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Singapore Math Workbooks: How to Select the Right Workbook

By LingoAce Team |US |June 6, 2024

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If your child is learning Singapore Math, you may wonder how you can help reinforce their learning at home or at their afterschool learning center. Singapore Math workbooks are a good tool for this as students can work on them at their own pace and on their own time. However, the key is finding workbooks specific to the Singapore Math curriculum.  

That's because Singapore Math focuses on problem-solving by developing students' critical thinking and analytical skills versus rote memorization. For instance, instead of just memorizing that 5 x 5 = 25, they learn that "times" means adding the number 5 five times (5+5+5 = 5 x 5). This is taught using a unique approach called the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) progression. This approach begins with concrete experiences using physical objects, transitions to pictorial representations, and finally moves to abstract symbols and equations. This progression helps students grasp complex concepts more effectively. For this reason, finding workbooks specific to Singapore Math workbooks is key to reinforcing the mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills taught in the curriculum.  

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What Types of Workbooks are Available for Singapore Math? 

Singapore Math workbooks are available for various grade levels and cover multiple topics. Some common types of workbooks include: 

Primary Math Workbooks: Following the official math curriculum used in Singapore, these workbooks are designed for students in primary grades (usually Grades 1-6) and cover topics like number sense, geometry, fractions, and problem-solving. There’s also a series designed for American students – look for the US Edition notation.  

  • Primary Mathematics (1-6)A and (1-6)B Workbooks 

  • Primary Mathematics Intensive Practice (1-6)A and (1-6)B Workbooks 

  • Extra Practice for Primary Mathematics Workbooks 

Challenging Word Problems: These workbooks focus on developing students' problem-solving skills with challenging word problems that require critical thinking and application of mathematical concepts. There are two versions of this workbook. The one by Yan Know Cheong follows the Primary Mathematics curriculum used in Singapore. The other one by David Brownstein is designed for American students and follows Common Core standards.  

  • Challenge Word Problems (1-6) 

Intensive Practice: Intensive practice workbooks provide additional exercises and problems for students to reinforce their understanding of key concepts. This workbook series also has a US edition for American students. 

  • Intensive Practice (1-6)A and (1-6)B 

Math in Focus: Math in Focus is a curriculum that aligns with Singapore Math principles and offers workbooks corresponding to its teaching approach. 

  • Math in Focus: Singapore Math: Student Workbook, Book A and Book B (Grades 1-6) 

Supplemental Workbooks: Supplemental workbooks are available that cover specific topics or provide extra practice in areas where students may need additional support. 

How to Select the Right Singapore Math Workbook for Your Kids When selecting a Singapore Math workbook for your child, consider the following factors: 

  • Grade Level: Choose a workbook corresponding to your child's grade level to ensure the content is appropriate and aligned with their curriculum. 

  • Learning Style: Consider your child's learning style and preferences. Some workbooks may be more visually appealing or interactive, which can help keep your child engaged. 

  • Focus Areas: Identify your child's strengths and weaknesses in math and choose a workbook that targets these areas. For example, if your child struggles with fractions, look for a workbook that provides extra practice. 

  • Curriculum Alignment: If your child's school uses a specific math curriculum (such as Math in Focus), look for workbooks that align with that curriculum to reinforce classroom learning. 

  • Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations from teachers, other parents, or educational websites to find well-regarded and effective workbooks. 

Where to Find Singapore Math Workbooks 

Singapore Math workbooks are available from a variety of sources, including: 

  • Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, eBay, and educational supply stores often carry a wide selection of Singapore Math workbooks. 

  • Publisher Websites: Publishers of Singapore Math materials, such as Singapore Math Inc. and Marshall Cavendish Education, sell workbooks directly on their websites. 

  • Bookstores: Some larger bookstores may carry Singapore Math workbooks in their education or children's sections. 

  • Educational Supply Stores: Specialty stores that cater to teachers and homeschooling families often carry Singapore Math workbooks and other resources. 

  • Homeschooling Groups: Local homeschooling groups or online communities may have resources for purchasing or exchanging Singapore Math workbooks. 

Resources to Find Singapore Math Workbooks 

Here are some resources where you can find Singapore Math workbooks: 

  • Singapore Math Inc.: Singapore Math Inc. offers a wide range of workbooks and other resources for Singapore Math. 

  • Marshall Cavendish Education: Marshall Cavendish Education is another publisher that offers Singapore Math workbooks and materials. 

  • Amazon: Amazon has a variety of Singapore Math workbooks available for purchase. 

  • eBay: eBay is another option for finding Singapore Math workbooks, both new and used. 

  • Local Educational Supply Stores: Check with local educational supply stores in your area for Singapore Math workbooks. 

Find Singapore Math Courses on LingoAce 在线数学课  Looking for more fun ways to help your kid improve their math skills? LingoAce now offers small group classes for children ages 5-13 to learn math online. Our courses are taught by professional math teachers with experience teaching in American and Canadian classrooms. Give us a try for free.  

LingoAce makes it possible to learn from the best. Co-founded by a parent and a teacher, our award-winning online learning platform makes learning Chinese, English , and math fun and effective. Founded in 2017, LingoAce has a roster of more than 7,000 professionally certified teachers and has taught more than 22 million classes to PreK-12 students in more than 180 countries.