Finishing Saxon 6/5 -> to Horizons??

[HilJoy14]

My daughter is a few weeks from finishing her Saxon Math 6/5 book (just shy of 11 years old, 5th-ish grade).  She has already decided to go back to school in the fall (which one is still being determined).  So we need something to get us through the next few months.  She is really weary of Saxon - the repitition, length of lessons, etc. (Although I feel that she has learned a lot more this year than when we did TT last year).  So I was thinking of maybe Horizons for the last few months of the school year?

 

I looked at the Placement Tests (she hasn't done them yet) - it looks like she'd score to place into Horizons 6.  BUT, I also took a look at their pre-algebra placement test (just to be sure), and she'd also score high enough to place into that.  (They seem VERY similar on topics!)  I'm guessing Horizons 6 is the more reasonable progression from Saxon 6/5, though, right?? 

 

I'm also open to suggestions - if you'd do something different for the next few months - or how to transition into Horizons at the correct point?

 

Thanks!

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Don't do the Pre Algebra. Horizons 6 is very challenging and the end covers half of a normal

Pre algebra course.

 

One thing that is so much better about horizons is that even though it's spiral it teaches and reviews in logical chunks. So, when you get the curriculum go ahead and skip the stuff you feel she is really really solid on, and move along to where you see some new things popping up but not too many. My guess is that'll put you somewhere around lesson 30. (I've use all Saxon 2-Alg 1/2 with my son and all Horizons 1-6 with my dd so I'm very familiar with them both.)

 

Also remember you can usually cross out about half of the problem sets. This is much easier with horizons because it Reviews in chunks so you know your dd will never miss review even if you cross some out.

 

I think after Saxon she will like Horizons. Hope it goes well for her with the transition to school.

 

Also most schools are stressing the conceptual thinking so you may want to supplement with Zacarro's Challenge Math for Middle Grades. It's challenging but very fun.

[HilJoy14]

Thanks so much for the tips - especially on skipping a bit to get to the correct place!  I ordered Horizons 6 yesterday (20% off with free shipping - woohoo!), so I can't wait to take a look at it.  I'll take a look at that other book, too - sounds interesting...

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Woo hoo! It's not perfect but it'll be a nice change and be nice and challenging :)