Singapore Math®

Singapore Math®'s distinguished record in international competition and the enthusiastic recommendations of customers convinced us to add the program to our math offerings.

If you need a recommendation, consider that in 1995 and 1999 the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) tested the relative strengths and weaknesses of various countries' educational programs.

In both cases, Singaporean students came out number 1 in math.

Some educators question if the curriculum Singapore uses should get all the credit for its students' achievements. Clearly, part of Singapore's success comes from their total schooling experience. The curriculum itself is not the only secret.

But while the IEA tests obviously don't prove the curriculum is the best in the world, it certainly can't be bad if so many kids are getting such good scores.

One year's worth of work in the Singapore Primary Math programs (1 through 6) consists of two sets of paperback workbooks and textbooks. The textbooks are printed in full color and provide the introductory material. Many parents prefer to use them as non-consumable texts. The consumable workbooks are printed in black and white. We offer several manipulatives online that can enhance your learning experience, though they are not absolutely required.

Sonlight Curriculum has developed "Home Instructor's Guides" for the Primary Math 2A through 6B programs. The guides bridge the gaps between the textbooks and workbooks. They walk you through the books in a logical, step-by-step fashion. You'll find everything laid out for you: concepts you'll cover in each unit, pages you'll reference, and best of all, numerous exercises to reinforce the concepts you're teaching. The guides coordinate everything and assist you so you'll be able to give your children a top-notch math education with minimum preparation.

Get Started Now with a Singapore Math® Placement Test

NOTE: Singapore Math® is generally a year "ahead" of math programs in the U.S., and most children need to begin Singapore Math® with the "B" book of the year before!

Singapore K Math Program

Primary Math KA/KB Kit
KMUS
Retail: $109.93
Core
: $98.94
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Item #KMUS

Singapore 1 Math Program

Primary Math 1A/1B Kit
1M2US
Retail: $57.39
Core
: $51.65
Add to Cart
Item #1M2US

Singapore 2 Math Program

Primary Math 2A/2B Kit
2M2US
Retail: $102.17
Core
: $91.95
Add to Cart
Item #2M2US

Singapore 3 Math Program

Primary Math 3A/3B Kit
3M2US
Retail: $89.18
Core
: $80.26
Add to Cart
Item #3M2US

Singapore 4 Math Program

Primary Math 4A/4B Kit
4M2US
Retail: $86.43
Core
: $77.79
Add to Cart
Item #4M2US

Singapore 5 Math Program

Primary Math 5A/5B Kit
5M2US
Retail: $82.18
Core
: $73.96
Add to Cart
Item #5M2US

Singapore 6 Math Program

Primary Math 6A/6B Kit
6M2US
Retail: $99.98
Core
: $89.98
Add to Cart
Item #6M2US

Singapore 7 Math Program

New Elementary Math 1 Kit
7M

Textbook, Teacher's Guide (with answers and commentary), consumable workbook, and Solutions Manual. Covers introductory Algebra and Geometry.

Retail: $84.49
Core
: $76.04
Add to Cart
Item #7M

Singapore 8 Math Program

New Elementary Math 2 Kit
170-00

Textbook, Teacher's Guide (with answers and commentary), consumable workbook, and Solutions Manual. Covers intermediate Algebra and Geometry.

Retail: $84.19
Core
: $75.77
Add to Cart
Item #170-00

Patternables

RM11
Retail: $10.99
Core
: $9.89
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Item #RM11
Use your Pattern Blocks to complete a variety of "puzzles" in fun shapes like animals, flowers and rockets. More difficult than Pattern Block Cards. Non-consumable, Pb.

Rainbow Rock CD-ROM

For use with Singapore Primary Math...
RM167
Retail: $25.00
Core
: $22.50
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Item #RM167
Bronze medal-winner in the Educational and Computer Science category of an international interactive multimedia competition.

Singapore Earlybird Math KA Textbook

KMS11
Retail: $30.00
Core
: $27.00
Add to Cart
Item #KMS11
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description of the various curriculum levels and content.

Singapore Earlybird Math KB Textbook

KMS12
Retail: $30.00
Core
: $27.00
Add to Cart
Item #KMS12
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description of the various curriculum levels and content.

Singapore Math® Answer Key, Level 1-3

RM180
Retail: $10.80
Core
: $9.72
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Item #RM180
Answer key only for Singapore Math® Levels 1-3.

Singapore Math® Answer Key, Levels 4-6

RM181
Retail: $10.80
Core
: $9.72
Add to Cart
Item #RM181
Answer key only for Singapore Math® Levels 4-6.

Singapore Math® Challenging Word Problems 1

RM151
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #RM151
Consumable. "Extra" word problems-and only word problems-to help your child master the concepts or to provide him with more challenge than is contained in the same-numbered Singapore Primary Math (U.S...

Singapore Math® Challenging Word Problems 2

RM152
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #RM152
Extra word problems-and only word problems-to help your child master the concepts or to provide him with more challenge than is contained in the same-numbered Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) book. P...

Singapore Math® Challenging Word Problems 3

RM153
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #RM153

Singapore Math® Challenging Word Problems 4

RM154
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #RM154

Singapore Math® Challenging Word Problems 5

RM155
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #RM155
Extra word problems-and only word problems-to help your child master the concepts or to provide him with more challenge than is contained in the same-numbered Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) book. P...

Singapore Math® Challenging Word Problems 6

RM156
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #RM156
Extra word problems-and only word problems-to help your child master the concepts or to provide him with more challenge than is contained in the same-numbered Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) book. P...

Singapore New Elementary Math 1 Solutions Manual only

7M2
Retail: $27.99
Core
: $25.19
Add to Cart
Item #7M2
This solutions manual is designed to be used as a tool with the Singapore New Elementary Math 1 Textbook.

Singapore New Elementary Math 1 Teacher's Manual

7M12
Retail: $14.50
Core
: $13.05
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Item #7M12
New Elementary Mathematics Teacher's Manual is specially designed for teachers. It contains a scheme of work with a weekly schedule listing the objectives of each lesson. It has answers to the Class A...

Singapore New Elementary Math 1 Textbook

7M11
Retail: $29.50
Core
: $26.55
Add to Cart
Item #7M11
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Singapore New Elementary Math 1 Workbook only

7MW
Retail: $12.50
Core
: $11.25
Add to Cart
Item #7MW
Consumable.

Singapore New Elementary Math 2 Solutions Manual only

170-11
Retail: $27.99
Core
: $25.19
Add to Cart
Item #170-11
This solutions manual is designed to be used as a tool with the Singapore New Elementary Math 2 Textbook.

Singapore New Elementary Math 2 Teacher's Guide

170-01
Retail: $14.50
Core
: $13.05
Add to Cart
Item #170-01
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Singapore New Elementary Math 2 Textbook

170-10
Retail: $29.50
Core
: $26.55
Add to Cart
Item #170-10
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Singapore New Elementary Math 2 Workbook only

170-12
Retail: $12.20
Core
: $10.98
Add to Cart
Item #170-12
Consumable.

Singapore New Elementary Math 3 Workbook only

270-14

This item has been discontinued.

Consumable.

Singapore New Elementary Math 3A Textbook

270-10

This item has been discontinued.

This stellar math program includes one black-and-white consumable workbook, one non-consumable textbook, and the Home Instructor's Guide so you can be part of your child's education every step of the...

