Singapore Maths has a huge focus on ensuring the children’s learning is full of enrichment, learning the year’s objectives in a variety of contexts in order to allow for and achieve ‘deeper learning’.
The children in Year One have thoroughly enjoyed learning Maths in this new and exciting way. They have become much more confident in using a variety of mathematical methods and are now able to decide which method is the most efficient, depending on the question. Not only this but their mental arithmetic has improved and their articulation (including key vocabulary) when explaining their answers is extremely impressive.
In my opinion, there are numerous positives in terms of Singapore Maths. I have found that children are:
– unrestricted in their learning
– understanding ‘how to think’ rather than being taught ‘what to think’
– problem solvers and independent learners
– submersed in mathematical vocabulary
– confident in articulating a variety of mathematical methods
– engaged, interested and motivated
I believe that the impact of Singapore Maths cannot be underestimated. The benefits in Year One have been remarkable, not just in terms of enjoyment, but in terms of progress too. It has been great to see children working problems out by themselves and then having the ability so show and explain what they have learnt. Less teaching and more observing – Children’s Articulation and mental arithmetic improved greatly during the sessions. It is fantastic to see that all children have the chance to achieve.
Q&As with Miss Kania:
What resources did you find most useful whilst teaching Singapore maths?
Ten plates/ten frames, bar models (yr 2s will use these a lot)
Will the class and school be continuing with Singapore maths next yr?
Yes – it was a huge success!
Do you have any hints and tips?
Children at all levels can do Singapore maths so there is no need to teach at different levels in the class. Use a variety of interesting counters – to keep the children interested and engaged. Use pine cones, lolly sticks, dried beans, sticks, rocks, colourful animal counters – keep it fun. We used playing cards to help us to generate random numbers for our work on finding the prime factors.
Is there anything that you found challenging?
The adjustment and being the only person doing it. It felt a bit daunting but I had full support of the school and some excellent training by Dr Yeap Ban Har in London who was amazing. He has videos on Youtube which are a very interesting watch.
What resources did you find most useful whilst teaching Singapore maths?
Ten plates/ten frames, bar models (yr 2s will use these a lot)
Will the class and school be continuing with Singapore maths next yr?
Yes – it was a huge success!
Do you have any hints and tips?
Children at all levels can do Singapore maths so there is no need to teach at different levels in the class. Use a variety of interesting counters – to keep the children interested and engaged. Use pine cones, lolly sticks, dried beans, sticks, rocks, colourful animal counters – keep it fun. We used playing cards to help us to generate random numbers for our work on finding the prime factors.
Is there anything that you found challenging?
The adjustment and being the only person doing it. It felt a bit daunting but I had full support of the school and some excellent training by Dr Yeap Ban Har in London who was amazing. He has videos on Youtube which are a very interesting watch.
List of useful Maths resources to compliment Singapore Maths:
- Maths – No Problem! Workbooks
- Number Frames
- Ten Frames
- Base 10 Sets
- Counters
- Dry wipe boards and pens
- Playing cards
- Maths Mastery set
- Snap cubes
Visit the Maths no Problem website for more inspiration and information on Singapore Maths.
With thanks to Miss Kania, Key Stage One Leader and Year One Teacher at Mapplewells Primary & Nursery School.
View the TTS Pinterest board on Singapore Maths here:
