P1 Tution -- Necessary?

[rwdmathexpert]

From my experience on P1s learning Math (as a parent and as an educator(tutor)) , I highly recommend that every P1 child draw models for their problem sum.

If not, for certain type of children, it’s going to be very tough. This is because certain questions are set up to "confuse the child"/"throw the child off-course"/"a triple or quadruple episode detective series", such that the child is "lost"/"side-swipe"/"couldn’t be bothered anymore". And thus, the child gets the wrong answer for that question.
I recommend it because it is a good habit. And if the child works at it diligently, there will be times when he doesn’t need to draw models anymore. This is because he can "see" the actual ‘movements’ of the numbers from A to B and to C and then back to A. That is model drawing in the brain. (That means the child has reach a high level of problem solving already!)
Usually, if the child complains, then I will say to him: " Show me your previous exams marks. If you get 91%, then you can skip drawing models. If not, please continue to draw models". "Even I, the adult, still draw models to help my old brain see the clues in proper manner so that I can solve the question in a proper manner."
To all parents, there are some P6 questions that are set out to be solved mainly by drawing models. There are also P6 MCQs that are more easily solved using model drawings.
Even if the child uses Units methods (T-bar) to solve, the child may not be able to see the connection between the given clues.
Hope the above helps.

I have come across many children who like to skip model drawing and when PSLE nears, they are not fluent at it. And all they can do is to complain: the questions were so difficult!!!"
These children who like to skip model drawing find it too childish(when they are at P4 onwards), find it too troublesome, find it too uncool.
I rather hear the children complain about :" Can I not draw models?" than about : " the questions are so difficult!!!".
Because if it is the first complaint, I know what I will say automatically : "Draw!". (and usually, they get there. They are able to solve the tough question by themselves.)
But if it is the second complaint, then my oh my… it’s going to be a long lesson.

Best Wishes,
RWD Math Expert

[onceuponachild2008]

I believe P1 tuition may be necessary for some kids, esp with Math.


LET ME SHARE WITH YOU MY OWN EXPERIENCE.

Let me just share my story on my coaching on Math.

The drawing of Math Modelling concepts starts in P1. When my eldest is in P1, I have the
mentality that P1 and P2 are honeymoon stages. I didn’t put much effort in coaching my kid.
Then, when first topical test results released, he was in bad shape.

Alarmed by his results, I sit down and study with him. My kid is a visual kind of person. So, my
coaching cannot be too "dry" and must be planned in such a way that he learns through play. And it
works, he managed to be one of the few tops for Math…even till now in Secondary school.

So, I feel that it is good to start from young. And for the rest of my
kids, I used the same strategies, they managed to Ace star the subject.

In conclusion, I felt that start young (in a fun way) is essential.

[phtthp]

For kids who are visual, can share how you teach your child to understand Maths, to help kid "grasp" concept ? Thanks

[sharonkhoo]

phtthp:

For kids who are visual, can share how you teach your child to understand Maths, to help kid \"grasp\" concept ? Thanks

Models and manipulatives! I have a strongly visual learner too.

[onceuponachild2008]

I used Legos and some toys… And it works

[bluegal6]

Hi, i am looking for an English and Maths tuition teacher, preferably female MOE teacher. We are staying in the west, please pm me…

[NerdyMath]

Not necessary. Try not to stress the child by having tuition in Primary 1. Let him/her adapt to the surroundings of the school and find his/her interests in the subjects.

[aiyoaiyo]

Saw last nite ch8 programme about the psle tscore changes… one expert suggested that parents should find out what challenges the child is facing in his studie in order to help him …so tuition may not be the solution.

[kitty2]

aiyoaiyo:

Saw last nite ch8 programme about the psle tscore changes.. one expert suggested that parents should find out what challenges the child is facing in his studie in order to help him ..so tuition may not be the solution.

This is quite true for my friends' kids. They went for tuition but no improvement and some friends recommended her a prog which can help them .

[janet88]

for p1, what is important is the ability to read and understand.

phonics is essential to learn.