A Fresh Look at WHPS Singapore Math
Including tips about homework, examples of the "bar model" approach, and links with at-home resource
We recently hosted a parent workshop with Bill Davidson, Singapore Math guru and staff developer. We are excited to share more information about what was discussed.
Why is Singapore Math Different?
The program was designed by Singapore’s Ministry of Education after analyzing teaching methodology in the highest-achieving countries. It teaches concepts at greater depth and through a unique three-step learning process: concrete, pictorial (which is missing from most math curricula), and abstract (symbols). With this curriculum, the teaching methodology is at least as important as the books, which is why we have focused extensively on teacher professional development even prior to adopting the program in 2019.
More Than Memorizing
Many people "hit a wall" at some point in their math careers (algebra, physics, calculus, etc.) Otherwise bright children who learn math by memorizing algorithms (knowing the rules without a deep understanding of why they work) are likely to hit that wall even sooner, the moment the work becomes too complex to just remember and follow steps. This program's pictorial "bar model" methodology helps solidify that conceptual understanding.
Flexible Thinking Strategies
Kindergarten appears to start small. Parents will sometimes ask: "Why are they only doing numbers to 20? My kid can count to over 100!" It’s not about the sheer ability to count (or memorize). What the program is trying to instill is flexible strategies to manipulate numbers. We want young children to be able to start at 17 and count backward, count forwards, and skip count. Maybe a student hasn't memorized 4 x 8 = 32, but they know that 2 - 8s make 16 and 2 - 16s make 32.
Avoids Drill & Kill
Because the program is teaching primarily for conceptual understanding (not drilling kids on large numbers of problems), you should not expect to see lengthy homework assignments. Sometimes, homework may just be 3-4 problems with multiple steps/layers of complexity. We included some tips in the parent information to help if your child gets stuck on homework. Especially in the upper grades, if children draw out the model, they will often be able to figure it out.
Less Transfer & More Scaffolding
There is less transfer, meaning students are not asked to copy problems back and forth out of a textbook. If a child has slower fine motor skills, dyslexia, or any other learning difference, this helps keep the focus on mathematical thinking, not getting bogged down in busy work. The pictorial approach is less reliant on the student's reading level, so even students in Lower Elementary can exercise their critical thinking, as they are still learning to read. There is also a lot of built-in scaffolding. The homework/workbook generally starts with 1-2 partially solved problems.
The Model Approach "Bar Models"
The model approach can apply to virtually any problem and any kind of operation: percentages, ratios, fractions, decimals, etc. This approach starts with "number bonds" in first grade and transitions to "bar models" beginning in second/third grade. There are two kinds of models (see below). The model is the "pictorial step" that promotes conceptual understanding and helps children tackle increasingly complex multi-step problems and show all aspects of their thinking.
Comparison Model
These models can compare two or more quantities. We focus a lot with students on making sure they start with equal parts. In this case, they would be equal, but John is 15kg heavier.
Part-Whole Model
Works for any problem involving parts of a whole. Students learn different ways to divide the bar so parts are of equal size (there are even some strategies to "break" the bar if there are too many boxes to efficiently draw).
At-Home Resources & Great Links:
● Thinking Blocks (bar model games for all kinds of operations)
● E-Singapore Math Games (paid subscription service with games aligned to each grade level)
● Math Snacks (great number sense games, iPad friendly, not specifically aligned with Singapore)
● IXL Math (skills by grade level, not specifically aligned with Singapore)
