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How to Use the CPA Approach to Help Kids Learn Math Better

Did you know that using the CPA approach can help kids learn Math better and faster?

I first heard about the CPA approach when I was doing my research about Seriously Addictive Mathematics, and it was definitely an eye-opener.

My close friends would know how much I love learning new things. And as a mom, I want Zeeka to also have the same love of learning as I do.

Now that she’s in school, one of my priorities is for her to enjoy learning, especially Math. But because math is an abstract subject, it can get difficult for kids like her to understand the concepts behind it. I’m lucky though that ever since Zeeka was a little, she loved counting more than singing her ABCs.

To make mathematical concepts more concrete, the Singapore Ministry of Education devised a learning program that uses the CPA approach. They then applied it to what we now know as Singapore Math for kids. I have been noticing a lot of improvement from Zeeka, so I decided to share with you what the CPA approach is (based on my research).

CPA Approach Explained

Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract Approach (CPA) was a concept derived from American Psychologist Jerome Bruner.

It is based on a theory of instructions proposed by Bruner in his book, Towards a Theory of Instruction. The idea comes from enactive, iconic, and symbolic modes of representations, and was later on adopted by the Singapore Ministry of Education as its key instructional strategy.

Bruner believed that students learn best by doing. In this approach, students learn by using manipulatives to learn mathematical concepts and skills. Students get the chance to explore, discuss, and understand the problem first hand. Instructors, on the other hand, facilitate and provide structure and feedback to students and increase the depth of understanding for the students.

How Singapore Math for Kids Use the CPA Approach

The approach has three stages: (https://mathsnoproblem.com/en/the-maths/teaching-methods/concrete-pictorial-abstract/)

 

  • Concrete Stage – This stage lets students manipulate concrete objects to model problems. Unlike traditional processes, the CPA approach brings the concept to life and allows students to handle and experience the objects and make sense of the problem at hand.

 

Credits to www.mathsnoproblem.com

 

 

  • Pictorial Stage -This refers to the seeing stage, where images are used to represent objects to solve a math problem. It lets the students make a mental connection between the concrete object and the models that represent the problem.

 

 

  • Abstract/ Symbolic Stage – This stage lets the students connect the previous stages to the abstract symbols to model the problem. It also involves the teacher introducing abstract concepts using numbers and symbols.

 

 

Using this process ensures that the child gets a deeper understanding of how problem-solving works. It also helps children create powerful mental connections and provides them with a structured way to learn concepts.

Most importantly, kids also get to learn at their own pace. With enough support from certified trainers, students get a fun and effective way to learn Math.

That’s what makes Singapore Math for kids awesome.

 

How to Use the CPA Approach at Home

So how can we parents use the CPA approach to prepare our kids for learning Math?

I went to Pinterest to look for simple, easy-to-do learning games we can play with our kids. And here are some we can use the materials we already have at home.

 

 

  • Lego Blocks

 

Lego blocks have huge intrinsic educational and creative value. But more than that, children can also build their spatial and proportional awareness through these toys.

They also help increase your kid’s gross and fine motor skills. And in advance situations, high school and college students can also use advanced Lego kits for robotics, computer programming, modeling, and more.

So how can you use blocks to introduce counting to your preschooler?

Draw numerals and dots on Lego Duplo blocks and help kids recognize numbers. You can even use the blocks as a measuring tool.

For more Lego ideas, you can check out this post from TheImaginationTree.com.

 

 

  • Playdough

 

Playdough is soft, fun, and can be changed into whatever shape we want. And this makes it an awesome toy/tool to use for teaching our kids math.

You can form it and shape it to numbers and dots.

You can hide small toys in them and do a mini-treasure hunt while counting how many they got.

You can also cut it into and use it to demonstrate fractions for older kids to understand.  

Watch this video to see ten more ways you can use playdough to learn math from DeniseGaskins.com.

  • Popsicle sticks

Popsicle sticks are a creative way to help kids identify numbers.

All you need are 20 popsicle sticks and a few colored markers. Number each stick from 1 to 10 in bold, black letters. Then make designs on the remaining sticks with corresponding numbers using different shapes and colors.

