I have decided to pursue Singapore Math with my kids so I’m switching to Dimensions Math with my first grader this year. We’ve been at it for a few months now. Sharing with you all why we switched and also why I chose Dimensions Math, in this review.
Singapore Math
What is Singapore Math? Quoting from the Singapore math website: “The Singapore math method is a highly effective teaching approach originally developed by Singapore’s Ministry of Education for Singapore public schools. The method has been widely adopted in various forms around the world over the past twenty years following our introduction of the curriculum to the U.S. in 1998.”
Why I’m Switching to Singapore Math
My eldest son has been doing a different Math program for 2 years now. He’s completed Math K and is 3/4’s done with Level 1. It was a great program and my son loves it because it’s a lot of fun. But ultimately, I decided that I wanted my kids to do Math the Singapore Math way exclusively. Here are some reasons why we switched:
- Proven results: It only takes a quick Google search to know how effective Singapore Math has been so far with Singaporeans consistently ranking high internationally.
- Unique method: I like the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) approach that Singapore Math does is highly effective. We are just starting with the concept of Number Bonds and I love how it gives the students an understanding of WHY it makes sense to split the numbers a certain way when adding and subtracting.
- Focuses on mastery: Lots of drills for mastery, which I believe is important so that the students can build up on their prexisting knowledge for future lessons. This is one thing that I felt was missing from our previous program as well.
- Can be done independently: Our old curriculum was heavily dependent on the instructor, which I loved when they were little. But now that my son already knows how to read on his own, I would prefer something that will allow him to work more independently.
Dimensions Math
There are many different kinds of Singapore math programs as well, but we decided to go with Dimensions Math. The Dimensions Math curriculum was created by a team of educators and experts from Singapore Math Inc., combining the best practices from their knowledge of Singapore Math. It’s also very affordably priced, which I love.
What’s Included:
1. Teacher’s Guide
This is the instructor’s manual, for the sole use of the teacher. This guide includes:
- Background information on the lessons and concepts
- Detailed lesson plans
- Suggestions on how to teach and activities to try
Note that the Teacher’s Guide was made for classroom set-ups. They recently released a “Home Instructor’s Guide” which is tailored for homeschooling families. I haven’t tried that yet.
2. Textbook
This is what I use to explain the concepts to Luke.
- Main student book
- Introduces the lesson and concept
- Includes practice problems
3. Workbook
- Made for independent use of the student
- Additional practice drills
- Problems are based on the lesson and get increasingly complex
4. Test Book
- Tests for each chapter
- Complete answer keys are included at the end of each Tests book.
How We Use It
We got the entire 1A and 1B sets for my first grader.
We focus on one chapter a week. On Mondays, I will introduce the new chapter by going through the Textbook lesson together. Depending on how he finds it, sometimes we’ll finish the entire chapter in one sitting or sometimes, we’ll split it in 2 days.
Then for the rest of the week, he will work on the exercises from the workbook, one section at a time. Once he finishes with it, he will work on the test book.
Because he has already gone through most of Level 1 from another Math program, we are going through Dimensions Math at a quicker pace than usual. But for the next level, I don’t expect him to finish 1 chapter per week. I think it will be better if we spread it out more so he can master each chapter well. We’ll see.
Overall Recommendation
I personally love the way Dimensions Math was made. I like the presentation and how it explains lessons. So this curriculum gets a thumbs up from us.
Ideally, it would be best to get the entire set. There is merit in each of the components. However, if there are budget constraints, I would recommend getting the Textbook and either a Workbook or Test Book. The Teacher’s Guide is definitely helpful especially if you are not very familiar with the concepts or how to teach the SG Math way.
Where to Purchase
I got them directly from the site Singapore Math. Since we live in the Philippines, I had it shipped to a 3rd party shipping courier and they shipped it together in a box with other items I bought from the US.
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Disclaimer: Singapore Math provided me with the entire set of Dimensions Math 1A and 1B for review. However, all opinions are unbiased and completely my own. (Personal note: I actually bought the Level 2 on my own and it is on the way here!)
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