Primary Math Common Core Edition

The teaching methodology utilized by ALL of the Singapore Approach math programs is an exceptionally effective progression from concrete to pictorial to abstract reasoning. In comparing the various editions of Primary Math (US, SE, and CC), it's important to remember that they are much more alike than they are different. We can get bogged down trying to determine the actual differences between the editions when they are extremely minor in relation to the solidarity and consistency of the teaching methodology.

Primary Math Common Core Edition is aligned to the Common Core State Standards which have been adopted by many states, but which are still controversial. In relation to Primary Math, this alignment has not impacted in any significant way the general methodology of the program. In fact, it still has the same basic structure, content, and format of its original predecessor developed over thirty years ago. If you want to carefully compare the three American editions (US, SE, and CC) from Singapore Math, Inc,  please see the scope and sequence chart on our website.

It is NOT possible to mix basic components (i.e. workbooks, textbooks, teacher guides, or home instructor guides) from one edition with those from another edition although the supplementary material can be used across editions. It IS possible to change from one edition to another, but changes should be made after completing the B books of one level and before the A books of another level.

Primary Math Common Core Edition retains the A and B semester courses for each level. The full-color Textbooks (A and B)  are written to the student, although it is assumed that instruction is being facilitated and supervised by the teacher. For instance, much of the concrete aspect of the lesson presentation is conducted by the teacher using manipulatives and supplies outlined in the Teacher Guide before progressing to the pictorial representation found in the textbooks. Also, the mental math activities (an important component of the program) are based in the Teacher Guide. The Textbooks could be used either as consumable (working and writing answers to problems as the student progresses through the lesson) or as non-consumable - answering orally in dialog with the teacher or writing answers on separate pieces of paper.

Workbooks (black and white) correlate directly with the textbooks and the student is expected to do all the work in them independently. The workbooks provide focused practice on the mathematical concepts presented in the textbook lessons. It's important to note that the workbooks are just that - practice and reinforcement - with the bulk of the mathematical instruction presented through the textbooks. Although many people feel that there is an appropriate amount of practice/reinforcement in the workbook when coupled with the textbook, some students will need or want more and that's where the supplementary books - Extra Practice and Challenging Word Problems come in.

Teacher Guides are exceedingly useful - if not necessary - for these courses. They help the teacher understand the course material, particularly key concepts such as the bar modeling method which the parent might not be familiar with. They provide detailed lesson plans (not quite scripted but thorough) which coordinate the textbook presentations with the workbook practice. Lessons often include references to Mental Math, Reinforcement, or Enrichment activities as well as suggestions for memorizing math facts. There are reproducible worksheets for Mental Math and Reinforcement as well as descriptions for activities and games found in the back of the Teacher Guide. Answers to those worksheets as well as the workbook exercises and the textbook examples are all found in the Teacher Guide.

For your convenience, we offer helpful manipulative packages that contain most of the necessary manipulatives for their level.