Once done, you can ask your child to match the sticks with the corresponding numbers, and even ask about the different shapes and colors on the sticks.

Texture Sequencing Sticks

Be creative! Use envelopes or glasses to count, or fruit loops and other items to create different patterns. You can also add in symbols to create simple equations for older kids.

Your imagination is your limit!

 

If you want to learn more about CPA approach and Singapore Math for kids, you can check out the nearest  Seriously Addictive Mathematics Philippines center near you.

Here’s a little something for you!

To avail of the discount:

  1. Register via SMS/Text by sending: PD15 / Parent’s Name / Mobile No. / Email / City of nearest SAM branch to 0917-5826867
  2. Wait for the reply with the 6 digit code and save it.
  3. Show the 6 digit code at the SAM branch upon enrolment.

*Terms and Conditions:

  1. To avail of the 15%, register to the Promo Discount
  2. Show SAM center the 6-digit code from the reply text of SAM Head Office
  3. 15% off is to be applied on the first month of tuition fee only.
  4. 6-Digit code is unique and is assigned by SAM head office
  5. Only non-SAM students can avail of the 15% discount.
  6. Promo discount is valid from Aug. 27, 2018 to Feb. 28, 2019 only.

Hope you like this article about the CPA approach! Have you ever heard of this? What do you think of it?

Five Ways to Improve your Kid’s Critical Thinking Skills

Building your kid’s critical thinking skills today can be the key to ensuring his bright future. And I can attest to that! I’ve seen a lot of successful people in the industry who have achieved what they have accomplished because of critical thinking skills. It’s no wonder that this is one of the things that is being taught in the Seriously Addictive Mathematics classes of Zeeka.

In just a few years, job descriptions and requirements have changed. I couldn’t imagine how fast things will change in the years to come. The question is, how do we prepare our kids for what’s ahead? How do we ensure their competitive edge when the time comes?

It’s just normal for us, parents, to get worried about these things. That’s why we do our best to send our kids to school and enrich them with experiences that will help them prepare for real life.

But first, let’s define what critical thinking skills are, and how conceptual understanding skills play a role in it.

What are Critical Thinking Skills?

Critical thinking skills are defined as a set of skills that lets you observe, experience, and analyze information to establish its integrity. It is our ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking and our response as an active learner rather than a passive observer.

These skills vary in levels, but also include the following:

– The ability to observe, analyze, and interpret topics in an objective and critical way
– Reflect, evaluate, and infer different arguments and angles in relation to a particular topic or issue
– Analyze and evaluate a point of view to determine its validity and strength
– Recognize negative points in an argument
– Ability to infer and predict implications of statements or arguments
– Explain and provide a structured reasoning and support for an argument
– Ability to solve problems and decision making

Critical thinking skills are the most sought-after skills in business today. People who have critical thinking skills can be a strong asset to any organization. These people are great communicators, fair leaders, and brilliant strategists that earn well and live purposeful, meaningful lives.

Sounds too good to be true? Definitely not.

As an entrepreneur, I get to be a part of different local and international communities. And every day, I get to meet awesome people who live amazing lives.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that these folks don’t ever have problems. It’s just that they respond better to challenges and find the best solutions to make things better. That’s how I imagine my child would be like in the future. And it’s the reason why I choose to invest in Zeeka today so she could get to have the life she wants.

Today, I’m sharing some tips on how I help Zeeka improve her critical thinking skills. Most of these things are pretty simple, doable things you can do every day. Some of them are worthy investments I make to ensure her future.

How to Improve your Child’s Critical Thinking Skills

1. Read to them and ask questions.

Do you agree that reading is the key to success? 🙂

Reading is actually equivalent to flexing the muscles in your brain. Every time you read, your brain creates different connections and responses, enriching your critical thinking. You get exposed to different ideas, travel to different places, and even change the way you see things with just books.

Reading also increases empathy and emotional intelligence. Stories help kids learn more about other people’s situations and recognize emotional cues. This helps them respond properly and learn more about human interactions.

