CHARACTERISTICS OF SINGAPORE PRIMARY MATHEMATICS^*

 1.      Problem Solving Emphasis. Use of model drawing process.

 2.      Mental Math techniques encourage understanding.

 3.      Absence of Clutter and Distraction. Presentation is clean and clear and uses simple, concise explanations.

 4.      Coherent Development. Topics are introduced with simple examples and then incrementally developed until more difficult problems are addressed.

 5.      Concrete – Pictorial – Abstract Approach

 6.      Teacher and Parent Friendly. Since mathematical content is clear, it is often easier for teachers to plan lessons. Parents can read the books and help children.

 The focus on mathematics also makes clear the importance of teacher content knowledge.

 ^* 3-6: From Parker – “Elementary Mathematics for Teachers,” 2003