Why Singapore Math
at RPDS?
At Riverside Presbyterian Day School we are committed to instilling strong mathematical skills in our
students by utilizing the finest foundational and developmental instructional methodology. Our
faculty and administration conducted a year-long study to select a rigorous program, which would
emphasize number sense, mental calculation, place value, math literacy and confidence with
mathematics, rather than merely the memorization of facts and techniques. We unanimously
determined that Singapore Math was the best approach for RPDS and its students. Singapore Math
originated in Japan, a world leader in math scores. Several major factors impressed us as educators
and distinguished the Singapore Math approach when it was compared to other programs.
Distinguishing Factors of Singapore Math
Superior teaching methodologies and training
At RPDS we believe our teachers are the curriculum, not printed materials. Singapore
Math shares this belief by requiring rigorous and on-going teacher training in math
content. RPDS teachers are equipped to teach highly focused and engaging lessons
through child-friendly materials highlighting important mathematical concepts. Finally,
the continuity across all grades provides RPDS teachers and students a consistent,
recognizable and reassuring collection of Singapore math strategies emphasizing:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Number Sense
Mental Math Skills
Deep Understanding of Place Value
Math Literacy
Math Confidence
Highly organized, DAILY five-part math lessons, which include dedicated time for:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Mental math calculations
Focused teacher-directed instruction
Model drawing (a very effective method to solve complex problems using pictorial diagrams called bar models)
Practice activities; many times a math game, directly related to the math lesson
In-class independent practice providing opportunity for our teachers to individually assist students and to informally assess
student understanding
Utilization of the well-researched philosophy that mathematical problem-solving is central to
mathematical learning. The development of such a mathematical problem-solving ability is
dependent upon:
1. Concepts
Numerical, Algebraic, Statistical, Probabilistic, Geometric, Analytical
2. Skills
Calculation, Measurement, Estimation, Spatial Visualization, Algebraic Manipulation
3. Processes
Thinking Skills, Reasoning and Application
4. Attitudes
Math Confidence
5. Metacognition
Monitoring One’s Own Thinking
Singapore Math
Terminology and Strategies
It is foundational for Singapore Math that students understand that there are many avenues to correct and creative solutions
to solve math problems. This leads to the understanding that collaborative work may lead to even greater clarity when
solving math problems or thinking mathematically. These concepts benefit from using common mathematical terminology,
practices and strategies. Across all RPDS grades we use the following Singapore Math terms and strategies:
The “Counting-On” Method
Used for addition of two numbers. ( i.e. Count on in 1’s with the help of a picture or number line. )
The “Counting-Back” Method
Used for subtraction of two numbers. ( i.e. Count back in 1’s with the help of a picture or number line. )
Number Bond
Used for addition and subtraction problems. The number bond is based on the concept “part-part-whole.” To find a whole, students must
add the two parts. To find a part, students must subtract the other part from the whole.
Repeated Addition (Multiplication)
Students learn that multiplication is repeated addition.
The Grouping Method (Division)
Students learn division is the grouping of all items into equal sets.
Model Drawing
An effective strategy used to solve addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentage and ratio word problems.
Models are a visual representation of the information in word problems using bar units. By drawing the models, students achieve clarity about
the variables given in the problem, the variables to reveal and the method used to solve the problem. The use of models also teaches
students to think in an algebraic way, which employs symbols for representation of numbers.
Comparing
Identifying similarities and differences between numbers, such as greater than or less than, by carefully looking at each digit of a number.
Sequencing
Ordering a series of numbers.
Visualization
A problem-solving strategy using physical objects or images (i.e. manipulatives), which can be played with to aid in the solution to a problem.
How Are Math Facts Taught at RPDS?
Learning math facts is hard work and requires a lot of practice. Recalling math facts quickly, without errors and without much
conscious attention is referred to as automaticity. Achieving automaticity of math facts allows students to free-up working
memory, which in turn can then be used for higher order math operations. Using math facts in an automatic way increases
students’ math confidence and success. At RPDS, learning math facts is an ongoing component of our regular math instruction.
Students in grades one through four practice and learn their math facts through the Rocket Math program. This systematic
approach to memorizing math facts presents students with frequent short practice sessions for use at school and home.
Students work to become faster and faster as they make steady progress toward the automaticity of math facts.