Worded Problems, Singapore Bar Model and Cuisenaire Rods
A list which looks at worded problems and some of the methods used to approach them. This includes the Singapore Bar Method, highlighting key words and using Cuisenaire Rods.
Maths Playground: Thinking Blocks
This online resource provides a way in which students can model and solve maths word problems. it can be used on a whiteboard to demonstrate the technique. Contains a section on addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, ratio and proportion. There is also a Junior version which is great for younger children.
Model method (The Singapore Bar Model)
In this short video on YouTube, Dr. Yeap Ban Har explains the principles of the Model Method approach used in Singapore Maths textbooks.
Idea Book for Cuisenaire® Rods
This collection of resources provided by ETA hand2mind is a selection of activities from Idea Book for Cuisenaire® Rods using Cuisenaire® Rods to teach skills and concepts within mathematics. Cuisenaire® Rods are a useful mathematical resource which provides a concrete visual representation as a bridge to developing more abstract mathematical thinking. The resources include activities which help to develop knowledge and understanding and key skills in the areas of finding patterns, logical thinking, fractions, addition and subtraction.
The rods can be used to help support younger learners drawing the bars to represent a mathematical problem.
NRich Cuisenaire Environment
An environment which simulates working with Cuisenaire rods. ... Click on 'Rods', to choose a Cuisenaire rod and then drag it onto the squared background.
Maths No Problem! Singapore Maths
An interesting article, including lots of video links on Singapore Maths.
The Singapore Maths Teacher
Website containing worded problems, how to represent then using the bar method and their solutions. It is designed for children to work through online drawing the models on paper. The problems begin with 'Model-Drawing' as a simple strategy and progress to more difficult and challenging problems involving decimals, fractions, percentages and ratio. Could be used as a resource for teachers to develop their own understanding of how to use this method.
Primary 3 is equivalent to Year Four in the UK but the materials can be adapted for the needs of differing classes and year groups.
NCETM
So much support around all things mathematics, including lots on Singapore Maths. You will need to register on this site to view the articles, blogs and resources.
Good practice in primary mathematics: evidence from successful schools
An Ofsted report on good practice highlights one example of the Singapore bar method as a representation to aid conceptual understanding. The example is found on page 29 of the 'Good practice in primary mathematics.doc' report and shows images children in Year 2 have drawn to help them solve addition and subtration problems.
Problem-Solving Language
This Teachers TV video highlights a strategy for teaching problem solving at Key Stage Two.
It looks at how the language of a problem relates to a particular mathematical operation. Small groups, the children sort words and phrases, deciding which operation the words relate to. To consolidate their learning, the students then create their own word problems.
