We had the opportunity to review Horizons 2nd Grade Health Set published by Alpha Omega Publications (AOP).
It is funny how you, sometimes, come full circle. Horizons was one of the first curriculum I purchased when we started homeschooling more than seven years ago. After looking at the options, I chose the Horizons Phonics & Reading Set (also being reviewed by other crew members) for my son. Although we did not continue with the material, Alpha Omega Publications managed to make an impression on me as one that publishes quality products.
Horizons has included in its full curriculum the study of health. They have health sets for each grade level, kindergarten through eighth grade. I really like that they give attention to the subject for children as young as kindergarten. Students are not really required to study the subject until they are in high school, but it is one that should be discussed as early as a child is able to comprehend how to care for himself.
The curriculum is Christian-based, but manages to not be overtly Christian. It also presents sensitive topics like human sexuality and AIDS/HIV /AIDS in higher grade levels; third grade and above. It covers all issues of health that children should learn.
Each Health Set includes a Teacher’s Guide and Student Workbook. You should purchase both books to gain the full experience of the curriculum. In all of the sets, health is studied with a focus on the following topics: Growth and Development; Disease Prevention; Substance Use and Abuse; Nutrition; Emotional/Mental Health; Social Health/Interpersonal Skills; Family Life/Human Sexuality; Personal Health; Community Health; Consumer Health (except in the fourth grade) and Safety/First Aid. You can read more details about what is covered in each grade level.
I had my younger son, third grade, work with me using the curriculum. I used the teacher’s manual as a discussion lead for us to talk about the various topics that were covered. We used the book more as a review, because we have already covered many of the topics that are presented in the second grade level. After all, he is in the third grade.
The exercises in the workbook include a number of hands-on ones as well as written ones. It is helpful if your child is able to read and write, so he can do the written portion. If not, they can still complete the material with you writing their responses.
What I can also say about the program is the topics are on target for what a child should know in the second grade or around the ages of seven or eight years old. The language used is also appropriate. I did not find a need to reword or soften the text for his young ears as I read through the lessons. I do not say that as being over-protective, but rather as one who believes most topics, even more mature ones, can be presented to any age of child for him to understand. Something AOP seems to do well is use age-appropriate language to cover general and more sensitive topics. That has led me to consider purchasing the grade level Health Sets for Canyon, as well as for River and Lily. It looks like the older Health Sets are written where the student may be able to use the curriculum independently {see Health Sets}.
You may see some samples of the Horizons 2nd Grade Health Set Teacher’s Guide and Student Workbook to see if it would fit well into your school.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
Horizons 2nd Grade Health Set is available for $23.
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You can read more reviews of this item by fellow crew members.