Singapore Math

We have been using Singapore math since the beginning of this school year.  I had read that it was a strong math program and helpful to teach a child to think mathematically.  Then I tried it.  I am using two different levels with my boys.  One child is math-minded and math comes easy to him.  The other child is typical with math skills, but wants to pursue a career that requires strong math skills.  So I decided to move to Singapore math this year.

I am very impressed.  We are at the halfway point through our school year and my boys are doing amazing with mental math skills.  I must say that I have learned a great deal along with them.  Singapore teaches strategies to children to allow them to add and subtract larger numbers in their head.  It also teaches the standard math algorithm for addition with carrying or subtraction with borrowing.  As I have watched my boys progress through this school year I have seen their ability to do mental math explode.

Here is an example of mental math skills drilled in 1B.

79-71
69-12
78-46
57-11
79+15
48+28
16+74
23+62
28+28

Here is an example of mental math skills drilled in 2B.

431-98
982-60
284+98
42+58
391-97
58+7
100-28
687-99

Children are expected to solve these problems in their head using strategies like this:

23+62
23+60+2

69-12
69-10-2

284+98
284+100-2

100-28
100-20-8

While Singapore math isn’t for everyone it certainly works well for us.

I’m about to log off of here and do some more mental math with my oldest son.  He gets to do a challenge mental math section where he is given problems like this:

834 + 7 – 20 +60
29 +38 -17 +20

I do them along with my children and they try to beat me.  I can usually stay ahead of them, but they are sure thrilled when they figure out the answer before I do.