Many parents with Kids having ADHD wonder if Singapore Math can be better for their child compared to their existing curriculums. Is it? 

What is Singapore Math

Singapore Math is a teaching method based on the Math curriculum used in Singapore schools from 1st to 6th grade. Some key aspects are - 

  • Covers fewer topics in greater detail
  • 3-step learning process - Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract
  • Bar modeling. 

Covers fewer topics

This is a very important part of Singapore Math - they cover a lot lesser than what other curriculums cover for each grade, however they cover it in a lot more detail, and make sure kids understand the concept really well, before moving onto the next topic in the progression. 

This allows them to spend more time on those topics that they do cover. 

3-step learning process - Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract (CPA)

This means that every math topic moves from Concrete, to Pictorial to Abstract - in that order. 

Concrete - 

This is where kids can play with grains of rice, or bean counters, or cuisinaire rods - anything that helps kids physically touch and feel numbers and quantities. 

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Pictorial - 

In this step, they move from concrete to digital or paper representations of numbers. 

Abstract -

This is the final step where kids can build on the understanding developed via previous two approaches and make sense of the abstract notations. 

Bar modeling

Perhaps the most famous of the Singapore Math visuals is a bar model for word problems involving addition and subtraction (and even multiplication and division). 


File:Comparison model subtraction.jpg

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ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Whole-part_model_multiplication.jpg

The bar model allows kids to change word problems (which can be very tricky for a lot of kids) to visual representations, which can then make it easier to answer the question. 

The two step approach also separates the "understanding" of the word problem from the "calculation" of the answer, which is again super critical. 

Advantages of Singapore Math for Kids with ADHD

Kids with ADHD struggle due to the strain on working memory and cognition when learning Math. A lot of these kids are also very visual, so can benefit from concrete and visual representations. 

So the main benefits for kids with ADHD are - 

  • Narrower curriculum focus avoids overwhelming kids and lets them learn at their own pace, till they master each concept. 
  • Concrete and visual representations help kids understand math more intuitively. 
  • The concrete part engages the kids' other senses such as touch, sound or even smell, so it can engage them so much more compared to a program that is primarily worksheets. 
  • Word problems, which are especially difficult for kids are solved in two steps - so any problems in understanding are easy to spot before the calculation part comes into picture. 

Disadvantages of Singapore Math

Though the Singapore Math program is very advanced, it can come with some disadvantages. 

  • The procedure can feel too rigid at times. Though it's not meant to be, the prescribed way of doing things (via CPA at every step) can lead to kids feeling bored or disengaged. 
  • Can bit a bit more advanced in the topics they cover - so for kids who love Math, this could work very well, but if a child is already disinterested or struggling in Math, it could make them struggle even more. 
  • It was designed for a classroom, and while they do have home instructor’s guides, it doesn’t always feel like it was designed for homeschoolers. So if you are homeschooling, it might not be a great fit. 
You know your child learns differently. So teach differently. This guide pulls together strategies that actually work — from one parent to another: Neurodivergent Math Learning.

Alternatives to Singapore Math

While Singapore Math is tried and tested, there are alternative math programs that you may also want to consider, depending on what might suit your situation and child better. 

Miquon Math

One credible alternative to the Singapore Math approach that you must consider is Miquon Math. This has a broader approach than Singapore and the books are much cheaper to buy.

Whereas Singapore Math focuses on step-by-step procedures, Miquon Math focuses on enquiry and understanding the "why" a lot more. If your child struggles with Singapore Math especially to keep the step-by-step instructions in mind, you can at least consider Miquon. 

Math-U-See

​Math-U-See is another multi-sensory, self-paced Math program. 

This program goes really slowly, taking one operation per year. If your child is good at Math, this might feel too slow, however if your child needs the repetition and practice, this might be worth looking at. 

Math With Confidence

Math with Confidence is a Math program specifically designed for Homeschooling. It focuses on building deep foundational understanding. However, along with the workbooks, the parents need to get the instructor guide to really make the best of this program. 

Monster Math - visual to abstract approach

One more approach you can take is try Monster Math. Monster Math uses the visual to abstract approach but in a game format, that can keep them super engaged. Also unlike a book, there's animations and interactivity, which can keep kids even with ADHD engaged in a fun way. 

So if you want to help your child get better at mainly Math Fact fluency - do try Monster Math!