Preparing kids for P5 in 2011

[Augmum]

janet_lee88:

Augmum:

[quote=\"janet_lee88\"]
In P4 last year, teacher discouraged use of algebra to solve problem sums...this year, teacher said if child can handle algebra, go ahead and use by all means. She won't be teaching algebra as it will confuse the class, although algebra will be taught at P6 first term.

So there is one thing confirmed...P5 Maths is a BIG leap from P4 and totally different too.

the algebra to be taught in P6 is only forming of simple algebraic equations,
which is inadequate/incapable of solving problems sums.
so pupils have to learn on their own if they wanna to use it.

Yes, Math teacher did mention that the algebra taught at P6 is very basic. If kids are capable of handling algebra, then parents are encouraged to teach them using that method.
The Maths homework given for March holidays are tough...one is from My Pals Homework Book, the other is from My Pals activity book.[/quote]Yes, if kids can grasp algebra well, parents can teach them as an \"alternative\" besides model drawing,
esp pertaining to challenging questions.
Why restrict to using model-drawing ??
when there are times, the kids spent a long time trying to figure out how to draw the models.

[Augmum]

Brenda10:

Augmum:

not only \"no need to draw models in secondary level\"
in some exam papers, it is indicated \"Do not use model-drawing\", marks will not be awarded.

in P5, my gal's teacher also discouraged her to use alegrebra to solve challenging questions....
but when she was in P6, her teacher din not bother what methods they used.....so long u know how to do it.

Hi augmum

Their objective is by hook or by crook, get it solve and score the marks.

Yes, u're right, brenda.
They can't be bothered too much, so long u know how to do it
becos they have to put in time for those who dunno.

[Augmum]

pixiedust:

For ds's school, the Maths HOD told the parents :

1) P6 algebra is simple algebra (as mentioned by Augmum)
2) Besides that, using algebra to solve problem sums is not encouraged in school.
REASON: using models and heuristics is to encourage THINKING SKILLS so using algebra 'defeats' the purpose.
3) but..algebra solution will be accepted in PSLE.
4) from Secondary school, children will be expected to use algebra

i disagree on the teacher's saying that algebra defeats the purpose on thinking skills....
one still needs to think cautiously how to form the simultaneous equations before he/she can derive the answers using algebra.
in fact, simultaneous equations are somehow related to model drawing,
juz that model drawing is more pictorial.

[Augmum]

jtoh:

Brenda10:

Hi jtoh, will that be difficult for P6 children to pick up in Secondary 1 since what they learn during primary school (model, unit transfer etc) become redundant ?

Hi Brenda10, I don't think it's difficult for kids to pick up Sec 1 Math. Algebra is quite formulaic so it is not that tough. My dd is doing as well in secondary school math as she did in primary school.

brenda,
as for my gal. she preferred secondary maths, to her more \"systematics in topics\".
and also for her, i already exposed her to algebra since upper primary,
but for her classmates who are totally new to algebra,
would require the teacher to explain over and over again.

for express course, shd be no problem.
for IP , it would be much deeper in content and more complex questions,
as for example, in sec2, they are doing sec 3 maths.

[Brenda10]

Augmum:

brenda,
as for my gal. she preferred secondary maths, to her more \"systematics in topics\".
and also for her, i already exposed her to algebra since upper primary,
but for her classmates who are totally new to algebra,
would require the teacher to explain over and over again.

for express course, shd be no problem.
for IP , it would be much deeper in content and more complex questions,
as for example, in sec2, they are doing sec 3 maths.

Hi augmum

Thank your for your advise. Is there any book that can help to learn Algebra better ?

[janet88]

Augmum:

janet_lee88:

[quote=\"Augmum\"]
the algebra to be taught in P6 is only forming of simple algebraic equations,
which is inadequate/incapable of solving problems sums.
so pupils have to learn on their own if they wanna to use it.

Yes, Math teacher did mention that the algebra taught at P6 is very basic. If kids are capable of handling algebra, then parents are encouraged to teach them using that method.
The Maths homework given for March holidays are tough...one is from My Pals Homework Book, the other is from My Pals activity book.

Yes, if kids can grasp algebra well, parents can teach them as an \"alternative\" besides model drawing,
esp pertaining to challenging questions.
Why restrict to using model-drawing ??
when there are times, the kids spent a long time trying to figure out how to draw the models. [/quote]Since Maths teacher said algebra is accepted, hubby is getting him to attempt questions using both methods. Just few days ago, I got son to do the chapter on drawing a diagram in I-Excel (Li Fanglan) and hubby asked him to use models and algebra to solve questions on number of legs of chicken and dogs.

[Augmum]

Brenda10:

Hi augmum

Thank your for your advise. Is there any book that can help to learn Algebra better ?

brenda, u're welcome.
not advice lah....paiseh
juz my personal feel and experience from my gal which suits her well.

i dunno of any book, as i taught her based on \"my memory\"

btw, gal's school teaches algebra using the mathematical manipulatives, Algebra Tiles...... that allow pupils to have better understanding.
but personally, i found it more confusing, maybe i dunno how to utilise it fully.

[Happy Mama]

janet_lee88:

Since Maths teacher said algebra is accepted, hubby is getting him to attempt questions using both methods. Just few days ago, I got son to do the chapter on drawing a diagram in I-Excel (Li Fanglan) and hubby asked him to use models and algebra to solve questions on number of legs of chicken and dogs.

Hi Janet, I didn't know Algebra is accepted in Pri 5. Looks like I have to start exposing DD to Algebra soon.

[Augmum]

janet_lee88:

Since Maths teacher said algebra is accepted, hubby is getting him to attempt questions using both methods. Just few days ago, I got son to do the chapter on drawing a diagram in I-Excel (Li Fanglan) and hubby asked him to use models and algebra to solve questions on number of legs of chicken and dogs.

Yes, for questions like the above, how many legs or similar,
using Algebra is so much faster and accurate comparing to using
\"Guess and Check\" or \"Assumpton Method\"

[Augmum]

Happy Mama:

janet_lee88:

Since Maths teacher said algebra is accepted, hubby is getting him to attempt questions using both methods. Just few days ago, I got son to do the chapter on drawing a diagram in I-Excel (Li Fanglan) and hubby asked him to use models and algebra to solve questions on number of legs of chicken and dogs.

Hi Janet, I didn't know Algebra is accepted in Pri 5. Looks like I have to start exposing DD to Algebra soon.

Happy mama,
Yes, it is accepted but be prepared for some negative comments from school teachers.