All About Pre-school Math Enrichment

[ChiefKiasu]

Yes, and here lies the dangers of going for enrichment without proper understanding of what it does to the child. Abacus calculation is quite different from the number bonds taught in primary school. One can argue about the benefits of both systems, but the fact is, number bonds is what is ultimately examinable in school.


Thanks for pointing that out!

[lizawa]

Agree. 4 years ago when my son was in P2, the school actually conducted abacus lesson for them at the end of P2, after the exam. But they have scrapped the program since then. It's totally different learning and understanding. And not easy for a P2 kid to switch from one to another without getting confused.


Starting next year, all P5s and above will be able to use calculators for exams. So there is going to be a revamp in the Maths syllabus. And 2 papers to sit for Maths exam instead of one now.

Ultimately, the foundation is still the most important.

[Ljas1370]

Abacus formula is not required in Primary 1. What Chief kiasu said is correct. The school used number bonding method. So a child who attend ABACUS and forgot all the formula is as good as learning nothing. Moreover those formula I find are confusing too. By the way, have anyone heard of D’SEED learning Centre located at the basement of Katong Mall? They have maths enrichment called Concept Maths for Kindergarten Students. Can some parents pls give me some feedback. Many thanks.

[clh]

It would be good if you can attend talks or worksops to better understand some of the updates in our education system.


Come this July, there will be a workshop on the above. It is free.
However, it is not confirm yet.

Will let you know once I have more details.

[ChiefKiasu]

clh:

It would be good if you can attend talks or worksops to better understand some of the updates in our education system.


Come this July, there will be a workshop on the above. It is free.
However, it is not confirm yet.

Will let you know once I have more details.

Are you referring to the D'SEED Learning Centre that Ljas1370 was asking about? I was actually thinking of dropping by D'SEED this Sunday for a quick visit since I'm sending my 3yo daughter for her first (!) Chinese enrichment class there @ Everlasting Education in Katong Mall.

[clh]

ChiefKiasu:

clh:

It would be good if you can attend talks or worksops to better understand some of the updates in our education system.


Come this July, there will be a workshop on the above. It is free.
However, it is not confirm yet.

Will let you know once I have more details.

Are you referring to the D'SEED Learning Centre that Ljas1370 was asking about? I was actually thinking of dropping by D'SEED this Sunday for a quick visit since I'm sending my 3yo daughter for her first (!) Chinese enrichment class there @ Everlasting Education in Katong Mall.

No. It will be conducted by the Director of MPM.

[mstan]

My 6yo old daughter is learning abacus… Initially, she started with CMA which are using her 2 hands to work on it… but the fee is ex as to compare to CC… so I switch her to CC & I’m able to sit in the class with her & this only using 1 hand to work. So far, she has reach the level of mental arimetric that is no more using abacus, she has to use her mental to count… up to 3 digit… and now, she has to memorise 2 & 3 time table for the new lesson which is going to start this sat… (grade 9)…


So far, her mental calculation is pretty fast. She can act very fast on 2 digits but a bit slow when comes to 3 digit… She has to keep on practicing it…

Btw, care to share what is MPM?

[clh]

MPM : Multi-Process-Model


This is a Mathematics enrichment programme that will cultivate your child’s thinking & problem solving skill. It also uses manipulative tools in their work.

As the upper primary students will soon be allowed to use calculator for their Maths paper, this means that students will not be tested on the calculations but the Thinking & Problem Solving Skill which many students are weak in.

Why is this so? I have personally observed that many parents are drilling their children instead of teaching concepts to their children. As a result, these children may be exam smart in a certain way but unable to look at things outside the box.

There are those, who no matter how hard you try to teach and the number of tuitions you gave and the result they got = ‘Fail’. This means that, normal tuition will not work. They may need step-up-step instructions to get it right and to learn at their own pace. MPM provides that.

For those who are very good and fast learner, MPM also caters for such students. That means the students can move on faster to a higher level as MPM caters to individual needs and differences.

For those who just simply hate to do Maths, will learn to like it as the books are not boring / dull.

Last year, my girl was in P1 and she did pretty well in her Maths. In P2, her Maths result dropped to 56. When I looked at her paper, I realised that a number of questions tested on the thinking & problem solving skill.

I sent her to MPM after my friend told me that her girl loves to attend MPM lessons. I was happly that she manged to get 74 for her SA 1 exam. I believed that she should be able to do much better in the final exam.

[mstan]

I guess the MPM fee is ex right? Don’t think AMK area has this course.

There are many factors to consider thou MPM is a better choice then abacus, money issue is the main cause.

But I’m willing to share with others should they have enquiries on MPM & abacus… so, would appreciate if you able to share more.

[clh]

mstan:

I guess the MPM fee is ex right? Don't think AMK area has this course.

There are many factors to consider thou MPM is a better choice then abacus, money issue is the main cause.

But I'm willing to share with others should they have enquiries on MPM & abacus.. so, would appreciate if you able to share more.

For more info, please go to www://mpmmath.com.sg