Looking for the Best Math Curriculum?
If you’re anything like I was 20 years ago, you’re searching for the best math curriculum for your child. You may have come across Singapore Math. Especially after seeing how well students from Singapore perform on international assessments like TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), you may be thinking Singapore Math could be exactly what you’re looking for.
As a homeschooling parent, math teacher, and tutor, I can confidently say that choosing Singapore Math has been one of the best decisions I made for my child’s education. Here’s why.
A Success Story: My Son’s Journey
When my son started Singapore Math at just 4 years old, I had no idea how much it would shape his learning. By the time he reached high school, he was studying Calculus and achieved a perfect score on the ACT. While not everyone’s story will be the same, many parents have experienced similar success.
Here’s how Singapore Math can help your child too.
Why Singapore Math Works
Singapore Math is effective because it moves students from hands-on learning to abstract thinking. From using objects to solving real-world problems, your child will learn how math applies to daily life. It also introduces challenging problems at earlier stages, helping them grow their skills every year.
By introducing tougher problems at younger ages, students build a solid foundation and don’t suddenly feel like math becomes too difficult as they progress—it’s a steady build-up of knowledge
The Importance of Foundation
The program is designed to build on what students have already learned. For example, after mastering two-digit addition one year, your child will move on to three-digit addition the next year. This incremental approach ensures that students don’t suddenly feel like math has become impossibly hard. Even if your child starts Singapore Math later in their education, they can easily catch up and thrive because of its clear structure.
Straightforward Language
One of the differences between math in Singapore and the U.S. is the clear, simple language Singapore Math uses. U.S. tests like the SAT and ACT often use tricky language in word problems, so I recommend supplementing Singapore Math with U.S.-style word problems. This way, students can practice decoding complex questions. However, Singapore Math’s focus on critical thinking will help them tackle these challenges with ease.
Skills that Set Singapore Math Apart
You may not be familiar with terms like skip counting, number bonds, bar modeling, or mental math, but you will be as your child progresses through Singapore Math. These skills allow students to solve problems that would typically require Algebra level skills or higher. What’s exciting is that the flexibility and critical thinking needed in higher-level math are developed at younger ages, setting the stage for future success.
Is Singapore All You Need?
While I love Singapore Math, I’ve found it works best when combined with other resources.I encourage my students to explore math competitions, challenging problems, journaling, error analysis, math games, and logic puzzles. Once they reach pre-algebra levels, I suggest working with U.S. textbooks or resources like Phillips Exeter Academy or Art of Problem Solving. These additional resources help to prepare students for higher-level math and expose students to a broader range of math problems.
Singapore Math is a fantastic resource for any student. Its clear, structured approach builds a strong foundation while encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving. Combining it with other tools will help your child reach their full potential.
Interested in learning more? Check out our post: What is Singapore Math?
Investing in Singapore Math can make a real difference in your child’s education. Ready to get started? Let’s turn those math challenges into triumphs! Contact us today.
