Singapore Math

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For years the students of Singapore have scored higher than those of any other country on standardized math and science tests (administered by the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study). Primary Mathematics is the standard curriculum for elementary students in Singapore and continues to gain popularity in the U.S. due to its proven effectiveness. The Earlybird Kindergarten and New Elementary Math (grades 7-10) series are recommended by the U.S. publisher of Primary Mathematics.

While these courses were designed for a formal classroom setting, they adapt easily for home education. The material requires teacher explanation (especially in the lower grades), but extensive online help is available, and the teacher's guides contain supplementary material not found in the student texts. English is the primary instructional language in Singapore, so you don't have to worry about awkward translations that make no sense. Although the metric system is taught primarily, there is mention of English measurement; discussions of money are suited to U.S. currency. Overall, the cultural barrier for American users is minimal and by no means insurmountable.

Series Options:

Preschool & Kindergarten

The Earlybird Kindergarten series for 4- and 5-year-olds introduces very basic concepts like counting and numeral identification in a colorful format; teacher's guides are not necessary, though useful to get the most out of this program. Power Math K and Essential Math Kindergarten are similar in approach, less teacher-oriented and faster moving than Earlybird, but also less visually engaging for the child.

Grade School:

Primary Mathematics for grades 1-6 is the course responsible for securing Singapore students their stellar test scores. The series follows a Concrete Pictorial Abstract approach designed to make sense of math to students with a variety of learning styles. The concrete and pictorial stages introduce new concepts in real-life contexts, while the abstract stage provides the thinking skills necessary to apply those ideas in ways the text doesn't address. Adult supervision and independent practice go hand in hand as students put into action what they learn. Mental math is introduced early so kids learn to actually think mathematically, not just relying on manipulatives and their fingers to solve problems. Currently the U.S. and Standards editions are both available; the newer Standards series meets the California Board of Education requirements, but either option is appropriate for most families or schools.

Junior & Senior High

In Singapore, the term elementary refers to the basic elements of higher math, like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, etc., and there are several options generally covering grades 7-10. There are also two basic "streams": "normal stream" is moderately paced and teaches the bare essentials, while "express stream" is fast paced and intended for students who wish to pursue advanced math studies.

• The New Elementary Mathematics books ("express stream"), like the Primary Math series, emphasize critical thinking and problem solving skills. The texts are fast-paced and for advanced students.
• The New Syllabus Mathematics is an "express stream" course, though not as rapidly paced as New Elementary Mathematics; it is generally encouraged for students destined for a math-based vocation such as engineering.
• New Mathematics Counts is a "normal stream" course and the closest to what you'd find in a comparable U.S. course; it's moderately paced, not too advanced, and everything is thoroughly explained.
• Finally, Discovering Mathematics is a "normal stream" course designed to be largely student-directed; it is more thorough than New Mathematics Counts.

Our Thoughts:

We prefer to promote things that lots of people like. While there are those out there who don't like Singapore math, it's kind of hard to argue with a whole nation of kids who consistently excel at math as the result of a proven program. Primary Math is that program, though New Elementary Math largely follows the same principles in its approach to math instruction.

Kids are encouraged not to simply memorize a bunch of math facts (some of that is involved), but to actually think mathematically. While many courses promise to get kids thinking in this way, Singapore's programs seem like some of the few that actually accomplish the goal. The idea is not for kids simply to be able to complete limited operations under prescribed circumstances, but to give them the tools they need in order to be able to figure problems out on their own. These books move considerably faster than comparable curricula, but the intent is to teach conceptually, not just a series of rules.

Some kids can't keep up with the content in these books, though that isn't a common complaint. Primary Math is probably a better place to start than with the New Elementary series because it lays the foundations for creative critical thinking. When you listen to different math curriculum publishers, the idea of getting kids to think mathematically doesn't seem unique; but as far as actually getting kids to think mathematically, Singapore does seem unique.

None of these are geared to independent learning--all of them are teacher-dependent (though for Primary Math, teacher-intensive would be a stretch). These are fairly easy to adapt to a homeschool setting, and are excellent not only for teaching math but also for teaching logic and problem-solving skills. While some courses might be more fun (or not), Singapore is unbeatable when it comes to good solid instruction and learning.

Additional Information:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Placement Tests
• Singapore Math Scope and Sequence Page

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