Singapore New Elementary Math 3B Teacher's Guide

270-13
Retail: $14.50
Core
: $13.05
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Item #270-13
Teacher's Guide includes answers and commentary.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 1A

1MAUS
Retail: $23.60
Core
: $21.24
Add to Cart
Item #1MAUS

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 1A Intensive Practice

RM182
Retail: $10.80
Core
: $9.72
Add to Cart
Item #RM182
Consumable workbook. One book in the 12 book series: Primary Mathematics Intensive Practice.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 1A Textbook Only

1MUS11
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #1MUS11
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 1A Workbook only

1MUS12
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #1MUS12
Consumable.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 1B

1MBUS
Retail: $23.60
Core
: $21.24
Add to Cart
Item #1MBUS

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 1B Intensive Practice

RM183
Retail: $10.80
Core
: $9.72
Add to Cart
Item #RM183
Consumable workbook. One book in the 12 book series: Primary Mathematics Intensive Practice.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 1B Textbook only

1MUS21
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #1MUS21
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 1B Workbook only

1MUS22
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #1MUS22
Consumable.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 2A

US Edition
2MAUS
Retail: $41.09
Core
: $36.98
Add to Cart
Item #2MAUS

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 2A Home Instructor's Guide only...

2M14
Retail: $17.49
Core
: $15.74
Add to Cart
Item #2M14
The Home Instructor's Guide bridges the gaps between the textbook and workbooks in the Primary Math 2A program, walking you through them in a logical, step-by-step fashion.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 2A Intensive Practice

RM184
Retail: $10.80
Core
: $9.72
Add to Cart
Item #RM184
Consumable. One book in the 12 book series: Primary Mathematics Intensive Practice.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 2A Textbook only

2MUS11
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #2MUS11
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test. US edition.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 2A Workbook only

2MUS12
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #2MUS12
Consumable.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 2B

2MBUS
Retail: $41.09
Core
: $36.98
Add to Cart
Item #2MBUS

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 2B Home Instructor's Guide only...

2M24
Retail: $17.49
Core
: $15.74
Add to Cart
Item #2M24
The Home Instructor's Guide bridges the gaps between the textbook and workbooks in the Primary Math 2B program, walking you through them in a logical, step-by-step fashion.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 2B Intensive Practice

RM185
Retail: $10.80
Core
: $9.72
Add to Cart
Item #RM185
Consumable workbook. One book in the 12 book series: Primary Mathematics Intensive Practice.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 2B Textbook only

2MUS21
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #2MUS21
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test. US edition.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 2B Workbook only

2MUS22
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #2MUS22
Consumable.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 3A

3MAUS
Retail: $41.09
Core
: $36.98
Add to Cart
Item #3MAUS

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 3A Intensive Practice

RM186
Retail: $10.80
Core
: $9.72
Add to Cart
Item #RM186
Consumable Workbook. One book in the 12 book series: Primary Mathematics Intensive Practice.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 3B

3MBUS
Retail: $41.09
Core
: $36.98
Add to Cart
Item #3MBUS

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 3B Home Instructor's Guide only...

3M24
Retail: $17.49
Core
: $15.74
Add to Cart
Item #3M24
The Home Instructor's Guide bridges the gaps between the textbook and workbooks in the Primary Math 3B program, walking you through them in a logical, step-by-step fashion.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 3B Intensive Practice

RM187
Retail: $10.80
Core
: $9.72
Add to Cart
Item #RM187
Consumable workbook. One book in the 12 book series: Primary Mathematics Intensive Practice.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 4A

4MAUS
Retail: $41.09
Core
: $36.98
Add to Cart
Item #4MAUS

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 4A Home Instructor's Guide only...

4M14
Retail: $17.49
Core
: $15.74
Add to Cart
Item #4M14
The Home Instructor's Guide bridges the gaps between the textbook and workbooks in the Primary Math 4A program, walking you through them in a logical, step-by-step fashion.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 4A Intensive Practice

RM188
Retail: $10.80
Core
: $9.72
Add to Cart
Item #RM188
Consumable. One book in the 12 book series: Primary Mathematics Intensive Practice.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 4B

4MBUS
Retail: $41.09
Core
: $36.98
Add to Cart
Item #4MBUS

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 4B Home Instructor's Guide only...

