The S.A.M. Approach not just imparts mathematical concepts; it also develops the child’s confidence and problem-solving skills.
With Philippines government implementing K-12, and with many public and private schools in Philippines changing their maths curriculum to Singapore Math, it is becoming more important that children here are coached correctly on what Singapore Math is and how to use it.
There are many children out there who are afraid of Mathematics and lack confidence in the subject. Have you ever thought what the child is capable of if he/she has a strong foundation in Mathematics?
Not only will the child develop confidence and an innate appreciation for the subject, he/she will also become adept with problem solving skills and inculcate a positive thinking discipline.
Why S.A.M.?
There are currently a number of methods used to teach Mathematics to students, and one of the highly recommended techniques is the S.A.M. Approach, known for its highly creative and structured methods. It utilizes meticulously-authored “step-up” daily worksheets that allow children to approach the subject with incremental steps of difficulty, gradually acquiring the skills to solve full problem sums.
Created by a team of curriculum writers in Singapore, the worksheets are structured in such a way that they are always motivating for the child – which in turn helps him to develop self discipline, self confidence and perseverance in the process of learning Mathematics.
The S.A.M Approach closely adheres to Singapore’s Mathematics curriculum in preschool and primary school. This means that whatever the child accomplishes at S.A.M., he/she will also accomplish in Singapore Mathematics primary school education. In fact, a number of parents worldwide have commented that S.A.M. is the only programme that their children ever need to excel in Mathematics.
The Approach
Unlike conventional methods, the S.A.M. Approach begins with a carefully crafted assessment test for the child to ascertain his/her level of comprehension in Mathematics. Depending on his/her age, the test is either supervised by a trained S.A.M. facilitator or is individually completed by the child.
Thereafter, the facilitator determines the ideal entry point for the child, and he/she will be given a set of daily worksheets to be completed at home.
These worksheets are specially-designed to break down mathematical concepts into easily understood, bite-sized pieces that the child can absorb quickly, and complete the worksheets within 30 minutes without interruption. In addition, he/she needs to
attend classes once a week. In this way, the child will not be overburdened, or overwhelmed by the volume and difficulty of the homework.
The Syllabus
At the pre-primary school level, the S.A.M. Approach is designed to introduce the child to the world of numbers in a creative, colourful, and interesting manner. At the primary/secondary school level, the S.A.M Approach focuses squarely on delivering the primary and secondary school syllabus, which emphasizes the development of numerical, algebraic, geometrical, statistical, probabilistic, and analytical concepts.
The S.A.M Approach builds on the underlying mathematical principles and relates them to real-world situations through Mathematical modelling.
With the S.A.M. Approach, learning Mathematics will always be relevant to children’s ongoing education, and inculcate in them the essential skills that will lead them to success in the future.
