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.“
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| 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“.
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| 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.
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| 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:
- Download Registration Form
from www.galileoenrichment.com or call (632)845-1234 to get a copy.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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