Another singapore math question...

[butterfly113]

When considering placement, I understand about them achieving at least 80% on said level to know they can begin the next. However, when you are looking at putting a child in 3A for example, is there enough of the mental math teaching in that level for them to pick up the 'singapore way'? I could see from samples that in 2A and 2B there are examples of teaching them how to do addition and subtraction mentally... teaching the singapore method. Are the addition and subtraction singapore methods covered in 3A? I hope this makes sense... my brain is mush at this point... forgive me!

[deltagal]

One of the things I like about Singapore is that it constantly revisits concepts as it prepares you to add on yet another layer for a more advanced concept. I'm looking at my 3A book. You begin with numbers and place value up to 10,000. Then you spend 10 lessons plus review on addition and subtraction. The first few lessons are working with one and 2 digit numbers, but by the end of the unit you are working with 4 digit numbers. Then its on to multiplication and division. The early lessons in this are reminiscent of when the material was first introduced, but by the end of the unit- 16 lessons later you are working with quotient and remainder. The next unit is learning the multiplication tables of 6, 7, 8 and 9. Then a unit on money. I think you'll find that 3A does "show" the mental math way constantly reminding the student you could do it this way. If your child places soundly in 3A, place him there.

As I look at 3B - the very first unit is 4 lessons and 2 practice session on "mental calculation." So you see - review - build - review - build. YOu could always pick up a 2A or 2B book later, if you feel that you don't have it and just "study" that section for a season.

Take care.

[netpea]

you could also back up a bit and just go through it faster. Some people if their child placed in 3A, would back up to 2B and just crusie through it at a good pace. This would give your child a bit more practice in the Singapore way of doing things without adding new material yet. Hope that helps.

[butterfly113]

Thanks ladies. I also emailed Carried and she suggests starting in 3A based on his test scores. I will start there, and if I see a gap, then will pick up a book back to go over what he is not getting! I so appreciate all the input the ladies have here! It is such a help!