Models for maths in primary school

[mrswongtuition]

Hi Parents,


I’m a current school teacher and have been giving private tuition for the past 8 years. Just my small little input here regarding Model Method.

Many children are unable to use the model method effectively as they are not taught how to use it effectively and they are not trained to use it since young.

Even if the school did not teach, it’s extremely helpful to introduce from Primary 1 onwards. Model drawing is about VISUALISATION which not all children are strong in. Those who are not very strong in visualisation will might have problems drawing models correctly to help them answer the questions. These students will need another type of model drawing technique which involves more colours (meaning you may need to spend some money buying coloured pens for them).

Usually drawing a model should be together with ‘analysis of question’. They draw the model to show that they understand the question. It should not take too much time.

With adequate training, students should be able to draw quickly and not spend more than 1 minute drawing a simple model. Parents can help by buying templates (Popular has them) so that they need to struggle with drawing the ‘boxes’.

My tutees have all mastered how to draw models within a few months with me. It is possible to start as late as Primary 6, it’s just a matter of motivation and guidance.

Hope the above is helpful.

Mrs Wong

[mama_mia]

buds:

You're welcome mama_mia,


So, will you be introducing the model
method to your girl soon?

trying to teach, but i have to learn it myself......but my girl's teacher is not introducing yet.

[mama_mia]

san76:

buds:

Heyya curious_mom,


Just to share an assessment book. Special recommendation from
me and bitchymum (highlighted in P1/P2 Math thread) titled >
Problems Solving Process by Fabian Ng (starts from P2)

The book has examples on problems solving using models method.
It's quite a good assessment book for parents to teach their kids
cos the examples are easy to understand.

Hi Buds,

The book you recommend is indeed a very useful. My kid like it. My son is now doing it though he is only P1. Very good book.

You may also like to check out this book: Top Marks Handbook by Dr. Fong Ho Kheong. A very easy book on model. Useful explanation and example to illustrate the concept.

[buds]

Thanks, mama_mia!

[tianzhu]

Hi


Some useful books if you wish to learn more about Model Drawing.

The Essential Parents’ Guide to Primary Maths by Dr Fong Ho Keong
Top marks by Dr Fong Ho Keong.
Maths Model Diagrams from Maths456 by Tan BM

This is probably the latest book in the market which emphasises on MD.
The Singapore Model Method for Learning Mathematics by EPB Panpac Education

[kiasumama]

Mummies


If you always insist from young on the child drawing model for every word type question, the child gonna have no problem dealing with it at p2 or p3.

Model drawings come in very handy and of importantance when u touch P3 becos as the questions get more difficult, you will notice that without models you probably have problems visualising them. Yes, it helps with visualization. Once u’re able to apply models to those complex questions ur child will be able to do the sum step by step.

[Suz855]

I agreed with Mrs Wong that MD will be handy to solve maths problem sums. I would advocate to start them like P2 … most school in P2 has a solid topics on model drawing, however as P2 problem sums or even upto P3 they are pretty straight forward, some children may choose not draw model as working to solve the problems … I think as parent or even educator we need to stress the importance, as practise make perfect & soon MD will become as easy as our vertical adding/multiplication … have fun

[fridayeducation]

I am a part time tutor/tuition agent and an undergrad with 9 students on hand. I am replying your question as a tutor.


Anyhow, your child should spend 1 minute to draw a model and another 4 minutes to finish the question (max)

Try to brief your child on the basic model concepts

Eg. A have $2 and B have $3. How much do they have altogether?
Eg. A have $10. B has $5 fewer. How much do they have altogether?

Step by step. increase the level of difficulties. will definitely help. If he keeps doing them, when he sees the question, he will know what to draw almost instantly. It will be like when you see a lightning, you know the thunder will come.

[Jennifer]

Try this online http://www.mathplayground.com


It has a section on model, comes with a demo on how to use models in prob sums. Very easy to understand.

Must be patient when introducing model. No.1 had no prob understanding it when he was taught by the sch. No.2 had delayed understanding. I was so anxious then and kept telling No.2 die die he must master it. So I left him to do 2 levels of the qns in this website. Now he has no prob.

[kiasumama]

The school doesnt award/minus marks for models right or wrong…i wonder why?


The importance of the models are significant, arent they?