Xiaomi used to think math was about memorizing formulas and rules. She would try to remember how to solve problems without really understanding why. But after joining Sino-bus Singapore Math program, she discovered a completely different way to learn math – one that focuses on understanding rather than memorizing.
The Problem with Memorization
Before joining Sino-bus, Xiaomi struggled with math. “I could remember times tables,” she says, “but if the teacher changed the question a little bit, I wouldn’t know what to do.” Her mother noticed this too. “Xiaomi could solve problems she had practiced before, but new types of questions confused her.”
This is exactly what Sino-bus Singapore Math program aims to change. The teachers believe that real math learning happens when children understand concepts deeply, not when they memorize procedures.
Learning Through Understanding
At Sino-bus, Xiaomi’s learning journey began with concrete examples. After learning about fractions, she no longer just memorized that 1/2 means one part out of two equal parts, but actually started cutting apples and sharing chocolate bars with her classmates.
“We used real objects first,” Xiaomi explains. “We folded paper, poured water into different cups, and shared snacks. I could see what fractions really meant.”
Her teacher, Mrs. Chen, says this approach makes all the difference. “When children work with real things first, they build mental pictures of math concepts. Later, when they see numbers and symbols, they understand what they represent.”
Focus On Understanding “why” rather than just “how”
What Xiaomi loves most about Sino-bus is that teachers always explain why math works the way it does. “Before, teachers would just say ‘do it this way,'” Xiaomi says. “Now, my teacher explains why we solve problems certain ways.”
For example, when learning multiplication, Xiaomi didn’t just memorize that 6×7=42. She learned that multiplication is repeated addition. She arranged buttons into arrays to see how 6 rows of 7 buttons each made 42 buttons total.
“This way, if I forget 6×7, I can figure it out by adding 6 seven times or 7 six times,” Xiaomi says proudly.
From Concrete to Abstract
Sino-bus follows the CPA approach – Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract. Xiaomi experienced this gradual progression in every topic.
First, she worked with physical objects (concrete). Then, she drew pictures and diagrams (pictorial). Finally, she worked with numbers and symbols (abstract).
“When we learned area,” Xiaomi recalls, “we first covered surfaces with square tiles. Then we drew grids on paper. Finally, we used the length times width formula. By that time, the formula made complete sense because I had seen it work with real objects.”
Building Connections
One of the most important things Xiaomi learned was how math concepts connect to each other. “I used to think of math as separate topics,” she says. “Now I see how addition connects to multiplication, how multiplication connects to area, and how area connects to fractions.”
This understanding helps her solve new problems. “If I meet a problem I haven’t seen before, I can think about what I already know and how it might help me.”
The Actual Manifestation Of Truly Focusing On Understanding
Xiaomi’s deep understanding shows in her daily life. When helping her mother bake, she doesn’t just follow recipes – she understands why measurements work certain ways.
“If we need to double a recipe,” she explains, “I know we need to double all ingredients because that’s how ratios work. If we only doubled some things, the proportions would be wrong.”
She also helps her father with DIY projects. “When we built a bookshelf, I could calculate how many boards we needed and how long they should be. I understood why we needed to measure carefully and why angles mattered.”
The Confidence That Comes with Understanding
Perhaps the biggest change is Xiaomi’s confidence. “Before, I was always afraid I would forget how to solve problems. Now, even if I forget a specific method, I can figure it out because I understand the concepts.”
Her math teacher at school has noticed this change. “Xiaomi used to ask ‘how do I solve this?’ Now she asks ‘why does this work?’ or ‘what if we tried it this way?’ She’s become a much more independent thinker.”
Long-Term Benefits
Xiaomi’s mother sees the long-term value of this approach. “It’s not just about math grades,” she says. “Xiaomi is learning how to think logically and solve problems systematically. These skills will help her in many subjects and in life.”
Xiaomi agrees. “I use my math thinking in science class when we do experiments, and even in English when we organize ideas. It’s about thinking clearly, not just doing math.”
The Sino-bus Difference
What makes Sino-bus different is its commitment to deep understanding. Teachers receive special training to help children explore math concepts rather than just memorize procedures.
“We don’t rush,” says Mrs. Chen. “We take time to ensure children really understand before moving on. This solid foundation means they learn advanced concepts more easily later.”
The program also helps parents understand this approach. Xiaomi’s mother attended workshops that showed her how to support Xiaomi’s learning at home. “Now I ask her to explain concepts to me instead of just checking if answers are right.”
A New Way of Learning
For Xiaomi, the best part is that math has become interesting. “It’s like solving puzzles instead of memorizing things. I enjoy figuring out why things work and discovering patterns.”
She especially likes that there are often multiple ways to solve problems. “In the past, I worried about finding the ‘right’ method. Now I know that what matters is understanding why the method works.”
Advice for Other Students
Xiaomi has advice for other students who struggle with math: “Don’t try to memorize everything. Ask why things work. If you don’t understand, keep asking until it makes sense. When you really understand, you don’t need to memorize as much because you can figure things out.”
Her teacher adds: “Many students think math is about getting right answers. But true math learning is about the thinking process. The answers matter, but understanding how you got there matters more.”
Looking to the Future
Xiaomi’s experience with Sino-bus Singapore Math has changed her attitude toward learning in general. “I’m more curious now,” she says. “I want to understand how things work, not just know the answers.”
This attitude serves her well as she faces more complex math topics. “When I learn algebra next year, I won’t just memorize rules. I’ll want to understand why those rules work and how they connect to what I already know.”
Xiaomi’s story shows how focusing on understanding rather than memorization can transform a child’s math learning experience. Through Sino-bus Singapore Math program, she has developed deep mathematical understanding that will serve her well throughout her education and life.
The program demonstrates that when children truly understand math concepts, they become confident, flexible problem-solvers who can apply their knowledge in new situations. This approach not only improves math skills but also develops critical thinking abilities that are valuable in all areas of life.
For parents considering math programs for their children, Xiaomi’s experience suggests that looking for programs that emphasize deep understanding rather than quick results may yield better long-term outcomes. As Xiaomi herself says, “When you really understand, you never really forget.”
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