CMA Math - Discussion

[Pen88n]

yap_susan:

Is CMA math in cohesion with learning methods in prmary schools?

CMA is teaching abacus. School does not need abacus. However, abacus build the +-x/ computation foundation for the kids, and sensitivity to numbers. I personally believe it helps in training the brain.

[Pen88n]

ppnqq:

Thanks for the feedback, Pen88n. How about preschoolers? Which is more important or crucial, ICR or CMA?

When you say ICR, you are referring to I Can Read? Sorry I can't comment on that, as both my kids learn to read by themselves (we read to them initially) without having to send to ICR.

I supposed different kids are different, so you may want to evaluate the need yourself. Reading skill and habit is definitely very important, and I stress on reading for both my kids.

[Pen88n]

bigsnoopy:

Most of the centre don't conduct morning lessons right?

Weekdays less, weekends yes. You can check with centre you are interested. Some may have 1 or 2 weekday morning classes in the morning. I know Parkway centre has on some weekdays morning.

[Pen88n]

crown12:

mama_g:

[quote=\"crown12\"]Hi,I'm thinking of sending my 4yso girl to CMA at Yew Tee Branch. Can I have feedback on the teachers etc at this branch? Tks.

Hi, I am also thinking to enroll my DD into Yew Tee branch, have u gotten any replies on feedback of teachers, care to share please? TIA.

Nope. I didnt. I happened to pass by the branch last weekend. Saw that they have a free trail for new enrollment till end June. Hmm.. thinking whether to sign up or not..[/quote]If there is no parent who can feedback on Yew Tee branch to you, why don't you go to the branch and request for an assessment and a trial lesson? I think the branches should be willing as this is potential customer. See if your kids like the lesson and the teacher.

[seeker]

Hi Any Feedback about Bishan Center & the Teachers teaching Foundation Class ? Can advice ?

[cleo]

phtthp:

perhaps bec i am a potential new customer, she was ok. As yours is a transfer case, maybe different. How is it now, after transfer to Novena ? better for yr child ? Owner of Novena also same owner of Bishan branch.

Initially my child was from Novena, however when I learnt that they have moved from TPY Safra to TPY central, I transfer her to TPY Central.

So far so good with Novena branch.

[Village Girl]

My girls are from Bishan center and the teachers there are patient and good. My girls love them.

[seeker]

Hi Village Girl,


I have PM you.

Thanks

[ZY_Mom]

Hi all,


Does anybody know if the CEO Mr Tay Shy Ching is teaching personally? If yes, which branch? Am planning to send my boy to CMA too.

TIA.

[phtthp]

hi ppnqq,


to tackle P1 Maths, child need to acquire two core skills - English & Maths well. Both ranked equal significance.

if a child is weak in English, child doesn't know how to read, don’t understand what the qn wants.

if a child is weak in Maths, doesn't know where & how to start from to solve, don’t know which is the correct Maths concept to apply, or what is the qn testing ? Child ends up confused, lost, with so many different numbers thrown into the qn.

if you ask, for pre-schoolers kindergarten age, which skill is more important - is it ICR or CMA ?

when it comes to Word problems - first, is the ability to read. This is crucial. It is the first, fundamental step. CMA is a good skill to acquire, but secondary. Understanding key Maths concepts, knowing which correct concept to apply - more important. Once your child knows which concept to apply, then CMA steps in, bringing in the extra benefit and advantage, of high speed, rapid mental calculation.

a)\tEnglish

ICR (I Can Read) is expensive.
there are alternative substitutes to ICR - cheaper but very good!
I-Creative Learning (ICL) is an excellent English programme for pre-schoolers! It offers a systematic, step by step methodology for pre-schoolers, towards reading and acquiring core literacy skill.

if you keen, still got vacancies here, under Teacher Ivy Phang at Cantonment. Weekday is $200 (8 sessions)

you may read parental feedback about her, by opening up each of the envelope one by one patiently, inside ICL website:-

http://www.icreativelearner.com.sg/

other feedback:
http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=10024&start=100

b)\t Understanding Maths concepts

here is a sample ‘Primary 1 SA1 Paper 2 2011’ Maths question that require ‘Higher Order Thinking Skills’.

test objective ?
- testing fundamental understanding of ‘Number Bonds’ concept,
- testing the grasp of English skills (ability to read well), play with words,
- testing ‘Higher Order’ analytical logical thinking, reasoning and processing skills in a child :-

Mother has baked some cream puffs and durian puffs. She wants to put 8 puffs into a box. In how many ways can she put the puffs - in order to have at least one of each kind of puffs inside the box?

how to solve ?
you may read Dr. Yeap Ban Har's reply :-

http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=423&start=980

http://www.askyeapbanhar.blogspot.com/

comments:
http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=22923&start=60