Problem Solving Maths with the Essential Know How and Tools

Mathematics has always been my favourite subject when I was still in school.  It still is actually.  But as I grew older, I "returned" many of what I had learnt to the teacher, a.k.a forgotten everything.  Common?  I guess when I was younger, I was simply trying to learn what I can in order to pass the examinations.  When asked about a certain way of solving a Maths problem then, it's probably all about "Because Mummy / Daddy says to do it this way." or "Because Teacher XXX says use this method.", without really understanding why.

Now, as a parent of a Primary 2 child, I seem to be going back to school once again.  That addition and subtraction format, the reading of the weighing scale, and of course, the problem sums.  D, the P2 boy, has never attended any mathematics enrichment classes or tuition classes as this mummy here believes in helping him as much as I can, on my own.  This also mean that I have to constantly be in tune with the education system.

When Marshall Canvendish Education ("MCE") invited me for it's Heuristics workshop, I jumped at that opportunity.  I have heard so much about MCE's workshops from friends and I knew this was going to be an eye-opener.

Why?

Firstly, heuristics - I was already stumped by this word.  Sounded profound but it actually isn't that bad.  Layman terms: problem-solving.  

Secondly and most importantly, I knew the syllabus has changed (as compared to my school days).  I knew too that there are definitely a lot more methods when solving word problems that I never knew of.

If you do not know, the Mathematical Processes consists of two parts: Thinking Skills (Know How) and Heuristics (Tools)

Thinking Skills
Classifying
Comparing
Sequencing
Anaylzing parts and whole
Identifying patterns and relations
Induction
Deduction
Spatial visualization

Heuristics
Use a diagram / model
Make a systematic list
Look for patterns
Work backwards
Use before-after concept
Use guess and check

In all word problems, we need both the tools and the know-how.  Missing either one, we will not be able to understand the problems.  From Primary 1, children are taught to use diagrams / models to solve their word problems.  They start from easy models, cultivating this habit of drawing models as this will help them visualise situations and Maths problems as they grow older and advance to the next level.

I vaguely remember about having learnt and used model drawing in school, using "units" when solving Maths problems.  While at the workshop, I could still do some of the Maths problems, although my model drawings were not the best visual representations.  This is exactly what Ms. Peggy mentioned about learning to use models to help with Maths problems instead of using memorisation.  With the use of models, it helps clarify the problems and also to allow us, the problem solvers to interpret them correctly.  It is all about understanding and comprehending the questions.

Though it was a 9am to 3.30pm workshop, there was never a dull moment.  I know of people who complain about workshops being monotonous, listening-and-copying-notes-only, but our trainer, Ms. Peggy Foo is brilliant.  Every participant had a chance to participate and the class (less than 20 participants) was lively with interactions and hands-on practices.

Apart from learning about model drawing, guess and check and other heuristics, a big takeaway was about how to help a child by identifying and analysing his / her learning difficulties.  I do not want the boys to rely on memorisation and forcing them to do practice papers after practice papers.  Thus, I view this as something crucial in their learning journey and I would like to assist them as we tackle the primary school years.

I would say it was a great 6 hour spent, as I leave the workshop understanding more about heuristics and how I am able to better help my children with their Maths problems in the near future.  Sounding like a broken recorder, but it's really about being involved with the children's studies and not feel helpless when they ask for help.  Definitely not because I am a tiger mum or a kiasu mum because you know I am not.  :)

You may wish to click here and here to have some understanding on heuristics and the model method.  As humans learn better with hands-on examples, coupled with explanations from someone with experience a.k.a. a trainer, you should consider attending the many Parent Workshops that Marshall Cavendish Education organises.  Almost everything from English to Maths.  Chinese too.

With the June school holidays here and soon over, parents with PSLE children will definitely benefit from MCE's Parent Seminars or Student Workshops.

There is an upcoming non-PSLE workshop, Problem-Solving with Bar Models (Upper Primary) happening on 10 June 2017 and I am pleased to inform that MCE has offered a 50% discount to one of our readers.  

To be lucky winner to pay only $42.50 (usual cost $85) for an almost 6 hour workshop, here are the steps to enter:

1. Be a B.C.D.E. That's US Facebook page fan.

2. Be a Marshall Cavendish Education page fan.

3. Like and share the corresponding Facebook post (your post must be made PUBLIC for me to see it).


Giveaway ends 5 June 2017, 11.59pm.

Please note:

- Winner will be chosen at random.

- Tickets are not exchangeable for cash and are not transferable.

- Prize will be given out by sponsor.

- Winners will be announced on blog, Facebook and notified by email.  Please respond within 24 hours, failing which, a new winner will be chosen. 

- The giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Good luck!

At the beginning of the post, I mention about reading much about MCE's workshops.  Depending on which school level your child is in, you may in interested in reading the experiences from my mummy blogger friends and I am sure, you will gain more insights, just like I did.

