Summer Math Smarts

What is it: Singapore Math refers to the method of teaching that makes use of the curriculum used in Singapore. It is usually used for young children, from kindergarten to the sixth grade. Its popularity is due to Singapore being consistently at the top of the rankings in international math assessments.

The focus of Singapore Math is mastery of core concepts, rather than memorization. A lesson is presented in a logical sequence: concrete, visual, abstract. For example, numbers may be taught by having students hold actual objects. Students describe what they see and offer observations, to make sure they understand it.

Where to go: There are many centers in the Philippines that offer lessons on Singapore Math. One of the pioneers is MatheMagis Singapore Maths. They have branches in Alabang, Taguig, Makati, Pasig, and Quezon City. The MatheMagis head office is at 3/F Cedar Executive Building, 1006 Arnaiz Ave., Makati City and may be reached at (02) 779 8519 or (0917) 835 8126.

What is it: Kumon has an interesting start. It began in 1954 when a Japanese man named Toru Kumon decided to teach his son, Takeshi, and help him with his studies. His idea was to give his son short assignments in increasing difficulty to ensure mastery of a skill before moving on to the next.

Kumon classes make use of worksheets. There are 20 levels, from 6A to Level O. There are five elective courses. Students focus on one concept at a time to hone their proficiency. Once a student has mastered the lesson, then they can move on to the next level.

Where to go: Kumon has branches in 65 cities in the Philippines. To find the closest location to you, visit www.kumonglobal.com.

What is it: CMA Mental Arithmetic makes use of the abacus, an ancient Chinese counting instrument. CMA makes use of two-hand and four-finger techniques to stimulate both sides of the brain. As the lessons progress, the physical abacus is removed, and the student calculates by imagining the beads.

CMA believes that the left side of the brain is the primary force behind logical tasks like math. By imagining the abacus, the right side is also activated. As a result, students are taught to do mental calculation of large numbers.

Where to go: CMA Mental Arithmetic is found all over the Philippines. In Metro Manila, it's in St. Ignatius, Katipunan, Grace Christian Center, Ortigas Center, Jupiter, Makati Center, Valenzuela Center, D. Tuazon Center, and Alabang Center. It also has branches in The District, Dasmarinas Center, Guiguinto, Bulacan Center, and Lucena Center. In Visayas, CMA Mental Arithmetic is in Sacred Heart, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao. Contact their main office at (02) 584 9670 and (0917) 568 6875.

Here are some at-home ways to improve math skills.

• Budget as a family so the kids can see which amounts go where.
• Help the kids set up a small business to keep themselves busy.
• Put up a save-donate-spend fund and let the kids decide for themselves how to use their summer allowance.
• Create a family financial goal chart, like an investment, and let the kids take charge of tracking the progress.

Put this appreciation for math to good use by getting a product like Build Life Plus. It is a great way to involve the whole family in planning for the future. Build Life Plus is a savings and life insurance plan that can cover people from 0 to 70 years old. With easy payment terms that can be as short as seven years, it gives the opportunity to grow money through the expertise of professionals, catered to your preference when it comes to risk. To know more about Build Life Plus, visit a BPI branch near you and talk to a Bancassurance Sales Executive.

It’s never too early for kids to be savvy when it comes to numbers. More than just their ability to add, subtract, multiply, or even perform derivative calculations, math allows them to see the value of things. Without numbers, entrepreneurship won’t make sense. Without math, investments will fly over their heads. The earlier kids become comfortable with math, the more naturally these skills will come.