Author/Publisher: Ministry of Education, Singapore
Overall Rating (1-10): 9 Value (1-10): 10
Flexibility (1-10): 7
Ages/Grades: K-5
Review: This is a VERY popular secular math program used by many homeschoolers brought to you, originally, from Singapore where math students get much higher scores on internationally administered tests than other countries. I was able to review the first three years of Singapore Math: Primary Mathematics with my children.
When you shop for this program, you will notice right away that the price is right. At under $10 per book, this is a true bargain in today's overpriced curriculum market! Many people ask weather the textbook AND the workbook are both necessary. I, personally, started using the textbook but ended up not using it at all. I think it is a nice resource to have on hand and intended to rely on it for further explanation and teaching method for concepts my children might find difficult. But my own three children found the workbook to be explanation enough. This might not be true in the upper grades where concepts aren't as intuitive. So let your child's strength in math be your guide here. My three children absolutely love math so they dive in with two feet. If your child is math-reluctant, both the workbook and textbook are probably necessary for you.
Another common question about Singapore Math is at which level to place your child. This is easily determined by administering a placement test (found at http://www.singaporemath.com). You may be able to determine your child's level simply by looking over the placement tests. Many people find that they need to start one grade level behind where their child ordinarily would be.
The books are designed with one textbook and two consumable workbooks per year. The total price for these three books is around $15 when purchased as a set. I bought mine through http://www.rainbowresource.com.
The layout of the books is happy and welcoming which is why it initially appeals to so many children. It doesn't seem overwhelming or full or pages of rote work. My children never complained about doing math while using this program because of the variety of problem-solving methods and games through the workbooks.
The method by which Primary Mathematics teaches math is one that I think really works to create math-loving children. It guides children through the 'whys' of math while teaching the 'hows'. This program creates mathematical thinkers and problem solvers! Children who learn well with Singapore math will come away really understanding math on a level that many of us missed out on as children. Instead of teaching one rote method by which to solve all similar problems, Singapore Math teaches several different ways to look at the problem and really understand it. Mental Math is taught from the very beginning and becomes second nature throughout the program. Story problems are no longer something to fear because math makes sense! One thing I really love about Primary Mathematics is that it introduces skills that make sense together rather than following a traditional scope and sequence that might not have that skill introduces for several grades. For instance, multiplication and division are introduced early on because they have an intimate relationship with addition and subtraction and it makes sense to introduce them all together. Traditionally these concepts would not be introduced for 2 years or more later. I have found that my children naturally understand these concepts in the way they are presented and the traditional scope and sequence in many other programs just doesn't make sense to them.
