Helpful book for Singapore Math

[Karin]

I don't know if this has come up as I don't come on this WTM forum as often as a few others, but I just learned of it when it appeared in the Rainbow Catalogue last year (I think it was just last year.)

It's called The Essential Parents' Guide to Primary Maths by Dr. Fong Ho Kheong that may help. It has 3 parts. The first is "The Heuristic Approach," the second is "The Model Approach" and the third is "Challenging Examination Problems." It's a book I wished I had when I first started Singapore Math, because I've learned much of this the hard way as I wanted to do things with Algebra, etc.

[Shasta Mom]

Thanks so much, Karin - I think I'll get it!

[MelissaMinNC]

Would this book eliminate the need for the TMs or Home Instructor's Guide? We are newbies to Singapore, still in 1A. I have the TM, but haven't used it much yet, since the material has been review. I planned to get the HIGs for the next books, but now I wonder if getting the Essential Parent's book is all I would need?

Thanks!
Melissa

[Karin]

I don't have the TM, so can't answer that question. What I like about it is that it shows the different ways to solve the types of problems in SM without using Algebra, etc. When I first bought SM, I bought levels 2 & 6 and had no idea what those bar diagrams were all about, for example. I like seeing all the methods in one book, plus there are practice exercises for the parents to try it out.

[Pata]

Thanks for posting this, it's exactly what I was looking for!