How does the Singapore math program work?
The Singapore program is designed in a circular format. This means that when students study a concept, such as fractions, they do not learn everything about fractions all at once. Instead, the first time they are introduced to the idea (fractions are pieces of one whole). Then, in a higher level book they encounter the topic again, but get more in-depth (three-fourths of a pie plus two-fourths of another pie). Eventually, after several books, the student knows a lot about the topic, though it may take a few years. I have noticed that this method can lead to some confusion. It may seem like a student should be able to go faster than he is. In some cases this is true, but not always. The pace may seem slow, but we are working on comprehension and retention of a topic. It is not enough for the student to just be able to solve problems or even to understand the math concept for a week or a month. The goal is to have him be so familiar with it that he can understand it for years to come. Th