4M24
Retail: $17.49
Core
: $15.74
Add to Cart
Item #4M24
The Home Instructor's Guide bridges the gaps between the textbook and workbooks in the Primary Math 4B program, walking you through them in a logical, step-by-step fashion.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 4B Intensive Practice

RM189
Retail: $10.80
Core
: $9.72
Add to Cart
Item #RM189
Consumable workbook. One book in the 12 book series: Primary Mathematics Intensive Practice.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 5A

5MAUS
Retail: $41.09
Core
: $36.98
Add to Cart
Item #5MAUS

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 5A Home Instructor's Guide only...

5M14
Retail: $17.49
Core
: $15.74
Add to Cart
Item #5M14
The Home Instructor's Guide bridges the gaps between the textbook and workbooks in the Primary Math 5A program, walking you through them in a logical, step-by-step fashion.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 5A Intensive Practice

RM190
Retail: $10.80
Core
: $9.72
Add to Cart
Item #RM190
Consumable workbook. One book in the 12 book series: Primary Mathematics Intensive Practice.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 5A Workbook only

5MUS12
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #5MUS12
Consumable.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 5B

5MBUS
Retail: $41.09
Core
: $36.98
Add to Cart
Item #5MBUS

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 5B Home Instructor's Guide only...

5M24
Retail: $17.49
Core
: $15.74
Add to Cart
Item #5M24
The Home Instructor's Guide bridges the gaps between the textbook and workbooks in the Primary Math 5B program, walking you through them in a logical, step-by-step fashion.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 5B Intensive Practice

RM191
Retail: $10.80
Core
: $9.72
Add to Cart
Item #RM191
Consumable workbook. One book in the 12 book series: Primary Mathematics Intensive Practice.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 5B Workbook only

5MUS22
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #5MUS22
Consumable.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 6A

6MAUS
Retail: $41.09
Core
: $36.98
Add to Cart
Item #6MAUS
Textbook (non-consumable, paperback, printed in black, white and purple) and Workbook (consumable, paperback, printed in black and white).

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 6A Home Instructor's Guide only...

6M14
Retail: $17.49
Core
: $15.74
Add to Cart
Item #6M14
The Home Instructor's Guide bridges the gaps between the textbook and workbooks in the Primary Math 6A program, walking you through them in a logical, step-by-step fashion.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 6A Intensive Practice

RM192
Retail: $10.80
Core
: $9.72
Add to Cart
Item #RM192
Consumable workbook. One book in the 12 book series: Primary Mathematics Intensive Practice.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 6A Textbook only

6MUS11
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #6MUS11
Non-consumable textbook printed in black, white and purple.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 6A Workbook only

6MUS12
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #6MUS12
Consumable workbook printed in black and white.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 6B

6MBUS
Retail: $41.09
Core
: $36.98
Add to Cart
Item #6MBUS
Textbook (non-consumable, paperback, printed in black, white and purple) and Workbook (consumable, paperback, printed in black and white).

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 6B Home Instructor's Guide only...

6M24
Retail: $17.49
Core
: $15.74
Add to Cart
Item #6M24
The Home Instructor's Guide bridges the gaps between the textbook and workbooks in the Primary Math 6B program, walking you through them in a logical, step-by-step fashion.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 6B Intensive Practice

RM193
Retail: $10.80
Core
: $9.72
Add to Cart
Item #RM193
Consumable workbook. One book in the 12 book series: Primary Mathematics Intensive Practice.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 6B Textbook only

6MUS21
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #6MUS21
Non-consumable textbook, printed in black, white and purple.

Singapore Primary Math (U.S. Ed.) 6B Workbook only

6MUS22
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #6MUS22
Consumable workbook printed in black and white.

