Homeschool With Tracey

We’ve been using Singapore Math in our homeschool since 2001, and I am definitely pleased with the results.  Two of our five children have used it with great results, so I am optimistic that my other three children will do fine with it as well.We’ve used the Singapore Math Primary Levels 1A-5B, after which we are moving on to Saxon 8/7 and above.  This is what is recommended by our My Father’s World curriculum.  I also used the Earlybird levels of Singapore Math with my oldest daughter back in 2001, but we are using My Father’s World First Grade Math from now on due to the fact that it is very hands-on and works wonderfully for us.

The following is from The Homeschool Library:

Name of curriculum: Primary Mathematics US Edition

Common abbreviation: Singapore Math(s), SM, PM

Educational Approach: Strives for understanding, rather than stressing drill or rote learning of algorithms

Grade level: Pre-K to 6 or 7

Worldview: Secular

Website: http://www.singaporemath.com/

Review: There are two main sections: Earlybird and the main Primary Maths series.

Earlybird consists of four books: 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, roughly covering Pre-K and K.

Primary maths has a textbook and a work book for each level from 1A to 6B, covering grades 1 to 6 or 7. Grade designations are not exact, due to the different education system in Singapore.

A quote from the website:

Why Singapore Math?

Singapore students were in first place in the 1995, 1999 and 2003 TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study)….

Singapore students who took TIMSS in 1995, 1999 and 2003 were using the Primary Mathematics series. The results speak for themselves…

Strengths: This curriculum strives to teach real understanding of maths, using a concrete - pictorial - abstract method. Standard algorithms are also taught, but from a basis of understanding, rather than through rote learning. Mental maths skills are particularly well covered, as is algebraic thinking through diagrams. The word problems are of a sophistication not usually found at this level.

Weaknesses: Some students may find that there is not enough practice. Many parents supplement with a drill program; others use the supplementary Singapore books: Challenging Word Problems, Extra Practice and Intensive Practice.

Comments: This program has been very good for our family, despite my children’s different learning styles. It’s not a good fit for everyone, so it would be great to have some comments from those with different experiences.

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