Singapore Math, US Edition, doesn't cover negative numbers?

[MelInKansas]

Well, I know that it doesn't. Does anyone else see this as a problem? It seems like that is a bit of an important concept to cover, and there can be confusion with it.

Is there anything else Singapore doesn't cover that might be important? Does HOD make up for this in some way? Since we just follow a schedule in the workbooks after 2A/2B I kind of figured they don't actually cover this.

[MomtoJGJE]

Jayden and Grace haven't had trouble working with negative numbers. Jayden is in 6B and Grace is in 4B. They aren't in Singapore, but the way Singapore teaches allows them to think that way. I haven't tested Julianna yet. She's in 3A.

[StephanieU]

Negative numbers is often thought as a pre-algebra/algebra topic. That is why Singapore doesn't cover them in the US edition. If you have to take standardized tests, I would look at the scope of them to make sure you introduce them before they are tested on them. Otherwise, I think the algebra programs HOD covers includes instruction on them. Foerster's would be the only one I wouldn't be 1--% sure covers them in detail (before using them). So, if you go that route, I might spend a week on them using something free and easy like Khan Academy.

[Nealewill]

Negative numbers, exponents, and square roots are things I don't think Singapore covers. I think Julie mentioned in a prior thread regarding pre-algebra, that they may end up making another recommendation for people who have kids that have finished Singapore 6B and are not quite ready to move into Foeresters. I personally have recently read a review that talked about Math Mammoth 7A&B and that this is a pre-algebra level. My kids are all fairly far up in the Singapore levels. My anticipation is that my kids will each finish Singapore 6B by the time they are 11. That leaves me with having kids who have no business in being in Foeresters. I have seen No-Nonsense Algebra and I don't really have thoughts on it one way or another. I am probably going to look at Math Mammoth 7A & B next year at the convention just to scope it out. I personally like the thought of finding a math program that will introduce these concepts to my kids prior to them seeing it in Foeresters and give them one more review year prior to Algebra.

[StillJulie]

Key to Algebra by Key Curriculum Press makes a consumable workbook that covers them very well. That's what we use.

[MelInKansas]

We talked to DD some about negative numbers and she picked up on it right away. Not that she couldn't use more practice, but she gets it. She will probably be done with 6B in 7th grade. We could certainly add something in to cover this topic, it just seems curious to me that it wouldn't be covered.... it is covered in the Standards edition, according to some searching.

We haven't done standardized testing yet, but we might choose to still down the road (we are not required to).

[my3sons]

Singapore is so strong on 'number sense'. At least for my oldest, he caught on to negative numbers fairly quickly. I think the 'number line' hands-on activities from younger levels of Singapore math helped too. A simple visual of negative numbers being to left of '0' and in numerical order and positive numbers being to the left of '0' in numerical order was all it took for it to click. HOD is still considering something to suggest to replace Discovering Math 7A-8B upon completion of 6B and prior to Algebra for those students that could benefit from it. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

[Nealewill]

Did you see Carrie's sneak peek on the new math program recommendation. I can't wait!!!!

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