What is different about The S.A.M Approach compared to other programs?

The S.A.M Approach to Mathematics combines the benefits of personalized training with the discipline of self-learning and self-discovery.  At every step of the way, be it during class in-center or when your child is doing worksheets, The S.A.M Approach is designed to introduce new concepts in incremental steps to make learning easier.  Our qualified S.A.M Trainer introduces and explains the concepts and lesson objective during class.  Corrections from previous homework are also discussed and explained.  Your child then reinforces and applies this knowledge on his own at home through our meticulously designed daily worksheets.

Think of The S.A.M Approach as an amalgamation of Worksheets based self-learning, and in-person guidance and coaching.

Is the S.A.M curriculum relevant to American students?

Certainly! The S.A.M Approach to Mathematics is based on the Singapore Mathematics curriculum, which ranks highest in terms of standards since 1995, according to the TIMSS survey (TIMSS 2019 International Benchmarks of Mathematics Achievement – 4th Grade).

Mathematics as you know, is a universal subject.  The fundamentals remain constant whichever country math is taught.  However, apart from fundamental mathematical knowledge, The S.A.M Approach also cultivates lifelong skills in terms of critical, meta-cognitive and heuristic thinking, problem solving, self learning and self discipline, amongst others.

Can my child be disciplined enough to do daily homework at a young age?

Some children crave homework from as young as 3 years old simply because they enjoy thinking, and of course, some don’t.  However, through positive encouragement, most children can adapt to the program quickly.  

It helps greatly if the parents are equally involved in encouraging and reinforcing the homework habit.  Children benefit greatly from devoting some time daily to thinking and self-learning.  It shapes their learning behavior positively for the future.

At what age do children begin to count?

Most children can count before they can write.  Some begin counting as early as 2 years old, but most begin by approximately 3 years old and some even later.  The ability to count can be nurtured.  The earlier they learn to understand the world of numbers, the earlier they make sense of a lot of other things around them.  This is why many people associate this ability with intelligence.  

It is important that children get their foundations right from the beginning.  Counting by memorizing, for example, can only lead to problems later as numbers get more complex. 

What if my child has difficulty doing the worksheets?

Our qualified S.A.M Trainers do their best to place your child at an appropriate level according to his/her ability.  This is never a precise science and children display varying levels of aptitude and ability with different topics.  As a consequence, your child may now and then experience difficulties when doing their worksheets.

In such instances, it is best to reveal these difficulties to our qualified Trainer when they attend in center classes, rather than to ‘do the work’ for them.  When worksheet difficulties are highlighted, we will revise the topic with your child and if necessary, repeat the topic in question.

In any case, however, The S.A.M Approach to Mathematics always incorporates the occasional challenging question to test the boundaries of children.  With a healthy attitude towards learning, children view this as a challenge rather than as a problem.

What does the S.A.M Trainer do during the Classroom Experience?

During class, your S.A.M Trainer reviews all mistakes made from the previous weeks’ worksheets, explains the correct methods, and corrects the work to ensure that your child understands the source of their mistakes.  The S.A.M Trainer then hands out a new set of worksheets, and explains the objective and the new concepts that your child will be learning during the week.  This is the time when the Trainer bonds with and motivates your child to learn effectively.  Often, Trainers will use props, games and learning tools to enhance the experiential learning experience.  All SAM Trainers use the Problem Based Approach (PBL) and Concrete/Pictorial/Abstract Approach (CPA) in teaching students. 

How does the S.A.M approach to Mathematics benefit my child?

The S.A.M Approach instills discipline, responsibility, and independent learning within your child.  These are life’s skills and the same habits are likely to benefit your child in other school subjects as well.

The guidance provided by our Trainers gently steers your child in the right learning direction. It provides encouragement and motivation, as they journey into the world of Mathematics.

Most of all, whatever your child learns at S.A.M, you can be assured of its relevance to your child’s school math curriculum and even to his future years as an aspiring adult.  One is never too young to attain life’s skills and relevant knowledge, especially so when they are having fun doing it.

Learn all The Right Skills To Excel In Mathematics at S.A.M!