Singapore Primary Math 3A Home Instructor's Guide Only

3M14
Retail: $17.49
Core
: $15.74
Add to Cart
Item #3M14
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Singapore Primary Math 3A Textbook Only

3MUS11
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #3MUS11
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Singapore Primary Math 3A Workbook Only

3MUS12
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #3MUS12
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Singapore Primary Math 3B Textbook Only

3MUS21
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #3MUS21
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Singapore Primary Math 3B Workbook Only

3MUS22
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #3MUS22
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Singapore Primary Math 4A Textbook Only

4MUS11
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #4MUS11
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Singapore Primary Math 4A Workbook Only

4MUS12
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #4MUS12
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Singapore Primary Math 4B Textbook Only

4MUS21
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #4MUS21
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Singapore Primary Math 4B Workbook Only

4MUS22
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #4MUS22
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Singapore Primary Math 5A Textbook Only

5MUS11
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #5MUS11
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Singapore Primary Math 5B Textbook Only

5MUS21
Retail: $11.80
Core
: $10.62
Add to Cart
Item #5MUS21
If you have not used Singapore Math® before please go to Singapore Math® Overview for a complete description, samples, placement guide, and a placement test.

Vroot and Vroom CD-ROM

For use with Singapore Primary Math...
RM168
Retail: $25.00
Core
: $22.50
Add to Cart
Item #RM168
Covers the subject matter of Primary Math 3A through 4B in exciting activities and two fast-paced games. Covers angles; area and perimeter; fractions; graphs; problem solving; solid figures; symmetr...

Wiggle Woods CD-ROM

For use with Singapore Primary Math...
RM169
Retail: $25.00
Core
: $22.50
Add to Cart
Item #RM169
Terrible name, I know, but this CD does cover the subject matter of Primary Math 5A through 6B by means of exciting activities and two fast-paced games. Covers ratios; area of a triangle; percentage...

Learn More

One year's worth of work in the Singapore Primary Math programs (generally, K through 6 or 7) consists of two sets of paperback workbooks and textbooks. The textbooks are printed in full color and provide the introductory material. Many parents prefer to use them as non-consumable texts. The workbooks are consumable and are printed in black and white.

The junior and senior high school-level New Elementary Math² (NEM) programs each consist of textbooks, workbooks, and teacher's guides (the textbook with answers and explanatory text).

Sonlight Curriculum has developed Home Instructor Guides for the Primary Math 2A through 6B programs, and Solutions Manuals for the New Elementary Math 1 and 2 programs. (At this time, there are no solutions manuals for NEM 3 or 4.)

The Home Instructor's Guides bridge the gaps between the textbooks and workbooks. They walk you through the books in a logical step-by-step fashion. You'll find everything laid out for you: concepts you'll cover in each unit, pages you'll reference, and, best of all, numerous exercises to reinforce the concepts you're teaching. The Home Instructor's Guides include fully detailed, step-by-step solutions as well.

The guides coordinate everything and assist you so that you'll be able to give your children a top-notch math education with a minimum of preparation.

Strengths
Extremely clear presentation of concepts with a focus on "mental math."

"Singapore introduces new concepts in a way that is logical, sequential, and makes it easy for the student to understand," JB continued. "It starts with a concrete example (usually using an appropriate diagram), then moves on to more work on the concept, eventually ending with two- and three-step problem solving.

"Also, there seems to be a focus on 'mental math,' teaching kids to solve problems in their heads using logical steps instead of using paper.

"Example: The sixth grade program teaches how to find percents using what I term the 'ten-percent rule.' Basically, it builds on the concept of finding 10 percent of a number (which is easy to do) and using that knowledge to find other percentages (5% is half of 10%; 20% is twice 10%; etc).

"This made perfect sense to my daughter who struggles with math.

"We practiced finding 10% first with concrete examples and then using the shortcut. We then moved on to finding 5% and 20%, then 30%, then even 1%, 2%, etc. And all of it made sense to her because we progressed from the concrete to the abstract. We didn't jump right in to the abstract.

"Now, when we go out to eat, she can easily calculate the tip without pencil and paper."

The "right" amount of practice; not too much repetition.

Katharine G wrote, "One big plus for me is that the pages in the workbook are not overwhelming for my children. There are few problems on each page, but between the textbook--which is colorful and attracts their attention--and the workbook, the lesson is complete. My 5-year-old son, who is doing 1B, said, 'Hey! This is great!' Progression without frustration would be my slogan. The pages have just enough info without being too much."

