"Why is My Child
Drawing Bars?"
You expected numbers, but you see boxes. We explain the "Singapore Math" Bar Model method used in Dubai's top schools and why it's the secret to solving complex word problems.
It's "Visual Algebra"
Most adults solve problems using algebra (e.g., 2x + 10 = 50). But a 9-year-old brain isn't ready for abstract equations. Bar Modeling is a bridge. It allows children to see the relationship between numbers before they learn the algebra rules.
Parent vs. Student: How We Solve It
Here is why your "Quick Method" might be clashing with their homework instructions. Consider this problem: "Sam has 3 times as many apples as Tom. Together they have 20 apples."
| How YOU Solve It (Algebra) | How THEY Solve It (Bar Model) |
|---|---|
|
The Equation:
x + 3x = 20 4x = 20 x = 5 |
The Drawing:
1. Draw 1 block for Tom. 2. Draw 3 blocks for Sam. 3. Total = 4 blocks. 4. 20 ÷ 4 = 5. |
| The Reaction: "What is x? I don't get it!" (Confusion) | The Reaction: "Oh! I can see 4 equal parts." (Clarity) |
Why Schools in Dubai Love This
Schools like JESS, Kings', and Horizon use this method because it prevents "Math Anxiety." When a child reads a word problem, they often guess: "Do I add? Do I divide?" Drawing the bars reveals the operation instantly.
1. Part-Whole Model
Used for: Addition & Subtraction.
A long bar represents the "Whole" (Total). You split it into two or more "Parts." If you know the Total and one Part, you can visually see that you must subtract to find the missing piece.
2. Comparison Model
Used for: "More than" / "Less than" problems.
You draw two separate bars stacked on top of each other. The gap between them represents the "Difference." This makes solving "How much taller is X than Y?" intuitive.
How You Can Help at Home
If your child is stuck, do not write an equation (x + y).
Instead, say: "Can you draw a bar for Sam? Now draw a bar for Tom. What do we know about the total?" Encourage the drawing, not the calculation.
Struggling to help with Homework?
If you don't know a "Part-Whole" from a "Comparison" model, you might be confusing your child. Our tutors are experts in the Singapore Math method.
Find a Singapore Math ExpertThis article refers to the Singapore Math (Heuristic) Approach used by many Dubai private schools (including those using White Rose Maths and Maths Mastery). Teaching methods may vary slightly by school. GetYourTutors staff are trained to adapt to your child's specific school methodology to ensure consistency between home and classroom learning.