Preparing kids for P5 in 2011

[wonderm]

Pen88n:

tisha:

[quote=\"pixiedust\"]I agree with tisha.


ds's school also doesn't use onSponge. We find the branching method faster too, especially when the numbers in the question are hard to divide into number of boxes (big common multiples).

I find it okay to let the kids understand there is more than one method to solve the problem. ds usually tries model first but if the numbers are hard to find common multiples, he'll use branching.

But earlier comment about teachers not understanding branching method is worrying........... :!:

pixiedust,
If you keep PSLE in mind, then there shouldn't be a concern whether branching method will be accepted or not. But yes, for school exams it can be a concern, and I'm not sure how many of us have the time to go and argue with the teacher for method marks or whatever.

I wish some math teacher or tutor could clear this doubt for us.
BTW, a previous comment by a parent on the usage of algebra was that, if the final answer is wrong, no marks will be awarded for the method. So if using algebra need to be 100% sure about the answer.

Tisha,

I thot the Algebra method marks not awarded if final answer is wrong is only meant for last few years. As of this year, they have introduce Algebra into the syllabus, and the kids are taught Algebra at the start of P6. So, the method marks will be applicable even if final answers are wrong.

Can someone in the known please clarify? Thanks[/quote]My ds2 took PSLE last year. My impression was that they were only taught simple algebra in P6. I taught him myself how to use simultaneous equations to solve problem sums. He found it easier than using model method for certain questions. The caution is that if he makes careless mistake while solving with simulataneous equation, then method marks will not be given to him. So I told him not to abandon the model method and try using it as much as possible.

Again, that was just my understanding. Maybe you can check with their maths teacher to confirm.

[Chenonceau]

Double post

[Chenonceau]

Tisha, :thankyou: very much for tipping me off to the \"branching method\". I got hold of Visible Thinking 6, and taught my son today. It has made a big difference. I think we just cleared a big hurdle. :dancing: :boogie:

[Augmum]

tisha:

pixiedust:

I agree with tisha.


ds's school also doesn't use onSponge. We find the branching method faster too, especially when the numbers in the question are hard to divide into number of boxes (big common multiples).

I find it okay to let the kids understand there is more than one method to solve the problem. ds usually tries model first but if the numbers are hard to find common multiples, he'll use branching.

But earlier comment about teachers not understanding branching method is worrying........... :!:

pixiedust,
If you keep PSLE in mind, then there shouldn't be a concern whether branching method will be accepted or not. But yes, for school exams it can be a concern, and I'm not sure how many of us have the time to go and argue with the teacher for method marks or whatever.

I wish some math teacher or tutor could clear this doubt for us.
BTW, a previous comment by a parent on the usage of algebra was that, if the final answer is wrong, no marks will be awarded for the method. So if using algebra need to be 100% sure about the answer.

ya, i did mention that before......
no partial marks will be awarded if using Algebra if the final answer/s is/are wrong.
anyway, whatever method chosen,
the child still need to substitute the final answer to be doubly sure of his/her the final answer/s.

[Augmum]

wonder what is this \"branching method\" which i have been reading here.

any1 can briefly explains it, i am curious to know.
thanks in advance.

i remembered one of the gal's classmate luv to use \"Sakamoto Maths Method\" to solve problem sums,
the teacher in-charge was kinda of :roll: :scratchhead:

[janet88]

Hi Mummies,

So the kids results will slowly improve towards year end ?
Son's 3 subjects (Eng/Science/Chinese) is in the 60s range...Band 3. Red for Maths. Just planned his revision time-table and hope to see better results for SA1

[Pen88n]

janet_lee88:

Hi Mummies,

So the kids results will slowly improve towards year end ?
Son's 3 subjects (Eng/Science/Chinese) is in the 60s range...Band 3. Red for Maths. Just planned his revision time-table and hope to see better results for SA1

Janet,
With you the committed mum planning all the revision and working side by side with your DS, I'm sure his results will improve. Don't worry too much as it will cause DS more stressed and kids may not perform well under stress. PSLE is still a long way - consistent work and all should be well. All the Best!

[janet88]

Pen88n:

janet_lee88:

Hi Mummies,

So the kids results will slowly improve towards year end ?
Son's 3 subjects (Eng/Science/Chinese) is in the 60s range...Band 3. Red for Maths. Just planned his revision time-table and hope to see better results for SA1

Janet,
With you the committed mum planning all the revision and working side by side with your DS, I'm sure his results will improve. Don't worry too much as it will cause DS more stressed and kids may not perform well under stress. PSLE is still a long way - consistent work and all should be well. All the Best!

I plan his revision but I am not the one studying On one hand, don't want to burn him out before MAJOR marathon next year, but if don't continue to work hard, how to improve ? I know this sounds contradictory but I am at a loss...cannot get burnt out myself.

[Brenda10]

Chenonceau:

I got hold of Visible Thinking 6, and taught my son today. It has made a big difference. I think we just cleared a big hurdle. :dancing: :boogie:

Glad to hear that and I'm sure your bigger problem has already resolved. :celebrate:

[Chenonceau]

Augmum:

wonder what is this \"branching method\" which i have been reading here.

any1 can briefly explains it, i am curious to know.
thanks in advance.

i remembered one of the gal's classmate luv to use \"Sakamoto Maths Method\" to solve problem sums,
the teacher in-charge was kinda of :roll: :scratchhead:

I hope you can see something. I found this link for you.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.onsponge.com/images/stories/keystrategies/articlesamplefull.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php%3Fp%3D330047&usg=__4FOq6kk9r5J1kfWRrSbC7IjQnXw=&h=590&w=639&sz=54&hl=en&start=0&sig2=5AKzAln-m7AcKxAUjd7WXg&zoom=0&tbnid=0nv1LI17f8LU7M:&tbnh=126&tbnw=137&ei=CBqTTZ-eAommvQO6_pW9CA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dammiel%2Bbranching%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D981%26bih%3D661%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=546&vpy=16&dur=4959&hovh=126&hovw=137&tx=92&ty=265&oei=CBqTTZ-eAommvQO6_pW9CA&page=1&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0