Singapore... one more question!

[Busymomma1]

OK, another Singapore question... when the math problems are presented horizontally in the workbook, does that mean the child is supposed to figure them out mentally? I know Singapore is big on mental math, and there doesn't appear to be space in the workbook sometimes for working the problem out or re-writing vertically. (I know there are specific sections for mental math, but wondering about these other sections). Also, when teaching from the textbook, do you have your kids do all the problems? And do they write those out on paper or a white board? From the textbook, do you just have them do enough to understand and then move on to the workbook, or do you have them pretty much do them all and then go to the workbook?

I'm new to Singapore and after pouring over the books, I just wasn't sure how to approach these things. I feel like maybe I'm not understanding something obvious! Thanks!

[Homeschooln2qts]

These are such good questions as I have been wondering the exact same things. I just switched my dd from Abeka Math 3 to Singapore 2A and ds from Teaching Textbooks Math 7 to Singapore 4A (yeah, huge drop..right?! lol) Looking forward to reading what responses you get

[cirons]

Hi Tricia,

Here are some answers based on what we do:
* If a problem is presented horizontally, I assume that my child is to try and work it out mentally, BUT, I have not always found this to be possible so if they can't, I just get them to do it vertically on a piece of paper and write their answer in.
* When teaching from the text book, no, I don't have my child do all the problems. We usually sit there and go through them together and I talk them through any they can't get by themselves. I pick out as many of them as I think they need to get the concept. If they get it quick, I just get them to go on to the workbook immediately. If not, we might do all of the text books qu's. We do as much of it mentally as possible, but if not, we just have a piece of paper (or whiteboard if you prefer) to work it out.

HTH,
Corrie

[netpea]

I have my child do every problem in the textbook, sometimes on a whiteboard, sometimes mentally, sometimes on paper. My children try to do all their work mentally and they are good at it, but when they are wrong, I have no idea why. So, I try to get them to write out the problems in the workbook.

[Busymomma1]

Thanks, ladies! Very helpful. Miranda, I'm glad I'm not the only one with the questions!