Simply Numbers

Book One K-2 (OLD version)

By: Laurie Hicks

www.shoelacebooks.com

Price: must be purchased used

Please be aware that I am currently using the ORIGINAL version of Simply Numbers.  This program has since been updated and split into two levels – K-1 and 2-3.  I have briefly seen the newer version but did not find it to my liking.  Unfortunately, because there is a new edition this particular version can be difficult to locate though many people, including myself, seem to have luck finding it used on www.vegsource.com/homeschool.  The sample pages on the Shoelace Books website are currently samples of the OLD edition.  At the time of this review (5/6/04) there are no samples of the NEW edition posted. 

Like the rest of the Simply series, Simply Numbers is presented as a plain 8 ½ X 11 comb bound book with colored cardstock for the front and back covers.  Strangely the old version of this book has the covers nicely laminated to prevent stains but the newer version does not.  The beginning of the book includes a short section on teaching arithmetic to young children, how to prepare your child for using the book and how to integrate math and nature study.  Following is the heart of the book featuring 248 lessons to be done at the child’s own pace though it is generally completed in about three years depending upon the age and abilities of the child.  Some lessons may take only one day to complete and master while others can take several days or weeks.  Laurie concludes the program with some reproducible drill sheets, a measurement reference table and a reproducible clock face for practicing time.

According to the table of contents Simply Numbers teaches the following concepts:

Shapes

Counting

Addition

Subtraction

Numbers 1 - 100

Adding Long Columns of Numbers

Even and Odd Numbers

Carrying and Borrowing

United States Money

Multiplication

Telling Time

Roman Numerals

Months of the Year

Calendar Work

Division

Liquid Measures

Fractions

Measuring Height

Measuring Length

Finding Weight

And

Temperature

Many of the early lessons begin with a nicely photocopied picture, which is incorporated into the lesson in some way.  All early lessons are to be done orally though there is some instruction for learning to write numbers.  As the lessons progress it is still possible to do the majority orally with manipulatives but at some point you will want to transition into doing problems on paper as the numbers become increasingly larger toward the end of the book. 

This curriculum is designed in such a way that you may use any manipulatives that you may have on hand therefore no additional materials are necessary.  However, for added auditory review I would suggest a good skip counting CD such as “Skip Count and Addition Facts Songs” by Math-U-See or “One Hundred Sheep Skip Counting tape and book” by Common Sense Press.  You might also be interested in the well-known addition, subtraction, multiplication and division CD’s by Twin Sisters publications.    

Overall Grade: B+

Crissy Fleetwood

Shining Time Academy