My Singapore Math Add-venture

I would like to believe that I am a person who loves to try on anything new just for the fun of experiencing it. I once did some bike stunts on my BMX because I want to bond with my friends. I got a tattoo to find out how painful it is to have one and boy it really did hurt (a lot) that I decided to get inked with another design. I kill roaches when their presence strikes fear to my wife.

Astig me, right? Not really. Since I have yet to overcome some things in life that has been my Waterloo for years--- heights, deep waters, dance floors and mathematics.

I’m willing to take on each of them one at a time and try to overcome my fears which ever comes first in sight. That’s why when fellow blogger and friend Ruth Floresca of Mommy Writes told me that Galileo Enrichment Learning Program, Inc. has an event for parents about the fast-becoming popular Singapore Math, I made sure to be there not only to see how I fare against numbers, 15 years after graduating from college but also to check out new things I can share to my toddler.

How serious am I? I took a leave from work and was actually at Fully Booked – BGC in Taguig City, the venue of Unlocking the secrets of Galileo Singapore Math event, an hour before the start of the session. There I met other parenting bloggers who some share the same dilemma in math that I have with me since I experience some horror stories with Algebra in high school.

Before we were introduced to Singapore Math, the very accommodating CEO of Galileo Ma. Rowena J. Matti welcomed us and introduced us briefly to the many exciting learning journies they offer.  She said that the idea of Galileo was born out of the intention to uplift the education industry. They saw that the model for learning was evolving with the time. 

“We saw the growing rate in tutorial services prompted by fast-paced schools trying to cope with the demands to produce competent and competitive members of society,” Matti added.  “However not all children march at the same pace. There are those who learn differently and others who are not suited for big classroom environments.“

Teacher Beth

Maribeth R. Lamis or Teacher Beth, Operations Head for Galileo, then came next to teach us the basics of Singapore Math. In my head I was telling my self not to make eye contact because I might get called since I am sitting smack in front of her in the middle of the room where the event was happening. 

But as the actual session begun to unfold, my fear of math starts to get lost in my system as I start to enjoy the activities that afternoon. We played a game about numbers with four teams competing for the bragging rights of being the first one to solve the challenge. My group ended last in the race but the fact that we were able to solve it without the help of a calculator is already a good sign that were doing good.

We were then  presented new techniques in solving problems the Singapore Math way and I must say, it was quite a simple yet effective and fast way of solving problems. After a few math exercises, I found myself in front of the class and was actually solving one of the challenges given to us. And thank God my answer’s correct!

Now, I think I can erase the item “overcome fear of math” from my bucket list.

In a nutshell, the Singapore Math method differentiate itself by integrating the system they referred as the C-P-A approach:

• Concrete – manipulatives
• Pictorials – visual models and drawings
• Abstract – written number and symbols

Singapore Math as presented by Galileo follows the golden rule of topic mastery to achieve a lifelong learning. Using audio-visual materials, kids will be engaged in a fun yet effective way of learning as the company lives up to its promise of “Learning can be fun“.

There I was receiving my early bird prize from Galileo CEO Rowena Matti

I was actually so impressed with the program that I signed up and will be attending the 2nd Singapore Math Learning Festival February 9, 2013 at Crowne Plaza, Ortigas Center, Quezon City. The math festival from Galileo Enrichment Learning Program is highly recommended for parents and educators to bring fresh ideas and exciting innovations that can be adopt to classrooms and parent-child tutorial sessions.

The conference will focus on how Singapore Math can complement and provide supplementary learning to the implementation of the K-12 program, a new development of the Department of Education.

Please click the event poster to view the bigger version

There will be concurrent learning sessions that will tackle topics such as the basics of Singapore Math, how Singapore Math can be applied in various activities inside and outside the classroom, manipulatives and materials to enhance a child’s learning capabilities, innovative activities in teaching geometry and fractions, and how Singapore Math helps students transition from basic to Algebraic concepts.

The conference will also feature a plenary lecture by Dr. Queena Lee-Chua – Math professor and multi-awarded educator – and her son Scott Chua, a multi-awarded student and a Carlos Palanca Awardee for Literature.

How to reserve seats:

1. Download Registration Form from www.galileoenrichment.com or call (632)845-1234 to get a copy.
2. Submit the accomplished Registration Form, copy of School ID and current school registration (if student) to events@galileoenrichment.com or fax to (632)845-1234.
3. Deposit payment to BPI bank account, details are as follows:Ban k of the Philippine Islands (BPI) – San Lorenzo, Makati Branch. Account Name: Galileo Enrichment Learning Program Inc.Current Account No.: 1811-0001-12.

To confirm your reservation, fax validated bank deposit slip together with accomplished registration form to (02) 845-1234  (telefax)  or email events@galileoenrichment.com.  For more inquiries on the conference, contact the head office at (632)845-1234 or send an email to info@galileoenrichment.com. You can also visit their website www.galileoenrichment.com and Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/galileoenrichment for other updates and special announcements.

 

This is just the start of my Singapore add-venture. My son will start schooling next year and I want him to be well-equipped in his class. We  will definitely visit Galileo in the near future.

NOTE: Images in this post are from Ms. Ruth Floresca of Mommy Writes.