Singapore Math vs.
Traditional Math
"Mum, don't help me! That's the old way!" If you've heard this during homework time, your child is likely learning via the Mastery approach. We decode the blocks, bars, and methods.
Parent Warning: The "Shortcut" Trap
Do NOT teach your Year 2 or 3 child "carrying the one" or "borrowing" (vertical column addition) before they are ready. It destroys their understanding of Place Value. Let them use the "Number Bonds" and "Partitioning" methods taught in school first.
Quick Answer: Mastery vs. Spiral
Most of us grew up with Traditional Math. Dubai schools (British & IB) have largely shifted to Singapore-style Math. Here is the difference:
| Feature | Singapore Math (Mastery) | Traditional Math (Spiral) |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Depth over Speed. Stay on one topic (e.g., Fractions) for 4 weeks until mastered. | Spiral. Touch on many topics quickly, revisit them next year. |
| Methods | CPA Approach. (Concrete objects -> Pictures -> Abstract numbers). | Abstract First. Memorizing rules and formulas immediately (e.g., 2 x 4 = 8). |
| Visualization | Bar Models. Drawing boxes to visualize the problem. | Equations. Writing x + 5 = 10. |
| Dubai Usage | Used by JESS, Kings', DESS (often via "White Rose Maths"). | Used by some older American curriculum schools. |
The Secret Sauce: The C-P-A Approach
If you don't understand this, you can't help with homework. Schools move through three stages for every single concept:
1. Concrete (The "Real" Phase)
The child holds physical objects.
Example: Holding 3 plastic frogs and adding 2 more.
Dubai Context: Schools use "Numicon" shapes and "Dienes Blocks" (Base 10 blocks) heavily in Years 1-3.
2. Pictorial (The "Drawing" Phase)
The child draws the objects.
Example: Drawing 3 circles and 2 circles.
Dubai Context: This is where Bar Modeling happens (see below).
3. Abstract (The "Symbol" Phase)
Only now do we use numbers.
Example: Writing "3 + 2 = 5".
The Parent Mistake: Parents often jump straight to Abstract, skipping the first two steps, which causes "Math Anxiety."
What is "Bar Modeling"?
This is the tool that replaces Algebra in Primary School. It allows Year 3 students to solve complex word problems by visualizing them.
Why Dubai Schools Love It
Singapore Math consistently produces the highest global PISA rankings. British schools in Dubai adopted it (via White Rose Maths) because it reduces "Math Anxiety." Instead of fearing big numbers, students learn to manipulate small numbers flexibly.
Confused by the homework?
Don't teach them "Old Math" that contradicts their teacher. Our tutors are trained in White Rose Maths and the Singapore method.
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