SINGAPORE MATH
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WCC 2014
An Example of Model Drawing
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• 1. Nora had 4 times as much money as
Pedro. Melinda had 3 times as much money
as Pedro. If Melinda had $30, how much
money did Nora have?
• American solution:
Model-drawing solution:
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Overview of Singapore Math
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• “Singapore Math” refers to the mathematics
curriculum in the country of Singapore.
• The curriculum is known for its unique
problem solving technique called Model
Drawing, teaching to mastery, mental math
component, and more!
• Children from Singapore have consistently
ranked at the top of world standing in math!
Strengths of Singapore Math
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• The curriculum is taught in a step by step
manner that builds on prior knowledge and
skills.
• Instructional strategies build understanding
through activities that move students in a
sequence from concrete (manipulatives) to
pictorial (models) to abstract (symbolic).
• .
Strengths of Singapore Math
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• Problem solving is the heart of Singapore
math.
• Place value, mental math, and computation
are reinforced through problem solving,
particularly through the model drawing
approach.
• Students are encouraged to use alternative
methods for solving problems and develop
logical thinking.
Things You Might Notice
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• As the papers come home or your children
talk about math you might hear some new
vocabulary. Every math program has its
own vocabulary.  Most of the vocabulary
will revolve around 3 components: place
value, mental math, and model drawing. Of
course place value and mental math are
nothing new and you started with a model
drawing problem. 
Number Bonds
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Place Value
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• Singapore math uses place value boards, place
value strips, and disks to help create a
conceptual understanding of numbers.
(CONCRETE and PICTORIAL)
Place Value
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• Singapore math teaches addition and subtraction
from left to right in order to emphasize
understanding the value of each digit.
• 7+8=
• 324 + 142 =
Place Value
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• The algorithm is taught last because it does not
reinforce understanding and should be used once
number sense is mastered.
Mental Math
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Mental Math
reinforces an understanding of place value
Teaches the brain to hold information
Requires strategies to be practiced on a
regular basis
Bridges the gap between arithmetic and
algebra
Model Drawing
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Model drawing is step-by-step, visual
method of translating a word problem into a
diagram, in order to understand and
successfully solve the problem.
Develops visual and algebraic thinking
Reinforces higher level thinking skills,
computation skills, and mental math
strategies in a meaningful context
Partnering with Us
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• Practice Facts
• Flash cards, computer games, hand held games
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Research says…
Play mental math games
Play board games
PRAY
Resources
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www.thinkingblocks.com
www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com
www.ictgames.com
www.aaamath.com
www.mathdrill.com/MathApp.php3
www.funbrain.com math baseball
www.singaporemaths.com