Mathematical Thinking 4A: A Singapore Math Curriculum (Dimensions Math)

I believe success in math depends on a child's ability to not only understand numerical concepts, but to be able to apply those strategies to problems by using mathematical thinking.  My approach in this class is to give students the tools they need to be able to solve problems, and then allow them to experiment, fail, and try again until they get the answer.  Throughout the year, we work on developing strategies, understanding relationships, and building confidence.  As I tell my students, there is always one right answer in math, but there is not just one way to get there.  

This class uses Dimensions Math, a Singapore Math curriculum.  Singapore Math is a mastery-based approach to math, where students progress from concrete examples (real life), to pictures, and finally apply their knowledge to the abstract, using numbers and algorithms.  Students do a lot of hands-on work, as well as, mental math.  Instead of mimicking procedures, they learn how to think mathematically and apply what they know to solve problems.  

I specialize in personalized learning, and I try to meet the needs of each and every student in my class.  This class size is small--I max at 6 students--so each child has a chance to participate often, gain confidence, and so that I can give every student the attention they need.  Because the class is structured this way, it is very important that students are at the right math level. It's perfectly okay if you enroll your child in the wrong level at first.  (Sometimes it's easier to tell where a child fits in, just by having them play games in a few classes!) However, be aware that I may suggest moving them up or down a level once I get to know them.  

If you'd like more help placing your child, please see the prerequisites below, or reach out to me with any questions.   

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CLASS FORMAT 
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This class is for students working in Level 4A (roughly 4th grade) in the Dimensions (or other Singapore) curriculum.  Class time consists of instruction of the material, as well as time to practice through games and other activities.  The general format is as follows, though I do change things based on the topic we are covering and the needs of the students.  Often games have many "teachable moments" where instruction is integrated.   

5-10 minutes:  Instruction in math or in the game we are playing
20-25 minutes:  Game play or activity
15 minutes:  Review of the workbook pages

Students are expected to be working on math outside of class.  At the beginning of each week I post workbook pages from the Dimensions 4A workbook.  These pages are highly recommended, as they offer additional practice and are scaffolded to help students develop better mathematical thinking.  We DO NOT go over every problem in the workbook pages, however, I do reserve about 10 minutes at the end of each class to review the pages or answer specific questions students may have.  

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2024 SCHEDULE 
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This class begins the week of July 29, 2024 and ends the week of January 6, 2025.  Level 4B follows this class and will begin January 13, 2025.

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PREREQUISITES
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Singapore Math is structured a little bit differently than other math programs.  In order to succeed in this level 4 class, your child should know the following skills: 

-Has memorized most of their multiplication facts 
-Can multiply 2-digit by 1-digit numbers
-Has been introduced to long division
-Has been introduced to fractions

If you're not sure about what level is best for your child, you can get a placement test here: https://www.singaporemath.com/placement-tests/