Primary one Prep Class - Maths

[Champion]

hquek:

hi sub_evov36,


I didn't put DS in maths classes in kindy. Feel that P1 maths is still alright (but one must have the language skills to comprehend what is required). If you are concerned, maybe you can get some assessment books to let her try and you can judge from there where she may need help.

Amongst the so called higher level stuff, kids will have to know what is before and after, eg 3rd from left, 7th from right; also they will have to know what the problem sum is looking for - whether to plus or minus. Multiplication will only come later in the year. The other stuff are like writing numbers using words, colouring etc.

Hi,
I second and agree with what hquek has commented above :hi5:

My DD2 is also in K2 this year and when she was in K1, I was like,\" :scratchhead: maybe should send her for P1 preparation class next year as she is the \"bo-chap\" type and \"eat potatoes\" (speaks English more as compare with Mandarin) ....But since beginning this year, I feel that her kindergarten is quite academic focus and she beginning to pick up & learns quite substantially! :imcool: ....So, I put off that idea and only reinforce at home by letting her read a lot of story books and to do the assessment books I get from popular. In fact, I feel that the K2 level assessment books are not easy and are quite close to what being teach in P1 level! :nailbite:

Just my own parts of sharing :grphug:

[sub_evo76]

Thanks for the advice. I find that she seems unsure when doing prob sums which is pArt of the abacus lesson… I hv no time to do wksheets with her…

[hquek]

hi sub_evov76,


If problem sums are what she has problems with, could it be she may not understand what the question is? in that case, perhaps you may want to focus on reinforcing language rather than maths.

Actually I don’t do worksheets with DS. I ask him to do it while I’m at work, and then I go home to mark, and go through what was wrong or what he don’t know.

[JEI PSLE MATH]

Hi Sub_evov76,


I agree with hquek. First thing you need to establish is where are her weaknesses. It could be language. It could also be the basic concepts. Ensure she truly understand basic arithmetic first. Patience is key. Do not rush your child. Always put yourself in her shoes. Many things to adults are simple but from a child's stand point it may not be so.

When doing problem sums, you should try to interact with her to understand her logic. Getting the logic right is more important than getting the answer correct. MOE is able to create 5 different questions testing 5 different concepts with 5 different models. Yet all these five questions have the same number statement and answer.

Around July/August 2011 period you may download a publication from our website that will provide you some teaching tips for problem sums. Meanwhile, the link below have some tips that you can use http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=19004&start=70

hquek:

hi sub_evov76,

If problem sums are what she has problems with, could it be she may not understand what the question is? in that case, perhaps you may want to focus on reinforcing language rather than maths.

Actually I don't do worksheets with DS. I ask him to do it while I'm at work, and then I go home to mark, and go through what was wrong or what he don't know.

[sub_evo76]

Thanks so much for all your advice! Will definitely think hard n see Wat is best for dd. Mayb I m juz too worried cos everyday c her play… Ask her to do somewk when I m in ofc, she wun do n gv me lots of excuses…instead of her being stress I think I m the one that’s stress up.

[hquek]

sub_evov76,


I also the same. My mum takes care of the kids. Where once she wielded a cane with me, she now only wields a feather to my kids (ie she’ll give in to them). I see them play and fight each day and get worried wondering if they are wasting precious time.

I don’t dream of my kids getting ahead of others, I just don’t want them to be the last in class, the dunce. However, seeing DS1’s results from his school, I think he’s ok. Without any maths tuition and extremely poor coaching from me, he’s done better than I expected.

[sub_evo76]

exactly…I sure hope my dd wun b last in class when she goes P1 next yr…(pray v hard)…haa…


I am depending on her english teacher (icreativelearner - Teacher Pat is just so nice and wonderful) to make sure that she is ok with reading, grammer etc… whereas for maths - Still thinking what is the best approach…

[hquek]

My kids are/were in icl too - but different branch. So you can be assured about her english standard already.


As for maths, if your girl is ok, get some (one/two only) assessment books to let her try. I sometimes ask him to do a unit, or 5 page or 10 pages (depending). You will be able to see where she needs help.

[bigsnoopy]

I heard that schools don’t rank your child anymore. The children only know the top 3 students of the class. Any comments?

[corneyAmber]

YKVT:

I heard that schools don't rank your child anymore. The children only know the top 3 students of the class. Any comments?

It varies from school to school. Some schools completely nothing at class level except for top cohort ranking. Most schools named top 3 or even top 5 in class and also top 5-10 in cohort officially and those unranked sometimes the teachers would share with the parents unofficially too.

I grew up with ranking every year at class and cohort level and I prefer to know than to be kept in the dark. I think it is ok to know own ranking but do not go around comparing who is at what level should be fine.