Math problems
Every once in a while I am reminded how much I really like Singapore Math. Not only has Myles at the age of 10 covered material I never did, even as a math major (tessellations), but the problem solving techniques lay the groundwork for future study.
In one of his early books, like second or third grade, there was a lesson on how to measure the perimeter of an irregularly shaped profile. The answer was simple: closely wrap a string around the shape for on full turn, cut the string, then measure the string flat for the perimeter. Simple, and the exact same concept as a basic line integral, but in tangible form.
The Singapore Math books also rely heavily on unit bars for problem solving.
What I appreciate about these is that even in elementary school years, algebra problems can be solved without the introduction of x and y. These are different from how I was taught, never seeing a problem like this until seventh grade. There's no manipulation of 2x+100=410 at this stage. But the kids can see, right there on their paper, that algebraic equation represented in the bars. The hardest part for us has been getting Myles in the habit of drawing the unit bars when he starts the problem.
Already, Myles has solved simultaneous equations, without even realizing he was doing it. This will make that lesson, once he is in high school, that much easier, I am sure.
I've really become a fan of this method.
I was about to publish this post over a week ago, but I hesitated after seeing something on my facebook feed. The schools in my hometown have switched to Singapore Math this year, and not without teething troubles. Unit bars were one of the biggest complaints from parents, just as I was ready to sing the technique's praises. I thought the post would be ill-timed, should anyone from home read this. Randy encouraged me to get this out there anyway.
In one of his early books, like second or third grade, there was a lesson on how to measure the perimeter of an irregularly shaped profile. The answer was simple: closely wrap a string around the shape for on full turn, cut the string, then measure the string flat for the perimeter. Simple, and the exact same concept as a basic line integral, but in tangible form.
The Singapore Math books also rely heavily on unit bars for problem solving.
What I appreciate about these is that even in elementary school years, algebra problems can be solved without the introduction of x and y. These are different from how I was taught, never seeing a problem like this until seventh grade. There's no manipulation of 2x+100=410 at this stage. But the kids can see, right there on their paper, that algebraic equation represented in the bars. The hardest part for us has been getting Myles in the habit of drawing the unit bars when he starts the problem.
Already, Myles has solved simultaneous equations, without even realizing he was doing it. This will make that lesson, once he is in high school, that much easier, I am sure.
I've really become a fan of this method.
I was about to publish this post over a week ago, but I hesitated after seeing something on my facebook feed. The schools in my hometown have switched to Singapore Math this year, and not without teething troubles. Unit bars were one of the biggest complaints from parents, just as I was ready to sing the technique's praises. I thought the post would be ill-timed, should anyone from home read this. Randy encouraged me to get this out there anyway.
Comments
I suppose at some point I really should look more closely at Singapore.