Donna in Louisiana commented, "My daughter is doing Singapore Math® 2B. It is challenging for her, but not too much so. She has always struggled with math, and hates it. I go as slow with it as she needs. Today, she did Lesson 29. It was just one page and had maybe 10 problems on it. Only having a few problems enabled her to not be overwhelmed and to not be tempted to just get through it all, right or wrong. She double-checked her answers, and got every one correct. On things that are hard for her, this has never happened before! Some kids need lots of practice, some are hindered by it. I am learning that my daughter would rather fully understand and carefully do a few problems."

The word problems that force students to think and to apply math in all kinds of situations.

Laura in CT, who used Saxon before switching to Singapore Math®, commented, "Singapore requires more thinking than Saxon, but the result is that my daughter is understanding more. The repetition in Saxon didn't really help her understand anything, it just gave her practice in executing algorithms. Her goal was simply to get it over with.

"She did very well with Saxon as long as the problems looked familiar. But she had no ability to figure out how to attack a new kind of problem.

"This was the way I learned math. I scored very well on tests, and even won the prize for junior mathematics in my private high school, but [that didn't mean I understood] what I was doing.

"Singapore doesn't let kids get away with memorizing algorithms. You can solve a few problems by following the pattern, but pretty soon the recipe-follower is over her head. You have to think the problems through, think through what is really going on in order to solve most of the problems. They are like puzzles, and require mathematical thinking.

"The word problems are also in a class of their own. I've never seen word problems that are as challenging as these! It's a great feeling to solve these problems; a real sense of accomplishment. My daughter is not crazy about math, even with Singapore, but I can see some sparks of interest with Singapore that I never saw with Saxon or any other math program.

"Another thing I like about Singapore is the way geometry is included all along the way. I know Saxon does some geometry in the middle grades, but Singapore does more, and more interesting stuff."

A highly dedicated user community offers support. Laura in CT noted, "Where I've been stumped (and it's happened a couple times), Jenny on the Singapore Math® board (www.singaporemath.com) has helped me out." Laura and others have also mentioned the email support group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SingaporeMath.

While there are lots of positives, there are also a number of downsides to the program of which you should be aware.

Weaknesses
The workbooks do not erase well.

Many students require more review and drill than is contained in the basal texts. That's why we carry some supplementary materials from Singapore Math® as well as the other programs. But, obviously, you will have to buy more than the Core program itself.

Some parents with multiple students find Singapore Math® requires more of their time than they'd prefer.

The sequence of Singapore Math® doesn't completely follow U.S. custom. Some examples:

  • It includes no introduction to, use of, or allusion to negative numbers until New Elementary Math (NEM) 1. (Miquon Math, however, makes extensive use of the number line and negative numbers-a good reason to use two math programs, one as supplement to the other!)
  • Other things you will occasionally find in elementary U.S. texts that you won't find in the Singapore Primary texts: coordinate graphs, statistics, and probability (beyond mean, median, and mode-i.e., averages). Coordinate graphs and statistics are introduced in NEM 2, and probability in NEM 4.

Well, we just witnessed one of the biggest tantrums I have ever seen out of my 4-year old, because I refused to do any more of her Singapore Math® workbook with her while we had company over. My husband sat there amazed because she rarely gets upset like that. Our company thought it was pretty funny after she had calmed down. She absolutely loves everything we have done, and is halfway through the first Singapore workbook. We had to lay down the law on Sunday and say no school work, just family time, which also didn't go over well.

— Katie, 10 May 2005

1. From "Mile Wide/Inch Deep Interpretations" at http://mathematicallycorrect.com/interp.htm

2. Elementary does not have any reference to "elementary school." It refers to the fact that this book teaches the fundamentals -- i.e., the elements -- of a mathematical system.

At high school level, Sonlight recommends Thinkwell and Teaching Textbooks Math Programs as "Best in Category."

Singapore Math® Placement Tests

Singapore Math® is a registered trademark of SingaporeMath.com Inc.

Primary Mathematics Scope and Sequence

Secondary Mathematics Scope and Sequence

Singapore Math® Overview by Level