• What is Math in Focus?

     
    Math in Focus

    -      is a textbook series based on Singapore’s Ministry of Education’s Mathematics Framework.

     

    Math in Focus

    -      is organized to teach fewer concepts at each level, but to teach them thoroughly.  When a concept appears in a subsequent grade level, it is always at a higher or deeper level.

     
    Math in Focus

    -      helps students build solid conceptual understanding through a focus on problem solving.  The sequences of topics are written to develop a level of mastery, following the Singapore Mathematics Problem Solving Framework.  Students learn the“why” and “how” through instruction, hands-on activities, and problem solving.

     
    Math in Focus

    -      consistently employs a concrete-pictorial-abstract progression.  Clear and engaging visuals that present concepts and model solutions allow all students to gain a strong conceptual understanding.

     
    Math in Focus
     

    -      is divided into two sections.  Book A concentrates heavily on key Number and Operations concepts so students build a strong foundation in the beginning of the year. Book B focuses on the application of the concepts taught in Book A.  The Standards for Mathematical Practice are integrated within the content through activities, explorations, practice and meaningful discussion.


    What is the Philosophy Behind Math in Focus?
     
     
    math
     
     
     
    Singapore’s Approach to Becoming Strategic Mathematical Problem Solvers focuses on the
    Singapore Ministry of Education’s pedagogy that emphasizes conceptual understanding, skill
    development, strategies for solving problems, attitudes towards math, and metacognition

    The center of the pentagon is problem solving. The primary goal of Math in Focus is to enable
    students to become strategic mathematical problem solvers and persevere in solving problem
    as outlined in mathematical practice. This goal is the same as the first Common Core Standards
    for Mathematical Practice – “Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.”

    Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice

    Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them

    Reason abstractly and quantitatively

    Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others

    Model with mathematics

    Use appropriate tools strategically

    Attend to precision

    Look for and make use of structure

    Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning
     
    How Can I Help My Student At Home?
     
     
    Each student will have their own consumable Workbook (A & B). The Workbook pages are
    directly related to the concepts learned in the classroom over the last 1-3 days. Through
    continual assessment, teachers will have observed students working independently in class
    before assigning related practice pages as homework. It is possible, depending on the student’s
    level of independence; homework may not be assigned on a given night.

    To best help your student maintain independence, resist the urge to “show” him/her how to do
    the math. Encourage them to look at a sample problem and ask questions such as, “What do
    you remember from class?” or “What do you think this means….?” Your support and positive
    attitude towards math goes a long way to help your child succeed.

    Parents are encouraged to visit the district’s math website for information regarding our math
    curriculum and additional resources. (https://www.claytonschools.net/page/481) For parent
    information created by Math in Focus go to: http://www.greatsource.com/singaporemath/