual, and decisional learning goals. These all-in-one teacher’s guides contain teacher instructions, sample lesson plans, and student activities.

PreK - 2nd Grades: Developing motor skills with student activities, this curriculum provides you with: age appropriate games, body terms, fitness techniques, muscular and skeletal system diagrams, and tips for responsible playing. Helpful illustrations are also included to help you teach fun ways to exercise.

3rd - 5th Grades: With this motivating Christian curriculum, you can teach your students object control skills by using manipulatives. Fun, in-depth lessons cover: body part movements, anatomy and physiology, rhythms in movement, game and coordination courses, and flexibility training. Easy-to-use diagrams are also included to help you explain game rules.

6th - 8th Grades: This middle school course focuses on team and recreational sports, intramural athletics, and health fitness. Christian-based lessons cover: soccer, volleyball, football, basketball, hockey, golf, tennis, skiing, skating, cycling, wrestling, and more. Filled with interactive activities, this appealing curriculum will strengthen students’ health knowledge and encourage exercise!

9th - 12th Grades: Integrating a Christian perspective throughout lessons, this high school physical education course covers: the benefits of sports, competition, lifespan fitness and recreation, the Christian and sports, and fitness programs. Students will construct a healthy lifestyle by also learning exercise and nutrition, alcohol and drug awareness, first aid, and general health maintenance.

Horizons Preschool More Information - Top

Biblically-based lessons and hands-on learning activities give preschoolers an introduction to social studies, language arts, math, phonics, and science. Additional topics such as health & safety, arts & crafts, music, and physical education add variety and depth to this foundational curriculum. This program can be easily adapted to a variety of daily schedules and program objectives with a flexible organizational structure. The 180 lessons come packaged in two student books, two teacher’s guides, a sing along music CD, and a resource packet. Basic flashcards and other manipulatives are included in the resource packet. An optional package of recommended multimedia is available separately.

Horizons Spelling and Vocabulary More Information - Top

This is an exciting and motivating presentation of typical spelling concepts. It is designed around a weekly schedule with a variety of practice formats. Like other Horizons products, there is a 160-lesson Horizons student worktext and a Teacher Handbook. The teacher handbook includes daily lesson plans, making this an easy spelling curriculum to teach and administer. Built-in flexibility allows the instructor to add words to the weekly lists and to alter the specifications for the writing assignments to tailor the material to individual student needs.

The complete set includes a student dictionary listing all of the words and definitions used in the student lessons. Horizons Spelling and Vocabulary can be used as stand-alone spelling programs. This phonics-based product will encourage students to improve and develop spelling and vocabulary skills.