Mummy Ed - Stretching Your Child’s Mathematical Abilities – Marshall Cavendish Education Workshop 2017

Mummy Serene - Marshall Cavendish Education - P3 & P4 Maths Coaching Workshop

Mummy Christy - PSLE Student English Workshop by Marshall Cavendish Education & PSLE English Workshop for Parents – How to Tackle The English Paper

Last but not least, read Mummy Jennifer's thoughts and experiences here.  Though we attended the same Heuristics workshop, you can tell that every individual has their own thoughts and views.  No doubt it's all positive experiences!

Disclosure: I was invited to the workshop by Marshall Cavendish Education.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photos and opinions are true to my own unless otherwise stated.

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The Language Boutique - Reading Explorers

When The Language Boutique approached me and emailed the courses available, Jolly Phonics and Reading Explorers caught my attention.  Jolly Phonics being something I started looking into a couple months back and as for Reading Explorers, it sounded very much in line with our interests and getting the boys to enjoy reading.

Over the summer (oh well, we do not exactly have summer in Singapore, but for international schools, they have summer breaks / holidays which sometimes overlap with the Singapore's school holidays), The Language Boutique will hold seven weeks' worth of group classes for all ages and abilities which are designed to be fun, interactive ad engaging.  

For the Reading Explorers course that D attended, there were 5 books introduced - one new book each day.  Together with the books introduced, there were activities such as craft work, charades and yes, some worksheets.  I also learnt about International Baccalaureate ("IB") and how each of the IB learner profile will be touched on and possibly applied even after the course.  We believe that the way to start children to read is not to simply shove the books to the children, but to let the children enjoy the process of reading a book.  When the boys were young, we used to form songs out of the simple few words in the storybooks.

Two of the 5 books read during the week long course

With a maximum of six children per class, each student gets a lot of attention from the teacher in the 2.5 hours class.  In D's class, there were Koreans, Australians and Indians.   Sarah, the teacher for the Reading Explorers course, is from Canada.  It was a chance for D to interact with the different nationalities, probably even trying to understand what everyone says.  Definitely an experience for him as he hardly interacts with different nationalities - which is something B and I think is important as English is one of the most spoken language internationally.

Photo credit : The Language Boutique

I really like that each day, after a book is read, the children were given activities to do and from those activities, the children actually learn new words, new forms of expressions, new verbs and even synonyms.  What they bring home everyday is also different.  As I mentioned earlier, an IB learner profile was also touched on.  Unknowingly, the children learnt words like being a risk-taker, communicator, thinker and so on.  Now, D knows what is meant by a risk-taker and in fact it helps in certain situations when we asked if he wants to be a risk-taker and try!

A letter to Goldie (D's name for the whale) after they read Dear Greenpeace.  D's first attempt in trying to write a letter and at just 6 years old, he tried his best.  What is encouraging is that he now wants to write a letter to someone special!  To me, it is such little ways to encourage him to write sentences and how fun the class was that he did not realize that he is actually learning something.

D looks forward to the class everyday for that week and now, he tries to use the word "Pardon?" instead of "Huh?" when he wants the other party to repeat himself / herself.  

Conducted at The Language Boutique's sister language school, Manhattan English Language Studio, it is in the Bugis vicinity, 5 minutes walk from Bugis MRT Station.  Adults may take a walk in nearby shopping centers while the children enjoy the classes.  There will be breaks with healthy snacks served.  How creative are the folks at The Language Boutique as fruits are served in various ways:

Photo credit : The Language Boutique

Photo credit : The Language Boutique

Reading Explorers is one of The Language Boutique's popular classes and this meant that some children actually enroll for two or more different weeks.  Thus, the books read may be different each week but how the courses will be conducted will be similar to what D experienced.

With Teacher Sarah

If you have a child whom you want to introduce the fun of reading, you may want to have a go at this week long course.  Seriously, gone were the days you ask a child, especially those learning to read, to sit down and read a book by himself / herself. 

Can you guess which sentence was contributed by D?

Photo credit : The Language Boutique

About The Language Boutique
The Language Boutique is an independent tuition school which specializes in personal one-to-one English or Maths tuition for children ages 3 to 18 and takes place at any location that is convenient for the student, usually at their homes.  Their lessons, conducted by native English speakers, are designed individually to respond to each student's specific needs.

For more information, click here to visit The Language Boutique website and here for its Facebook Page.

Just for you, my readers...

If you would like to sign up for any of the summer courses at The Language Boutique, quote "B.C.D.E. That's Us!" when you speak to the friendly folks there and you get a 10% off!  A pretty good deal I would say.  

And yes, for those who are already in schools, it might clash with the school hours.  However, for those who are only in schools for half days or pre-schoolers who only attend 3 hours of school each day, I think it is a good exposure for the children.   

Disclosure: We are sponsored by The Language Boutique for the Reading Explorers course.  No monetary compensation was received.  Unless otherwise stated, all opinions and photos are true to my own.

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Infant Care - What To Look Out For

 

When I was pregnant with D, B and I started to talk about who will look after the baby after I am back to work.

