Primary Maths Preparation in Singapore: Parents Guidelines

Are you a parent likely on a mission to support your child in preparing for their primary school mathematics examination in Singapore? Then this guide is for you.  Of course, preparing for PSLE is more challenging for children to understand and practice. This is why parents should guide their children in preparing for the maths examination.

We all know Maths is the only subject that has application in almost all subjects and fields of study. Understanding maths and preparing for the PSLE examination requires a clear vision and critical thinking. In Singapore’s education system, students need to pass the PSLE exam to set the stage for secondary-level education in schools. That’s why more children fret. However, with the right training and support, parents can lay a strong foundation for their children to excel in maths. This will develop critical thinking skills, logical mindset, problem-solving ability, and attitude within them.

Here, let’s learn the tips for helping your children to efficiently learn Maths and perform well in the PSLE examination.

Understanding the Singapore Math Curriculum 

The Singapore Math syllabus is globally famous for the way it is structured and approached.

Concrete Pictorial Abstract Approach: Students learn through visual representation, hands-on activities, and abstract reasoning.

Encourage Critical Thinking: Singapore Math emphasizes problems by making students think creatively and critically to find solutions.

Spiral Progression: Builds a strong foundation for students that enhances their problem-solving skills and attitude. Also, builds students’ confidence and improves their efficiency.

As a parent, understanding these factors will help you to focus on supporting your child’s Maths journey.

#1 Evaluate Your Child’s Proficiency in Maths

The first and foremost step is to analyse your child’s maths proficiency by conducting a mock test. A simple test helps to know if your child has a better understanding of math concepts. Keep an eye out for the mistakes that your children are often making and losing marks.

Well, supervising your child helps you to better understand their proficiency in Maths and curate a strategy that helps to avoid common mistakes consistently. Knowing their Maths proficiency, you can bring in more practice with specific maths topics and build their basics strong.  

#2 Plan, Implement & Succeed

So, you have understood your child’s maths proficiency. Now, it’s time to plan and implement the strategy to help them succeed. To make them proficient in the specific Math topics, you have to structure timetables well based on their knowledge. Of course, it helps your child prepare well for the exam and manage time.

For effective time management, create a worksheet and help your child solve problems. Ultimately, you will see their involvement and own progress.

#3 Enrol in Tuition & Enrichment Classes

It’s always better to seek extra help to make your child excel in Maths. For that, enrolling in PSLE Maths tuition and enrichment classes is a good idea.

Maths tuition centres play a vital role in helping your child to learn, interact and engage in activities more efficiently. Teachers know very well that every student is unique and determine each student’s strengths, weaknesses and areas of improvement.

Based on the students’ proficiency level, teachers curate the worksheets and involve them in logical problem-solving. This will enhance their critical thinking and help them to enhance their maths skills which also tends to manage the time more efficiently.

#4 Support Homework & Revision

Schools make homework mandatory, and for students, it’s a challenging task.  Some may think that homework is a big headache. However, homework is necessary for students to make them responsible and accountable. So, as a parent, you should encourage your child to solve problems on their own first. If they are stuck and cannot solve the problem, then you have to give hints and guide them but don’t solve them.

So, what’s up? Now, talk about the revision. As a parent, you may have helped your children to solve the problem. Aside from that, it’s important to take time and review what your child has learned. Moreover, you have to make your child revise regularly and involve them in practice with past maths question papers.

#5 Encourage a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset can only be developed through hard work and dedication. To nurture your child’s math skills and ability to solve critical problems, encourage them even if they have made mistakes. There is no doubt that children can learn from their mistakes.

Mindset is everything, so encourage your child and not just results. Let them learn from their mistakes and go a long way with a positive attitude.

#6 Conduct Mock Tests 

There are lots of online resources available for the Singapore maths curriculum. As a parent, download workbooks and past year question papers to help your child practice well.

Also, search and download the materials with step-by-step explanations to help students get a clear grasp of how to solve the problems more efficiently.

#7 Make Your Child Double-Check Their Answer

The final step is to make a habit for your child to double-check their work. During the practice, children can make mistakes in their worksheets. Well, allotting 5 minutes to double-check their answer helps to rectify the mistakes and write the correct answer.

As a parent, develop a habit for your children to double-check their work. It would help them to score good marks in the PSLE examination.

Wrapping It Up

So, these are the tips for parents to help their child build a strong foundation in mathematics. Remember, simply making your child prepare for the maths examination doesn’t help. Only with the hands of practice and a proactive approach can you create curiosity and build confidence. Let your child prepare for the Primary maths exam with a positive mindset. Give Cheerful Support!