What I meant by “counting fluency” is being able to easily count and skip count to the point where it is quick and automatic. There is very little practice with counting and skip counting in this curriculum, although it is important at this level. First graders need to practice counting by 2s, 5’s, and 10’s at a minimum. This helps with things like counting coins, identifying even and odd numbers, and solving problems mentally.

My kindergartener and 1st grader just completed Apologia Math 1 and 2. It was great for teaching them facts, but lacked significantly in other standards for the 1st and 2nd grade level. They were able to move through it more quickly than one school year since it’s just over 100 lessons. The strengths of this program (at these levels) are that it does an excellent job of teaching place value, math facts, and addition and subtraction with 2 and 3 digit numbers both with and without regrouping. Most lessons use manipulatives to teach these concepts thoroughly. However there are also some shortcomings in the program, which make supplementation necessary. There is barely any skip counting, no counting money until second grade, no work with dates or calendars, and very little time is spent on counting fluency. I had to supplement in these areas to meet 1st and 2nd grade level standards. It is a mastery program, but I found that I needed to add a spiral review daily as “homework”, so my children could practice with the concepts not included in the program that are standard for the grade levels. I also like to include a spiral review so they still get some practice of concepts they have already completed. I would recommend this program if you don’t mind supplementing it. There will be a significant amount of supplementing to keep up with all the topics included in most state standards for these levels. I’m guessing it will be the same with the other levels of Apologia math. Hopefully this helps!