Math On-A-Stick: New Favorite at Minnesota State Fair
Those who talk to me for any meaningful amount of time usually are quick to detect an accent, and most can attribute it to the Upper Midwest. I’m a native of the Twin Cities, and “How to Speak Minnesotan” is the most widely lent title in my sizable collection of books. I love to return home anytime (yes, even in winter), but especially at this time of year when the Minnesota State Fair is open … [Keep Reading...]
Reader Survey: Help Us Help You
As the popularity and influence of Singapore Math® programs grow, so does interest in focused professional development around Singapore-based concepts. Each month, we receive dozens of inquiries from teachers and schools seeking training to ensure that they are using the curriculum as effectively as possible. We are in the process of planning future educational programs for teachers and … [Keep Reading...]
“Summer Math” Suggestions to Boost Student Understanding
School is out and summer is calling, but for many teachers and administrators, summer is a time to take stock and plan and budget for next year. As a teacher, this is a glorious time of year, but also one of worry. I worry about my students. I worry about those who needed extra support throughout the year understanding and retaining math concepts. How will they fare next school year? Will … [Keep Reading...]
Great Math News from City Springs School In Baltimore
For the last year, I've been working with City Springs Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore. Here's a short description from the school's website: City Springs Elementary/Middle School is a neighborhood charter school operated by the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP). We are a conversion charter school, which means we were an already existing Baltimore City Public School that was taken over by … [Keep Reading...]
One of the most Frequently Asked Questions I get is, "What's the difference between Primary Mathematics and Math in Focus?" (It usually comes right after "Wait, there's more than one version of Singapore Math?") Primary Mathematics and Math in Focus are the two principle textbook options for schools considering the … [Keep Reading...]
I get LOTS of questions from teachers and administrators with questions about the Singapore Math® program. Recently, several fellow trainers have reached out to seek my advice (Wow!). One asked: What would you are say the biggest 10 things to consider when using/implementing a Singapore Math curriculum? Here's my … [Keep Reading...]
My students love math class. In fact, many will tell you math is their favorite subject. Why? They’ll tell you it’s because Singapore math is fun. I’d say it’s because once they understand how math works, they become confident in their abilities. So what exactly is Singapore math? Wait, math from Singapore? Isn’t that … [Keep Reading...]
[Updated February 2015] As a math-lover and techie, I bought an iPad immediately after its release and eagerly set about filling it to capacity with tools that might help students master number sense. My iPad has hundreds of math apps; some free, but many that I've paid up to $9.99 to download. AT BER's Math Conferences, I present a session … [Keep Reading...]
How can I fit it all in?
In 2015, Beth wrote about the Primary Mathematics adoption process at St. Anne’s-Belfield School. Here's an update on the school's progress. As the year winds down and I look back at all that … [Keep Reading...]
Meet Beth Curran, Singapore Math® Trainer
In 2008, I left teaching in the classroom to champion Singapore Mathematics and expand its reach to elementary schools and children everywhere. Looking back on the past eight years, I am amazed by the … [Keep Reading...]
4,000 Teachers, 100,000 Students: Celebrating 7 Years with BER
In 2008, I left teaching in the classroom to champion Singapore Mathematics and expand its reach to elementary schools and children everywhere. The following year, the Bureau of Education and Research … [Keep Reading...]
Bar Model Solutions – by Students
After the post on Assessing Bar Model Solutions went up, Beth Curran sent a message: "We just did that problem!" She agreed to share some student work: And when the students didn't … [Keep Reading...]
Assessing Bar Model Solutions
It's important in a Singapore style program for students to understand bar model drawing as a tool to help visualize relationships between the known and unknown in a word problem. It helps students … [Keep Reading...]
Giving Thanks – Reflecting on An Outstanding 2015
I don't know about you, but 2015 has come and gone in a flash. Exciting things are happening here in 2016 as this company grows and adds some fabulous training and coaching consultants. But you'll … [Keep Reading...]
Giving Thanks — Looking Back on 2014
I’ve just returned from my tenth consecutive week of travel and welcome the arrival of Thanksgiving. A brief break from out-of-town training and coaching jobs affords the opportunity to once again … [Keep Reading...]
2013 in Review: Celebrating an Amazing Year!
In each of the past few years, I've taken some time to reflect on the wonderful opportunities I've experienced during the preceding 12 months (Here are Giving Thanks reflections from 2012 and … [Keep Reading...]
