Math facts and Singapore

[queenireneof3]

Hi there! Sorry to post about math again, but I have a question about Singapore that I can't find the answer to. I recently started early bird and primary 1a with my two kids and they are Loving it which is a huge relief from our experience with a different program last year. I am loving how easy and fun it is for me to teach them and how short the lessons are. My question is, how well does Singapore cover memorizing the basic math facts compared to other programs, MUS specifically? I have never done MUS, but we have it since our home school assistant highly recommends it. After looking through MUS, it is very heavy on sequentially memorizing those math facts and I can't figure out how Singapore compares? How do students learn the math facts in Singapore? In 1a he will be adding and subtracting up to 20, is he supposed to memorize those facts in 1st grade while doing them in the Singapore workbook? Does he just learn them by doing the workbook pages or will we have to do extra memorizing? Or is 1a just an exposure to those kind of problems, but he will memorize them in a higher grade level? will he have to be doing addition and subtraction to 20 fluently from his head at the end of 1a and 1b in order to move on to 2a? This is my second year homeschooling so I am such a newbie--these questions will probably answer themselves in time. But I also want to make sure I don't expect too much out of my 7yo son during 1a if am confused on the objectives of each lesson. Thanks!

[StephanieU]

Memorization isn't super important until 2nd or 3rd grade normally. I don't think Singapore pushes memorization at all, but I think some families add in a little "fun" practice - computer games, flash cards, etc. We are using Horizons, which is normally labeled "advanced." And even in that one, memorization isn't a focus in 1st grade. And actually, memorization will never be "required." It is just SUPER helpful as you go on. Normally practice is what gets them memorized anyways. So, don't stress over the memorization. If you get to multiplication without any memorization, then maybe take a little time to focus on it then. But until then, the HOW addition and subtraction work is more important than the facts.

[queenireneof3]

Thank you, Stephanie! That is helpful. I can tend to discourage him and myself by expecting too much--errors of a newbie. I will hopefully be more experienced and knowledgeable as my other two come through the ranks! It is hard to know what is important to emphasize when I am not super familiar with the scope and sequence of math for the next few years and what is actually important. Thanks again.

[StephanieU]

Not a problem! Before kids, I used to teach Math for Elementary School Teachers at our local community college. So, math is the one area I am comfortable with! The rest I was so unsure of how to teach/what to expect/etc. Luckily HOD seems to be perfect for us! I didn't want memorization but I also didn't want just "fluff," and HOD is a perfect balance I think.

[queenireneof3]

Good to know! We are using Singapore and MUS this year. I know they are different but I hope they will complement one another and be a good mental switch up for when the lessons get tricky. MUS starts with place value to he hundreds and he is already having a bit of difficulties with it. He is doing well with Singapore. I am trying to focus on moving as slowly as he needs rather than trying to rush him through the material to stay on track with the schedule. More important that he moves confidently forward when he really gets it. I'm hoping/assuming one math program will really start to click with him eventually and we will probably gravitate toward that one.