Math Balance

Now in the 2020 edition, this program still maintains the strong Singapore concrete-to-pictorial-to-abstract methodology with a few updates. There is no longer a student workbook – all instruction and practice are in the consumable softcover student edition. Performance tasks and STEAM exercises have been added at the end of each chapter. Although the scope and sequence is similar to the older editions, the program is based on the newer Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) syllabus and some of the lessons have been reorganized. A new Accelerated option is also available for advanced students to take in grade seven to develop algebra readiness by grade eight. With a mastery approach, Math in Focus stays on one topic of math at a time and explores it over several lessons (along with the related sub-topics) before moving to the next concept. Chapters, however, typically begin with a review of past concepts. It combines conceptual instruction with hands-on learning to aid students in building stronger math sense and problem-solving skills.

Main components for the 2020 edition include a Teacher Manual and Student Edition for each semester. The spiral-bound Teacher Edition is a classroom teacher guide. It is in full-color and includes lesson plans and pacing guides for each chapter, a reduced copy of the student pages with answers, instructions for using manipulatives, and differentiated math instruction for struggling, on-level, and advanced students. Student Editions are also in full-color and include the core of the student learning. Step-by-step instruction, various diagrams and examples, and individual practice are all included in the student edition. In fact, there might be some overlap between the teacher guide and student edition instruction, but the teacher edition is still necessary to implement required manipulatives, use remediation or enrichment ideas, and have answers to the student book.

Other components of this program include Assessments, Extra Practice & Homework Book, Reteach, Enrichment, and Fact Fluency books. Reteach and Enrichment are not available for homeschool. The Assessments Book and Extra Practice & Homework Book are in print format. The Assessment Book provides cumulative review, chapter tests, and mid-year and end-of-year tests. Answers are included in the back. This book will come in handy if you want additional confirmation your student is mastering the concepts. The Extra Practice & Homework Book is beneficial for students who need additional practice to build mastery in the concepts learned. The answers, however, are only available by request as a PDF that can be emailed to you from our office after the order ships. The Fact Fluency book offers varied exercises also intended for extra practice and reinforcement. We are not carrying this book, but suggest you take a look at the Singapore Math Fact Fluency workbook we do have available if you desire to use this additional supplement. Online Assessments with Data Reporting (called HMH Ed) is also new to this edition, although homeschoolers do not have access to this online component. The assembled kits make it easy and more economical to buy all the necessary math components you need for the year. Packaged kits for each grade level include Teacher Guides and Student Editions for each semester, and the Assessment Guide Teacher Edition. Extra Practice Books and manipulatives are sold separately.

Math in Focus promotes a strong emphasis on problem solving as well as critical thinking, and helps students develop a deeper understanding of concepts as they are taught the “why” behind math. This mastery program works well for students that do better focusing on one concept at a time, like the use of manipulatives, and do not like the traditional drill and memorization of math facts approach.

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.