Here’s my story.
When my son was little, we were excited to start teaching him math. The workbooks we used seemed great; he finished them quickly, and they were pretty hard problems. But then when we asked him to explain, he couldn’t.
This moment made me realize that getting the right answers isn’t enough—true understanding is what really matters. I wanted to find a better way to teach him, one that focused on deep understanding and problem-solving skills. This experience led me to discover Singapore Math.
What is Singapore Math?
Singapore Math is a curriculum designed to help students build a deep understanding of math. It focuses on making sure students truly understand concepts, not just memorize them. This is why it’s popular among parents and teachers all over the world. Singapore Math doesn’t just prepare students to get the right answers; it helps them know why the answers are correct and how to solve problems creatively.
A Path from Early Math to High School Mastery
Starting from the first level, called 1A, Singapore Math guides students through a step-by-step curriculum that covers all of high school math. This includes topics like algebra and geometry, but the curriculum covers these topics faster than most other programs. While it usually takes 12 years to finish high school math in the U.S., Singapore Math does it in just 10 years, leaving extra time for advanced topics like calculus and statistics.
A Strong Foundation for the Future
The Singapore Math curriculum focuses on giving students a strong foundation in math. It doesn’t just skim over topics; instead, it takes the time to make sure students understand the ideas behind math problems. This way, students learn both the “how” and “why” of math, which helps them succeed in more challenging topics later on.
Organized for Success
One thing that makes Singapore Math stand out is the way it organizes topics. Each concept is repeated and built on throughout the levels, so students get plenty of chances to practice and understand the material. If there are any gaps in learning, they are addressed quickly, helping students move forward with confidence.
Tackling Tough Topics
All math programs have challenging parts, but Singapore Math introduces difficult topics in a way that’s easy to understand. Students may struggle at first, but with practice, what seemed hard becomes much easier. This approach builds resilience and problem-solving skills, which are key to succeeding in math.
No “Drill-and-Kill”
Many parents worry that math programs rely too much on “drill-and-kill” methods—lots of repetitive exercises that can bore students and limit creativity. Singapore Math takes a different approach. Instead of endless repetition, it encourages students to think critically and find better ways to solve problems. Students learn how to approach problems thoughtfully, rather than just memorizing steps.
Rigorous Word Problems
Singapore Math is especially known for its word problems. These problems ask students to apply what they’ve learned to real-world situations, helping them understand how math works in everyday life. The word problems push students to think deeply and creatively, which improves their problem-solving skills and helps them see that there are many ways to solve a problem.
Getting Started with Singapore Math
If you’re interested in trying Singapore Math, we have many resources available, such as workbooks and online lessons. These make it easy for both classroom and homeschool use. Starting from the early levels (1A) is ideal, but even students further along in their math journey can use Singapore Math to fill in any gaps or strengthen their skills.
Conclusion
Singapore Math is more than just a curriculum—it’s a way of thinking about math that sets students up for success. By focusing on understanding and problem-solving, it helps students not only excel in math but also apply those skills in other areas of life.
If your student wants to build a strong foundation in math or loves problem-solving, Singapore Math is a great choice. Its thoughtful design and proven success make it a standout option for parents wanting to help their children succeed in mathematics.
