Singapore Math fans have yet another choice for math programs that use the Singapore Math approach, but it is more expensive than most other options. Like the original Singapore Primary Math series, Math in Focus (MIF) is especially strong in developing conceptual understanding. It differs from some of the other Singapore Math series because it is aligned with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
The program covers kindergarten through eighth grade, and the scope and sequence is advanced, as is true of other Singapore Math options. A major focus of MIF is preparing students for success in algebra. Consequently, algebraic thinking and expressions are introduced early and used frequently throughout the series. The latest editions, published in 2020, include an accelerated course option for seventh grade that prepares advanced students to take Algebra 1 in eighth grade. (It's important to note that courses for grades six through eight are numbered 1, 2, and 3 and might easily be confused with the courses for the primary grades.)
Math in Focus differs from the other Singapore Math series in that it has only one student book per semester rather than a separate textbook and workbook for each semester. The homeschool kit for kindergarten includes a book of activity cards for each semester, while the kits for other levels include one Assessment Guide for each two-semester course. In addition, manipulatives are used heavily in kindergarten through all grade levels.
Each course is designed to be taught from the two-volume Teacher's Edition (TE). The TEs for each level have lots of useful information in addition to detailed lesson plans. Reduced images of student pages in the TE show which pages to use and when. Answers overprinted on the reduced student pages serve as your answer key. The TEs are essential since they explain how to present each lesson, provide answer keys, and suggest additional activities. They also point out common errors children tend to make and suggest solutions. With the new editions, it appears that the publisher is focusing even more on classroom students than homeschoolers since the TEs are classroom-oriented, and some ancillary books are not available to homeschoolers.
Throughout the series, concepts are taught moving through a sequence of concrete to pictorial to abstract. Concrete learning happens through hands-on activities with manipulatives such as counters, coins, number lines, or Base Ten Blocks™. Pictorial learning uses pictures in student books, drawings, or other forms that illustrate the concept with something more than abstract numbers. The abstract stage is the more familiar way most math problems are taught and practiced with numbers and symbols. Manipulatives are used throughout all levels, but more frequently in lower levels than upper. While the publisher sells manipulatives, you will probably do better purchasing manipulative kits from Rainbow Resource Center that have been designed for homeschoolers.
Lessons at all levels also follow the same progression. A lesson begins with the teaching presentation. Next, the teacher walks students through guided practice. Then students do independent practice. Lessons concentrate on a single concept rather than providing continual practice on previously learned concepts. However, review is provided at the beginning of each chapter, as well as through word problems, practical application problems, and critical thinking activities. The goal of Math in Focus is to teach concepts so thoroughly that frequent review is unnecessary. It's important to note that performance tasks and STEAM projects have been added to lessons in the 2020 editions.
The entire presentation in Math in Focus challenges students to think much more deeply about mathematics than do most other programs. Students can’t just breeze through the lessons. Students who grasp concepts easily will likely do very well with this program. For students who struggle, you might slow the pace and take more time with the concrete and pictorial lessons or offer extra guided practice.
Summary
Math in Focus is a very polished product, with sturdy and extensive Teacher's Editions and full-color printing of both TEs and student texts. It's a beautiful looking and thoroughly developed program, but it is classroom-oriented and costs more than other Singapore Math options.
