Singapore to help children bridge the gap between concrete mathematical experiences and abstract representations. In Singapore, children are encouraged to use visual models such as ‘bar models’, ‘ten frames’, arrays and place value charts. We are going to focus on the ‘bar model’ which is specifically used to help children make sense of word problems. The approach is meant to reveal the structure of the mathematics in the problem. It is not a tool for performing a calculation. In Singapore, children begin to solve multi-step word problems from the equivalent of our Year 4 using this technique. This is applied to solve increasingly more difficult problems. Some schools in England are now beginning to apply this approach and are finding it really helpful. If you have experience of using the ‘bar model’, we would love to know if it has made a difference to your children’s ability to make sense of and solve multi-step word problems.
Posted on: Tue, 08 Oct 2013 20:51:05 +0000