Singapore Math and Science, eh?

Have you heard all the crazy buzz about California switching to the Singapore Math series. They've even got their own "Standards Edition." Maybe you've heard of it but aren't sure what it is. Singapore Math simply refers to the math program Singapore used when its students came out first in the world for math skills. Their ministry actually approved a couple of different programs, but generally Singapore Math is Primary Mathematics for grades K-6 and New Elementary Mathematics for 7-12. The advantages of the math program are that they are word problem intensive, and foster "mental math." Math usually comes pretty easily for me, but even I had many aha! moments going through the books with my own children. My kids can add and multiply weird numbers in their heads with little difficulty now. The drawback for many is that they do not use "circular review," although they do include many review lessons in the text and workbooks. If you are interested in a Singapore Math vs. Saxon debate, head over to Homeschooler Savvy.


Primary Mathematics uses 4 books, that is, a textbook and consumable workbook for each half of the year. They're paperback, lightweight, and reasonably priced at about $8/book. If you want to take a look at its content, the best place I've found for it is at a foreign site (Australian, I think) called HalfMoon Curriculum. Here's the link: Primary Mathematics Samples. SingaporeMath.com and Sonlight Curriculum give great information on the series, offer placement tests, and let you order the textbook, workbook, or Home Instructor's Guide, but that first site lays out the sample pages better. Also, if you decide to use the placement tests, do not be surprised if your child tests into a grade below his usual level. The content is advanced and the methods are different, so you are definitely better off starting at the tested level.

Don't be intimidated by the different editions. Here's the rundown:

• 3rd Edition: This is the original series first buzzed about here. It's all metric and foreign currency. Okay, but not ideal here.

• U.S. Edition: Best bet. Updated for U.S. use, it includes metric and English units, and the currency is U.S. dollars. Also a refresher in fractions is added into one of the grade levels.

• Standards Edition: This edition is reformatted to work into California math standards. I haven't seen it, but I wouldn't even consider trading too much of the original Singapore content for California's, unless of course I lived in California.

***If you already love Primary Math, check out ThinkingBlocks.com (FREE). It uses the same block/diagram method that PM uses in 4th-6th grades, and will probably be rewarding for kinesthetic(?) or visual learners.

By the way, Singapore kicked booty in science as well, and is kind and capitalistic enough to offer their curriculum. My Pals Are Here is, in my opinion, the better of the two offered widely. Check out sample pages, also at HalfMoon, at My Pals Are Here Science samples. Three book for each half of the year: a textbook, activity book, and workbook. It's biggest advantages

• It's easy to read, but not dumbed down
• It relies heavily on hands-on activities
• Its corresponding questions require reflection on the activity
• It's inexpensive and accessible, with teacher's guides and tests available

Singapore doesn't teach organized science until 3rd grade (Hint,Hint), so the series runs 3rd -6th, although I think they are adding an "Earlybird" series for U.S. consumption. After that, the series used would be interactive Science. You can also order it all in one place from Rainbow Resource Center, or again from Singapore Math.com at its MPH page.