I was thrilled to get a chance to review Dimensions Math PK-5 from Singapore Math Inc. The level I received is Level 2B. Additionally, I received access to online Blackline Masters and resources.
The books are set up in two segments: A and B to correspond with the first and second half of the school year. I received Level 2B, so the lessons begin with Chapter 8.
What is Dimensions Math PK-5 from Singapore Math Inc.?
I received:
A full-color illustrated, glossy paperback, 165-page student text.
A spiral-bound, hardcover glossy teacher manual that includes a full-color picture of the student text pages on each lesson page and answers to the workbook pages at the end of each chapter inside the Teacher Guide. The Teacher Guide is set up with an easy-to-follow format of:
Overview - Notes - Materials Lists - Chapter Opener - Think - Learn - Do - Activities - Brain Works
I also received a consumable student workbook which is glossy paperback, grayscale, perforated tear-out 186 pages.
A full-color illustrated, glossy paperback, 165-page student text.
A spiral-bound, hardcover glossy teacher manual that includes a full-color picture of the student text pages on each lesson page and answers to the workbook pages at the end of each chapter inside the Teacher Guide. The Teacher Guide is set up with an easy-to-follow format of:
Overview - Notes - Materials Lists - Chapter Opener - Think - Learn - Do - Activities - Brain Works
I also received a consumable student workbook which is glossy paperback, grayscale, perforated tear-out 186 pages.
Additionally, I received access to online Blackline Masters and additional resources, like this materials list.
Dimensions Math PK-5 is a new series that was written by a group of teachers. It is based on the Singapore math curriculum that emphasizes a Concrete - Pictorial - Abstract progression of learning while incorporating fun, hands-on activities. This new series has been updated for United States teaching.
The curriculum helps the student learn and feel competent in math skills using what is referred to as:
Visual learning through "three pedagogical stages: concrete, pictorial, and abstract," logically sequenced lessons to provide a strong foundation for advanced math with detailed support for both the student and the teacher.
The textbooks present math with full-color images, while the workbooks, at the 2B level, are done in grayscale. The method requires a hands-on, involved teacher/parent to follow the well-thought-out Teacher's Guide to instruct the student and lead him or her in activities that reinforce the lesson. Throughout the series, five "friends" join the student to help relate and make the lessons more real-life, relational.
Each lesson has corresponding activities and/or workbook sheets to complete, and each chapter has practice pages. At the very end of the book, there are more review pages which could be used as tests. At the end of the Level B books, the review covers the entire year.
How Did We Use It?
I sat down with my daughter and worked my way through the Teacher Guide alongside her as she followed along in the text, workbook, and activities.
I will admit that math is not my daughter's favorite subject, so this year I started her back below her grade level to make sure she has a good, solid foundation before moving into higher level math later on. So, she was already working a couple years below her grade, but that's what she needs to move forward. When I was given the Level 2B, I assumed it corresponded to Grade 2 level. But, I was actually pleasantly suprised to discover the material presented in the book seemed to be at a higher level than what I would expect to see in a second grade book.
I will admit that math is not my daughter's favorite subject, so this year I started her back below her grade level to make sure she has a good, solid foundation before moving into higher level math later on. So, she was already working a couple years below her grade, but that's what she needs to move forward. When I was given the Level 2B, I assumed it corresponded to Grade 2 level. But, I was actually pleasantly suprised to discover the material presented in the book seemed to be at a higher level than what I would expect to see in a second grade book.
What Did We Think?
We really like how there are a lot of hands-on activities that drive the lessons home, especially for my kinesthetic, art-loving, get-in-there and do it kind of learner. As the teacher, I appreciated that the answers to the workbook pages were presented inside the Teacher Guide at the end of each chapter instead of lumping them all together to weed through at the end of the book. I also liked how there was a full-color student text page pictured alongside each lesson in the Teacher Guide. I don't typically give my child tests, so the review at the back of the book looks suitable to complete as a review for us, but it could be used as a final test if you prefer. I found this curriculum to be very well-rounded and engaging and a bit of a boost and encouragement that we needed in the subject of math.
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