This is why I invest in storybooks and read bedtime stories with Zeeka as much as I can. I also ask her questions about what she thinks and even let her tell her own stories through the pictures in the books.

Pro Tip: Kids learn through imitation so make sure you also read regularly at home. Kids who see their parents reading have higher chances of picking up books themselves.

You also don’t have to spend big bucks on books. But make sure to get topics that your kids are interested in, like dinosaurs and spaceships.

 

2. Let them play.

Children learn best through play. It reduces stress, improves balance, enriches cognitive skills and contributes to their social and literacy skills.

While it looks simple and complex, play is actually a form of expression that helps kids develop their imagination, dexterity, and emotional strength. It is through play that children make sense of the world around them. It also strengthens their immune system and also develops self-confidence and self-esteem.

It is recommended for parents to spend at least 15-20 minutes a day playing with their kids. Not only does it build your relationship with kids, it also gives you a chance to see the world through their kids’ eyes.

Pro Tip: Let your kids take the lead when you’re playing. As much as possible, don’t impose rigid rules especially on younger kids. Let them explore different materials and let them be creative with their play. As your kids grow older, you can introduce more structured games to help kids practice understanding and applying strategies and decision making.

3. Encourage them to try new things.

Children are naturally curious, and most of them learn through trial and error. And as parents, it’s important for us to encourage them as they go through this learning process.

It’s also an awesome opportunity for us to teach kids about life skills. Challenges are bound to arise, and children can be frustrated when encountering them. With proper guidance and processing, facing these challenges can teach them the value of resilience and courage.

Pro Tip: Kids need to know that they’re safe before they try new things. Strengthen their sense of security on a daily basis by making time for them regularly and paying attention every time. Assure them that mistakes are OK, and encourage them to find solutions to these errors.

4. Pause and wait.

As much as we love our kids, it’s also important for them to learn how to be independent.

Research shows that kids who are given tasks and responsibilities at home grow up to be more successful. They also need to have the chance to learn things and process their emotions on their own.

Yes, it does hurt when we see them cry when they’re frustrated or hurt. But we also need to understand that we won’t always be there to fix things for them.

Giving them the chance to do things on their own will benefit them in the long run and also help them become holistically stronger.

Pro Tip: Get a list of chores your kids can do and assign it to them. Here’s a quick guide of tasks according to age group and abilities.

5. Teach kids to love mathematics

Kids usually find Math difficult to understand because of its abstract nature. The good thing is, there are existing supplemental Math programs that make it easier for kids to understand.

S.A.M Singapore Math let kids learn Mathematics the fun way. With tools and strategies that encourage self-learning, kids of all ages get to learn more than the traditional processes.

Students of the method increase its students’ conceptual understanding. This means children get to grasp ideas and concepts and apply it to different situations and domains.

Solving problems can get frustrating. But this level of frustration can always be a good thing especially if it builds character and grit. As kids solve more problems, their self-esteem grows. It makes them more open to ideas and more confident to face the challenges that come their way.

Pro Tip: Enroll your kids in supplementary education programs like S.A.M Singapore Math to improve their critical thinking skills. Because there is no spoon feeding in S.A.M Singapore Math, kids learn independent thinking and life skills.

If you’d like to know more about S.A.M. Singapore Math, visit the website here.

And here’s a surprise!

To avail of the discount:

  1. Register via SMS/Text by sending: PD15 / Parent’s Name / Mobile No. / Email / City of nearest SAM branch to 0917-5826867
  2. Wait for the reply with the 6 digit code and save it.
  3. Show the 6 digit code at the SAM branch upon enrolment.

*Terms and Conditions:

  1. To avail of the 15%, register to the Promo Discount
  2. Show SAM center the 6-digit code from the reply text of SAM Head Office
  3. 15% off is to be applied on the first month of tuition fee only.
  4. 6-Digit code is unique and is assigned by SAM head office
  5. Only non-SAM students can avail of the 15% discount.
  6. Promo discount is valid from Aug. 27, 2018 to Feb. 28, 2019 only.

Build your kid’s critical thinking skills with these tips! Or better yet, share more tips with us in the comments section below. 🙂

Love lots,