What is singapore math like?

[Mumkins]

Is it teacher intensive? How long does a lesson take?

[pjdobro]

I wouldn't consider it teacher intensive at all. The dialog/problems are laid out in the textbook, and I go over these with my dc step by step pointing out the illustrations. If there are some extra sample problems to work we do those together sometimes directly in the book sometimes on the whiteboard. All of that takes 10 to 15 minutes. I don't think a lesson ever takes longer than that. Then they do the workbook exercise which usually takes less than 15 minutes as well. In the earlier levels, it is even less time, but even now in level 5, we are done typically in 20 to 30 minutes total with only 1/2 of that time being my teaching time.

[my3sons]

I would agree with pjdobro. My teaching time is kept to a minimum. I don't prepare ahead of time. I like to teach with the answer key in hand, as I can quickly make sure we are on the right track. The markerboard is a big help. It makes it easy to give quick visuals for figuring problems out using the Singapore method taught. I have gone to letting my ds write right in the textbook, as well as the workbook. They are inexpensive, and he enjoys this. I do like to stay by his side or close within range as he finishes out his workbook. This is not hard to do, as the lessons are short anyway. I look at my role as partnering on the workbook part when it comes to difficult multi-step problems. Often times, a quick reminder of the tip/method taught for the day is all that is needed to get ds over the hump when it comes to solving more difficult word problems. We really enjoy Singapore here. It is short, to the point, gives ample methods to try, requires no teacher prep, is inexpensive, and teaches excellent solid math skills. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie