New Earlybird Kindergarten Math (Revised Edition) K2B

Countries around the world first became interested in Singapore's math curriculum when results of the Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS) were published in 1995. Conducted by the International Study Center at Boston College, achievement tests in both math and science were administered to students in over 40 countries. Students from Singapore ranked highly in mathematics achievement: 1st in the fourth, seventh, and eighth grade levels and 2nd at the third grade level. Results for the U.S. were disappointing: 10th in the third grade, 11th in the fourth grade, 23rd in the seventh grade, and 27th at the eighth grade level. In a follow-up study in 1999, Singapore again ranked 1st in eighth grade math achievement while U.S. eighth graders ranked 19th. Although a first place ranking does not necessarily imply the best program, something about Singapore's math program was working.

"Singapore Approach Math" is a general term referring to a type of mathematical instruction (i.e. curriculum) developed from a syllabus designed by Singapore's Ministry of Education in the 1980s. There were a number of revisions and the 3rd edition was the last edition used in Singapore. The good test scores were associated with this material and all of our Singapore Approach Math programs are based primarily on the 3rd edition although it is no longer available for sale. Components from different editions are not interchangeable but a student can move between the editions in-between levels.

Primary Math US (1-6) is an adaptation of the 3rd edition for use in the U.S. Although a small amount of content (division of fractions) from the 2nd edition was added back into the US edition, it is almost identical to the 3rd edition. The US edition adds sections for U.S. customary measurements and uses U.S. spelling and conventions. We expect this edition to be available indefinitely. ©2003

Primary Math S/E (Standards Edition) (K-6) was adapted to meet the pre-Common Core CA math standards. An additional amount of content (probability, data analysis, negative numbers, coordinate graphing) from the 2nd edition was added back in and topics were rearranged but it is similar to the US edition. Cumulative Reviews at the end of each Unit and practice sets within each unit were added. Textbooks are in color. ©2008 This edition includes Earlybird Kindergarten Math.

Primary Math CC (Common Core) (K-5) is aligned to the Common Core State Standards and is another adaptation of the 3rd edition. Only minor changes were made to the scope and sequence. Unit Reviews are no longer cumulative and Practices were removed although some of the content was incorporated into the lessons. ©2014 Includes Earlybird Kindergarten Math CC. This edition will be available for the foreseeable future.

Primary Math 2022 Edition (K-5) is a completely new revision retaining all the excellent teaching methods of the earlier Primary Math programs. Incorporating both cumulative assessments and challenging problem solving, mastery learning is emphasized. The scope and sequence is similar to previous editions and topics are aligned to state and national standards. ©2021-2022

New Elementary Math (7-8) is a no-frills program based on an older Singaporian program and covering integrated algebra and geometry. It's considered a sequel to the Primary Math programs.

Math in Focus (K-8) was developed by Great Source (a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) in conjunction with Marshall Cavendish (the original publisher in Singapore). Although the basic instructional sequences are similar and the content is very close to the SE, material added to the most recent editions brings it into alignment with CC. Math in Focus has a more American look and "feel." ©2010, 2014

View the Singapore Approach Math Comparison Chart.

Offering parents an effective, easy-to-use alternative for teaching foundational math skills at home, New Earlybird Kindergarten Mathematics provides focused and systematic instruction of essential math concepts and reasoning skills. There are four Worktexts (consumable textbooks) to be completed for one year of study. Worktexts are colorful and offer brief introductory notes in the preface. Using the Concrete to Pictorial to Abstract teaching approach, concepts are introduced in a spiral progression that build upon previously mastered material. Structured activity pages provide review problems and suggestions for hands-on activities. Hands-on activities are encouraged and use a variety of familiar manipulatives or flashcards. While some items will need to be purchased, like the Attribute Blocks, Balance Scale, and Connecting Cubes, families may choose to make their own flashcards or manipulatives using household items. A separate manipulative kit is available for your convenience. You will need to provide a few items, for example balloons and balls.

Wondering how this edition differs from the Standards or Common Core editions of Earlybird Mathematics? It may be easier to focus on the similarities. All three editions provide focused, systematic instruction from math readiness skills through basic arithmetic skills. All three editions also include teaching instruction at the bottom of the text pages. If you compare New Earlybird Math's table of contents to the Earlybird Standards Edition, the chapters are identical, as are numerous textbook pages, which brings us to the differences. While many of the pages are identical, some contain different activities within the same targeted concept. New Earlybird Mathematics does not include answers, and there is no Teacher Guides, Activity Books or Math Readers. Families familiar with the Standards Edition Kindergarten Mathematics will notice that the New Earlybird Kindergarten series is divided into 4 books, rather than 2. These two Worktexts K1A-K2B follow the same scope and sequence and table of contents as the Standards Edition A and B Texts. Worktexts K1A and K1B provide one semester of instruction, and Worktexts K2A and K2B provide the second semester. There is a beauty in the four-book approach. First, younger students, who may be easily overwhelmed, will appreciate that 1 book is divided into 2, meaning fewer pages to overwhelm. Additionally, parents of preschoolers who feel their child is ready for systematic instruction can start slowly with just 1-2 worktexts. Finally, this is also a great option if you are unsure the Singapore philosophy is a good fit for your learner, as it provides an inexpensive way to try it out for a few weeks! Children completing the New Earlybird Kindergarten Mathematics may continue with any of the Singapore math programs for elementary and middle grades. Books are sold individually or in a cost saving set. ~Deanne