One step, two steps, three—MDSF’s Grade School Department took strides to transform math into a subject both students and teachers can look forward to.
This year, students from grades one through six have embraced Prime Math, an international approach that breaks down math concepts through a step-by-step process. It emphasizes the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) technique, which enhances how students engage with and master math concepts.
Mathematics Supervisor Jovelina Inductivo shared that the move to adopt Prime Math needed to be done on a whim.
“Last year, when Prime Math pitched to our team its comprehensive package complete with interactive tools, it made a lasting impression,” Inductivo said.
Building Math, Brick by Brick
The shift didn’t happen right away, but once the math manipulatives—interactive tools that bring abstract ideas to life—were introduced last year, things started to add up. These hands-on tools, initially seen as a costly investment, have become the building blocks of an engaging classroom experience, making math lessons more accessible.
See the article: “MDSF Makes Math Learning Easy Through Manipulative,”
Inductivo also pointed out that the school’s leaders, Principal Ma. Carmela Ong and Vice Principal for Academic Affairs Jomar Dela Cruz, had long been eyeing the innovative nature of Singapore Math.
“Last year, we used Dr. Yeap Ban Har’s book on Singapore Math as a guide for anchor tasks, and that’s when we thought, why not go all in?” Inductivo explained.
From Hands-On to Heads-On
Inductivo further said that in traditional math, students might have resorted to their fingers to count, a method many of us remember all too well. However, with the CPA approach, students aren’t just crunching imaginary numbers in their minds. For it is important to master concepts before moving on to the next level.
“The results are clear,” she expressed.
Crisha Ann Zoey Ipio from Grade 3 Leo, along with her classmates, gave a big thumbs up as they expressed the significant difference.
“We even answered multiplication questions using popsicle sticks and paper cups. It’s more fun to count that way,” Ipio said.
Crisha shared that she is happy to be learning a lot, thanks to her Mathematics teacher, who gives her daily practice tasks using the workbook.
Meanwhile, teachers in the lower grades also report a noticeable boost in student interest and participation.
“Students are less bored; they’re engaged and eager for math,” Teacher Sophia Tolentino, a teacher of Mathematics 2, said.
Tolentino added that the manipulatives provided by Prime Math have made math more enjoyable for students.
“The coursework book also gives them a chance to practice, especially with basic operations,” she noted.
Prime Support
Inductivo also highlighted the administration’s key role in making this program a reality.
“The administration has been very supportive,” she said. “When we requested magnetic boards for grades 1-3, they were provided right away.”
With Prime Math, MDSF has found the right equation to turn math into a subject students and teachers can love. It’s proof that math doesn’t have to be a dreaded subject—it can be something everyone counts on.