Start with Maths
As an engineering graduate, I’m quite ok with my science and maths. Thus, I decided to start with Maths and hope my daughter can make it through the most important exam for her in Singapore, that is PSLE.
I read through her maths text book and did some research online to understand what is required from her for a P5 student who is taking a Maths Foundation module.
I have summarised it on the right.
My daughter is really bad at maths. She even has difficulty to count until 100. even she is in P5 now. Thus, I decided to start with the fundamental and that is the number system. That is the 1st chapter on the right.
I did some research and understand that students with language disorder can still learn effectively visually. This gives me some comfort and hope. Thus, I draw the number concept, including fractions and decimals for her using my iPad (an excuse for me to keep it haha)
The 1st concept I revised with her is “Rouding up and down”. I try to make her understanding rounding is just to get the number to the nearest “estimate” that we want, be it tens, hundreds etc.
So far, I think she can get the concept. she just needs keep practicing it until she registers it, which is in fact the toughest part given digital gadgets are readily available to kids nowadays.
Any parents have any good suggestions on how to improve kids attention span?
1. Numbers and Algebra
- Whole Numbers:
- Place value, reading, writing, comparing, and rounding of large numbers
- Operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) with multi-digit numbers
- Fractions and Decimals:
- Understanding equivalent fractions and simplifying fractions
- Comparing and ordering fractions and decimals
- Operations with fractions (mainly addition and subtraction) and an introduction to multiplication and division
- Factors and Multiples:
- Identifying factors and multiples, including prime numbers
- Understanding concepts such as greatest common factor (GCF) and least common multiple (LCM)
- Introduction to Algebraic Thinking:
- Recognizing patterns and forming simple rules
- Using symbols or variables to represent unknowns in simple situations
2. Geometry
- Properties of Shapes:
- Identifying and classifying 2D shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals, etc.) based on their properties
- Understanding lines of symmetry and basic concepts of congruence
- Measurement in Geometry:
- Measuring angles (using degrees) and understanding the basic properties of angles
- Introduction to coordinate plots on a grid, which helps in understanding location and spatial reasoning
3. Measurement
- Length, Area, and Volume:
- Measuring length using appropriate units (cm, m)
- Understanding and calculating the perimeter and area of simple shapes
- Basic concepts of volume for three-dimensional objects (using non-standard and standard units)
- Time, Mass, and Temperature:
- Reading and calculating time (hours, minutes, seconds)
- Estimating and comparing weights/masses
- Understanding temperature scales in practical contexts
4. Data Handling and Probability
- Data Collection and Representation:
- Recording data in tables and graphs (bar graphs, pictographs, and line graphs)
- Interpreting data from various graphical representations
- Introduction to Probability:
- Basic ideas of chance events and simple probability concepts
- Using everyday contexts to understand likelihood and chance
5. Problem Solving
- Application of Concepts:
- Tackling word problems that require the application of the above topics
- Developing strategies to analyze and solve multi-step problems
- Encouraging logical reasoning and explaining the steps involved in arriving at a solution
Additional Notes
Conceptual Understanding:
The Foundation syllabus emphasizes a deep conceptual understanding, with visual aids, manipulatives, and real-life applications to make abstract ideas more tangible.Skill Development:
There is a strong focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than just procedural computation.Curriculum Updates:
Since curricula can be periodically reviewed, it’s always a good idea to consult the most recent official documents or the Ministry of Education (MOE) Singapore website for the latest syllabus details and any updates.