1.  Should I quit my job and be a Stay-At-Home-Mum (SAHM)?
2.  Should we let the grandparents look after?
3.  A nanny?
4.  Employ a helper / maid?
5.  Send him to an infant care?
6.  Be a Work-From-Home-Mum (WFHM)?

There seems to be many options (well, not many lah, only 6).  After eliminating a few, we were left with:

1.  A nanny
2.  A helper / maid
3.  Infant care

We did not like the idea of a helper and we could not find a suitable nanny, or maybe we did not try hard enough.  Having come from a family with many cousins who used to be in child care centres, I like the idea of the infant care ("IFC"), minus the cost of it.

So, today, many years and months after both my boys "graduated" from an infant care, I share with you on what to look out for should you decide on one.  Note that the pointers are based on my personal experiences and that every individual is different on what are their priorities.

Infant care centres and child care centres are in high demand and there is often a waiting list.  Check out the ECDA Child Care Link on the child care centres available at the location of choice.  

1.  Caregiver-infant ratio

The present guideline for the maximum staff-child ratio for infant care is 1 caregiver to 5 infants.  1 caregiver to 5 infants is, in my opinion, very challenging.  I believe it should be in a ratio of about 1 caregiver to 2-3 infants.  And depending on the age of the infants, which could be between 2.5 months to 18 months, there should be enough caregivers to look after the different basic needs of the children.

2.  Staff / teacher turnover

Understand how long the teachers have been with the centre.  By this, I do not mean interrogate!  A centre with caregivers / teachers who have served a couple of years show that the place is a conducive place to work in.  It is just like us, working adults.  Sometimes, it is not just the job but the environment that makes us feel that the job is worth staying in.  A happy teacher / caregiver = a happy interaction with the children!  Of course, understand how long the caregiver / teacher has been in the infant care line as caring for infants are somewhat different from teaching and / or caring for pre-schoolers.

3.  Routine / schedule

Check if there is a timetable.  Yes!  I believe that children needs a routine.  I have seen infant care centres without a routine.  Children fall asleep whenever they want and teachers are busy round the clock as some sleep while some others are playing.  When children are given a routine on weekdays, it makes weekends planning easier as well as we will know when the children need their naps. 

4.  Refrigerator

 

A refrigerator?  Yup.  There should be a refrigerator for the purpose of keeping the breast milk, brought in by the mummies.  I do not think that the ebm should be kept in the kitchen's refrigerator with all the other food stuff.

 

5.  Visit the centre during bath times.  If it is a air-condition IFC, note if they turn off the air conditioner during shower times.  Usually the shower area / changing area for infants are within the IFC itself, most of the times a partitioned area and we do not want the air-conditioner to be on when the infants are bathing, do we?  Side tracking… in an air-conditioned IFC, please also remember to bring provide your own baby lotion.

6.  Menu

 

Ask for the menu.  And discuss with the caregivers on specific preferences, such as weaning only after 6 months, no egg yolks after xx months.  They should be open to discussions on parents'  preferences - reasonable ones.

Most importantly, talk to the supervisor or in-charge as well as the teachers.  As parents, we sometimes have to depend on our gut feelings on certain things.  A parent's instinct is most of the time accurate - thus, if you think you are not comfortable with a certain IFC, please do not enroll your child there.

Each parent has their own set of guidelines or preferences.  The points above may not be the most exhaustive list of things to note or look out for.  Apart from the general safety and child-proofing requirements already laid out by the respective government agencies, the above 6 points are what I view as important when deciding an infant care centre. 

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Happy Teacher's Day!

“I never teach my pupils, I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” 
- Albert Einstein

I always believe in 'Once a Teacher, always a teacher'.

It's no easy feat being a teacher.  To be able to create a learning environment conducive for the students, to care, discipline, understand and lastly to be able to 'deal' with parents - the overly chin chye and don't care to the extremely demanding ones....

 

Each teacher at each different schooling stage face different kind of challenges and I admire them for taking those challenges in their stride.

As teachers of pre-schoolers, they have to create a conducive environment, be strict and at the same time caring to nurture the younglings, to let them grow up knowing what is right and/or wrong.  And with the current emphasis on learning through play, these teachers need to be creative in their ways of teachings.

 

Every Teacher's Day during my time, we give either handmade cards, roses, sweets or chocolates. 

 

This year with the 2 boys, we decided to make some handmade macarons and a small cake. 

 

 

To remind the boys that teaching is no easy task and it takes a lot of hardwork. Just like making chocolate ganache for the macarons filling which one needs to constantly stir it and ensure it does not burn. And to store it in the fridge and wait patiently for it to harden before it can be used. 

 

Kids are the same.... They have to be constantly cared for, at times to encourage or discipline but never letting them walk down the wrong path. Each and every day, every year until they grow up to be useful persons. 

I'm no pro-baker as you can see... :)

 

To each and every teacher out there, Happy Teacher's Day.  To each and every parent out there, Happy Teacher's Day too as we, as parents, are our children's first teachers.