What is Singapore Math? Is it more superior than other math curricula out there? These were my initial questions when I signed up for a Singapore Math seminar for parents of homeschoolers K to Grade 2 held at the Medela House in New Manila. Halfway through the talk and I am already asking, "When do I start with my two-year-old?"
She says," Parents need to model. It's ok to show you do not know. It's ok for kids to make mistakes. But know the kids' thinking process so you can address the mistakes."
A brief history
Singapore Math (simply, Maths in Singapore) is a curriculum that has been developed by the country's Ministry of Education and implemented nationwide beginning in 1980. It only gained acclaim 15 years later when Singaporeans topped the Trends in Math and Science Study (TIMSS) held every four years. Worldwide recognition followed when it bagged first place again in TIMSS in 1999, and in 2003.
The framework
Singapore Math teaches children to persist, to think critically, and to solve problems.
According to Joanne Tabora-Sison of MatheMagis who conducted the seminar, the right attitude is to teach kids that it is not always easy. That challenge is good. And that it is ok not to know at first.
"We are not focused on speed, but on the analytical skills," she adds.
The theories
Sison highlighted three book authors whose theories will serve as a guide in teaching Singapore Math.
Briefly, Zolten-Dienes (1960) teaches the importance of multiple embodiments which children can explore a concept. For eg, in teaching a number, show it in various forms such as "1" "one" and use different representations - a bear, a block, and so on.
Jerome Bruner says topics can be represented using manipulatives (something that can be touched and manipulated) and visual (other objects to replace manipulatives which are also representational) to bridge the symbolic or the abstract which is the goal.
Richard Skemp's focus is the relationship of the how and why. Know the why first and then the how so children can explore many ways to solve a problem.
Singapore Math for Kinder
"For preschool, it is as much about concepts as it is about vocabulary," says Sison.
She adds that it is ideal to teach the numbers 1 through 10 for a year. Some children may get curious what comes after 10, and it is perfectly all right to feed their mind. But it's equally important to not rush them.
Later on, they will move on to shapes, patterns, length and size, weight, capacity, and compare sets.
Addition and subtraction come in Kinder 2 as well as the introduction of numbers up to 100. No pluses, minuses, or equals are used as these are abstract terms. Children are taught with words - what is five less one or who has more?
Do not rush
After the almost four-hour talk, I am convinced that I will be teaching my girls Singapore Math when they are old enough.
Sison says they start accepting students in MatheMagis as young as four years old when the child is developmentally ready. Rushing a kid to learn earlier may mean more work for the parents, and a time less for the child to play which is crucial at his or her young age.
Whether you are deciding to homeschool your child or not, knowing the framework of Singapore Math will always be an advantage. Math is a skill that needs constant practice. Even if you enroll your child in school, you still need follow-up practice at home.
"Ten minutes a day is enough for four year olds," says Sison.
And remember, keep it fun. Learning is fun.
- Mommy Smiley
Sent from my iPhone
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