is it possible to teach p4 math ourselves?

[Lock]

Dear all,

I swear by Onsponge. I went through their parents' workshop and find their methodology very clear and easy to understand. My own maths background is weak but yet after the workshop, I could understand and do most sums in my kids' work.

So, now I send my dd(P4) to Onsponge tuition as she is weaker in picking up concepts but I reinforce learning at home cos sometimes she still can't grasp what the tutor has taught. And I teach my son (P2) on my own using Onsponge methodology and both are doing well; maintaining at band 1.

[david59]

For Pri 1 to 4, the numbers of problem sum questions r only 4 or 5 which is only about 16 to 20 marks out of 100. So the real test of the child’s ability is really only tested from Pri 5 & 6. The Maths paper consists of paper 1 n paper 2 which hold 40 n 60 marks respectively. Paper 2 consists mainly problem sums.

So, up to Pri 4, parents may be able to guide their kids in Maths. But unless you r able to keep up with solving complex questions from Pri 5 n above, you will have engage helps to teach your kids if you want our kids to score band 1.
Onsponges Maths is excellent. But there lies the problem. The more these kind of excellent materials flood the market, the more difficult questions exam paper setters have to create to ensure only a certain percentage of students can achieve A*.
Yes, Maths exam papers are getting more n more difficult every year.

[24hr-mum]

terrible, all these tuition are sucking up our retirement funds…sigh…

[Herbie]

parent can learn from book and teach their kids…

[shurley197323]

I teach my DD for math until CA1 P5. After she fail to get above 91 marks, I sent her for tuition. Yes, P5 problem sum is definitely different from P4. I will ask her classmates or their parents in school for help if both of us don’t know how to solve

[david59]

Yep, the sad reality is that the rich man’s kid will always has the full resource of top tuition centers or tutors to excel academically. The poor man’s kid does not. So he or she goes for cheaper option of group tuition that really does not help those who are academically weak. It is a further waste of time attending classes n doing assessment work n their precious little money they have. These kids really r the ones who need good tuition support to improve. This is one unfortunate irony of life.

Even the MOE emphasis is an ironic. The best class usually has the best teachers, some even smaller class size when it should be the weaker students who need good teachers n smaller class size for closer attention n teaching.

[shurley197323]

I will make sure that my DD know every word problems. If not, I will post on kiasuparents online and of course , others are so kind to post the answer online. Luckily,her tuition centre is also kind enough to teach her personally if she can’t solve .

[PiggyLalala]

shurley197323:

I will make sure that my DD know every word problems. If not, I will post on kiasuparents online and of course , others are so kind to post the answer online. Luckily,her tuition centre is also kind enough to teach her personally if she can't solve .

I agree with what you said. It is very important that the child know his mistake and learn to solve every word problems if possible, if not at least those common and standard ones found in the exam papers.

[24hr-mum]

shurley197323:

I will make sure that my DD know every word problems. If not, I will post on kiasuparents online and of course , others are so kind to post the answer online. Luckily,her tuition centre is also kind enough to teach her personally if she can't solve .

there are so many types of problem sums, how do u keep track and know whc type ur child cant solve, when the difference is just a small tweak ?
most imptly, wont ur child whine when asked to do?

[24hr-mum]

david59:

Yep, the sad reality is that the rich man's kid will always has the full resource of top tuition centers or tutors to excel academically. The poor man's kid does not. So he or she goes for cheaper option of group tuition that really does not help those who are academically weak. It is a further waste of time attending classes n doing assessment work n their precious little money they have. These kids really r the ones who need good tuition support to improve. This is one unfortunate irony of life.

Even the MOE emphasis is an ironic. The best class usually has the best teachers, some even smaller class size when it should be the weaker students who need good teachers n smaller class size for closer attention n teaching.

i just feel that the purpose MOE system is just the govt's way of determining and extractg the cream of the crop, whc will eventually make it to uni, offer the scholarship and make them civil servants and politicians,. not really to educate the masses...