Singapore Math was originally developed in the country of Singapore. Students in Singapore are distinguished among their international counterparts for receiving high marks in math. Singapore's Primary Mathematics U.S. Edition includes additional information to teach math relative to American culture (U.S. currency, pounds, ounces, etc.).

Singapore Math has a strong mental math component (unlike many U.S. programs) that is one of its primary strengths. Logical, unique strategies are taught that help students truly understand mathematical concepts. Students are then able to solve problems mentally without always relying on paper and pencil.

The planning that has gone into the scope and sequence is impressive. Skills are introduced early with unique and well thought-out methods. For example, simple multiplication and division readiness concepts are introduced in Level 1.

We also appreciate the manageable number of workbook problems students are expected to solve on a daily basis. Its effective parent- and student-friendly format, which we have witnessed in our own homeschool, makes this a program we highly recommend.

Before you order Singapore, your child must take a placement test. Singapore Math is a very strong program; expect your child to test one or two (or more) levels below his actual grade level.

To decide which test to give your child, look at the tests that are at and below your child's grade level. Ignore the grade level on the test; look at the content. Select the placement test that you are confident your child can complete with more than 80% accuracy without your assistance. It is very important that you don't begin with a placement test that is much too hard for your child because he will probably become very frustrated. Expect to give more than one test to your child in order to accurately place him.

The placement tests are divided into two sections, A and B, each representing a half year of work. If necessary, you may give the first half (A) one day and the second half (B) the following day. Score the two sections (A and B) separately and calculate the percentage of correct answers for each one.

If the student scores 80% or above, and you are confident he has really mastered that material, then continue on and give him the test for the next level (on another day). When he scores below 80% (or you believe that he has not mastered the content), that is the level at which you should begin teaching. For example, if your child scores 92% on Test 2A, and 70% on Test 2B, purchase the Primary Math 2B and 3A package.

Placement Tips: If your child does not know addition/subtraction facts, begin with Primary Math 1A and 1B.

It is usually better to start teaching on a level that is slightly too easy than one that is slightly too difficult.

Placement for Grade 2

After completing 1st grade, the child should take the Singapore placement test and begin where placed. The goal is to complete at least Level 5B by the end of 6th grade. Math should take a child at this age no more than 40 minutes per day. Initially, it may often be quite a bit less.

Placement for Grades 3-6

A student new to Singapore Math should take the Singapore placement test and begin where placed. Don't think of the Singapore books as being tied to grade levels; Level 2B does not necessarily correlate to 2nd grade. Singapore Math is a very strong program; expect your child to test one or two (or more) levels below his actual grade level. As your child works in Singapore, remember the goal is to complete at least Level 5B by the end of the 6th grade.

Many children who switch to Singapore after 2nd grade will need to complete more than one lesson a day until they are on target to complete Level 5B by the end of 6th grade. The following time recommendations will help your child catch up.

• 3rd and 4th graders (who are behind) should spend at least 45 minutes a day on math.
• 5th graders (who are behind) should spend at least 60 minutes a day on math.
• 6th graders (who are behind) should spend at least 75 minutes a day on math.

Once your child has progressed sufficiently so that he is on track to finish Level 5B by the end of 6th grade, he can complete one lesson per day as scheduled in the MFW lesson plans.

Go to Singapore Math Placement Tests

Singapore Primary Mathematics U.S. Edition

Each set below contains lessons for a complete school year. It includes two reusable textbooks (one for each semester), two consumable workbooks, and two lesson plan booklets written by My Father's World. Order the corresponding answer key if you don't already own it. Workbooks for an additional student are available for $8.70 each.

You must add regular practice on math facts to the program. This can be done quite simply with the regular use of flashcards. Math Facts Practice Charts are useful for reviewing and increasing speed for facts already learned. Includes one chart each for addtion, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Discontinued by the publisher; available while supplies last.

Math Facts Practice Charts $ 5.00