Mathematical Concepts & Skills

in Primary 1 Mathematics
Yeap Ban Har
banhar.yeap@nie.edu.sg
National Institute of Education

Singapore Mathematics
Curriculum
What is the Focus?

Mathematics Curriculum 2007

Mathematical
Problem
Solving

Concepts
Numerical
Algebraic
Geometrical
Statistical
Probabilistic
Analytical

Me
tac
es
d
og
u
t
i
t
n it
At
io n

Skills

Numerical calculation
Algebraic manipulation
Spatial visualization
Data analysis
Measurement
Use of mathematical tools
Estimation

Monitoring of ones own thinking

Self-regulation of learning

Proc
esse

Beliefs
Interest
Appreciation
Confidence
Perseverance

Reasoning,
communication &
connections
Thinking skills &
heuristics
Application & modelling

Singapore Mathematics Curriculum focuses on

mathematical problem solving.
Primary 1 children solving a problem based on addition of three
one-digit numbers .
Princess Elizabeth Primary School

The Problem
Put numbers 1 to 5 in this
arrangement so that the
vertical total is the same as
the horizontal total.
Do it for 2 to 6.
Predict the total for 3 to 7.

The Solution
Children,
later,
made
predictions for the case of
using 3 to 7.

Visualization

Patterns

It is recognized that mathematics is

an excellent vehicle for the
development and improvement of a
persons intellectual competence
in logical reasoning, spatial
visualization, analysis and abstract
thought
Ministry of Education Singapore 2006

Wellington Primary School

What Children Learn?

What are the Basics?

Counting

3 and 2 make 5

Connection
Connection is the goal.
Counting, adding and multiplying are
vehicles to achieve the goal.

Regrouping

An Example

An Example

Visualization
Visualization is the goal.
Mathematics is just a vehicle to
achieve the goal.

Word Problems

Communication
Communication is the goal.
Word problems are just vehicles to
achieve the goal.

How Children Learn?

Schools use a variety of strategies to
engage children better.

Children learn in a relaxed environment.

St Anthonys Cannosian Primary School

Children learn in a structured environment.

St Anthonys Cannosian Primary School

Children learn in a social environment.

National Institute of Education

Children learn to be independent.

Catholic High School (Primary)

Children learn to work with people.

Wellington Primary School

Children learn through concrete materials before

proceeding
to
pictorial
and
abstract
representations.
Princess Elizabeth Primary School

10 5 = 2

Teachers are trained to teach in these ways.

National Institute of Education

If you have questions about mathematics learning, please send your

questions to banhar.yeap@nie.edu.sg. The replies will be posted on
www.askyeapbanhar.blogspot.com
www.askyeapbanhar.blogspot.com is a platform to help parents and
international teachers understand the way mathematics is taught in
Singapore schools. Parents may want to visit this blog regularly to read the
replies to questions asked by other people.
www.singaporemathz4kidz.blogspot.com
connected with mathematics education.

is

on

more

general

issues

www.banhar.blogspot.com contains the reflection of the courses taught

throughout the year and a glimpse into the activities used in these courses.
www.singaporelessonstudy.blogspot.com is on lesson study in Singapore
schools and information related to lesson study.
math.nie.edu.sg/T3 is the website for the Think-Things-Through Project.