Step by Step Model Drawing: Solving Word Problems the Singapore Way by Char Forsten

by Char Forsten

At last, here's the problem-solving approach to math that teachers have been looking for. As Bob and Char walk them through this process, adapted from the much-acclaimed Singapore system, they'll learn how to apply the same 8 steps to everything from simple addition to rates, ratios, and percentages. 160 pages. Grades 1-8. Manufactured by Essential Learning Products

Perfect Paperback

First published January 28, 2010

Reviews

[J. Boo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book with a small audience, but one which ably fills its niche. "Step-By-Step Model Drawing" contains word problems of escalating difficulty level, covering the core ideas of arithmetic. But it is written for teachers: the first part of the book shows how to draw a Singapore Math-style graphical model for each style of problem and provides a sample script for the teacher to use. The second part gives similar problems for the teacher to work out, and then one can page to the end to check solutions (and pedagogy).

I've signed up to be a math tutor for kids using the Singapore descendant, Math in Focus. While I've used the ur-curriculum Primary Math (US Edition) before successfully with my own children, I've elided much of the model side, mostly from ignorance of how it truly works. Ignorance that hopefully is no longer there. It feels good to have another arrow in my explanatory quiver.