Primary Mathematics 3A, Textbook, Standards Edition

by Kho Tek Hong

Primary Mathematics 3A US Edition Textbook, PMUST3A

Genres: Nonfiction, Mathematics

Paperback

First published January 28, 2003

Reviews

[Skylar Burris · Rating 3 out of 5]

When my daughter first switched from a Saxon Math to a Singapore Math curriculum (between 2nd and 3rd grade), I loathed Singapore math with the passion of a thousand fiery suns. I thought it constituted a long, drawn-out, convoluted way of doing math problems she already knew how to solve in a perfectly efficient Anglo-Saxon manner. She could already do the same sorts of problems in ten seconds using the former methods, but she was suddenly required to draw nonsensical bar graphs and make number bonds instead, which took her several times as long. This was highly frustrating to her, and she went from having math as her all-out favorite subject in 2nd grade to loathing it in 3rd grade and crying over the homework. A curriculum that makes a child go from loving to loathing can only be horrible, I determined. But then, about mid-way through third grade, something happened. The number bonds and bar graphs largely went away. The tears and frustration entirely went away. She began to like the math better. More to the point, she began to solve some rather complex word problems (some even with hints of basic algebra), and to solve them without much trouble. So I thought…hmmm…perhaps there is something to this Singapore math after all. It's certainly strong on critical thinking. The thing about this curriculum, though, I believe, is that you have to start early with it. It's rough switching to it, and the later you switch, the rougher it is.

My 1st grader used this curriculum too (after Saxon math in K), and at first it actually seemed TOO simplistic to me for the 1st grade level, but, by the end of the year, he not only had his pluses and minuses down, but he was multiplying 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 with great ease. He understood basic fractions and the concept of division. (We recently had him evaluated because he needs reading help to prepare him for 2nd grade, but on that overall evaluation, his math computational ability came out on a 3rd grade level.) So I'd say this is an excellent curriculum if you (1) start in K or 1st grade and (2) don't have a spatial relations issue that would prevent you from learning in a visual way. There's not much repetition in this curriculum, so if you want to establish instant recall of math facts, you may need to do some supplemental, outside-the-curriculum drilling.

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

My son used this Singapore math book before. He found it very challenging. He had to do much mental math and unfortunately, Some of the names in word problems sounded strange to him and made him frustrating. Then we switched to US math learning.
I found many online math learning sites. After careful comparisons, I selected Beestar for my son because its math program is free and it has good reputation. As I had expected, the quality of Beestar's weekly math practice is very impressive. The site is easy to use. Not forcing children to do repetitive work, it gives the most representative questions to help them comprehend every math concept step by step. The reward system is excellent as well, keeping children motivated to win its weekly ribbons. My son has been on its honor roll for several times. He becomes more confident in math class now. Will keep using Beestar in the future.