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