Singapore Math Strategies
See it, then just know it — no counting needed! 💡
Every picture here is the same one you'll see in the games. Tap 💡 Need a hint? while playing to bring it up.
🔗 Number Bonds
Part · Part · Whole
5 + 3 = 8
8 − 5 = 3
8 − 3 = 5
A number bond shows how a whole is made of parts. Know the parts and you know the whole — and the two subtractions too. One bond gives you three facts!
🎯 Bonds to 10
Your secret weapon
Knowing these by heart is the foundation for fast mental math. Say them until they feel as easy as your own name!
✨ Make Ten
Mental math superpower
To add 8 + 5, borrow 2 from the 5 to fill the frame (8 + 2 = 10), then add the 3 left over. Big sums become easy!
📏 Count On & Count Back
The number line
For adding, start at the big number and hop forward. For subtracting, start at the number and hop back. Jumping to the nearest ten first makes it faster!
🧱 Base-10 Blocks
Hundreds · Tens · Ones
Blocks make big numbers something you can see. When ones reach 10, trade them for a ten. When tens reach 10, trade them for a hundred. That's carrying and borrowing!
➕ Adding with Blocks
27 + 15
▸Ones: 7 + 5 = 12 → trade 10 ones for 1 ten (2 left)
▸Tens: 2 + 1 + 1 carried = 4
Put the blocks together, then regroup: 12 ones become 1 ten and 2 ones. Now just read the answer!
✖️ Arrays
Multiplication in rows
Multiplication is just equal rows. Count the rows and how many in each — that's your times table, drawn as a picture.
➗ Sharing
Division in groups
12 marbles in 3 equal groups → 4 each
Division means sharing equally. Deal them out one by one until every group has the same amount.
🍕 Fractions
Equal parts of a whole
1/4 of 12 apples — each group has 3
A fraction is equal parts. The bottom number counts the parts; the top counts how many we mean. To find 1/4 of 12, split 12 into 4 equal groups — one group is the answer.
💰 Money
Count it up
Total: 65¢
Start with the biggest coins and count on. 25 + 25 = 50, then 10 = 60, then 5 = 65¢.
⏰ Telling the Time
Hour & minute hands
The short hand points to the hour. The long hand points to the minutes. When the long hand is on the 6, it's half past (30 minutes).
🪞 Doubles & Halves
Two equal parts
6 + 6 = 12 · double 6 = 12
Double means add the same number to itself. Half splits it into two equal parts. Know your doubles and halving is free!
🐸 Skip Counting
Hop by the same step
Count by 2s
Count by 2s, 5s, 10s and more. Each hop adds the same amount — that's the pattern. Find the missing number!
🧠 Pictures first, then numbers
Concrete → Pictorial → Abstract
Singapore Math starts with real objects, then pictures (blocks, ten-frames, bars, clocks — everything above), and finally numbers. Use the hints while you play. Soon you won't need them — the answer will just pop into your head!
🎮 The games
Pick your challenge