School FAQ

In typical U.S. math programs, students get a worked example, then solve problems that very closely follow that example, repeating all the same steps with different numbers. In Singapore math, students must think through concepts and apply them in new ways from the very start. Since they can’t rely on simple replication, students are pushed to greater engagement and broader thinking. In U.S. math programs, concepts and skills are more compartmentalized within and across grade levels than in Singapore math, where a strong sense of connectivity to past learning is woven throughout. Unique Singapore math methods, such as number bonds and bar modeling, also set Singapore math apart from typical U.S. math pedagogical styles.

The Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) approach develops a deep understanding of math through building on existing knowledge. This highly effective framework introduces concepts in a tangible way and progresses to increasing levels of abstraction. In the concrete phase, students interact with physical objects to model problems. In the pictorial phase, they make a mental connection between the objects they just handled and visual representations of those objects. For example, real oranges (or counters standing in for oranges) are now represented as drawings of oranges. In the abstract phase, students use symbolic modeling of problems using numbers and math symbols (+, −, ×, ÷). 

By varying the methods and phases of CPA fluidly, educators help reinforce important connections. Students work towards math mastery when they view concepts with increasing levels of abstraction over time. Not all lessons include all three CPA stages as application of this approach varies by topic. Instead, CPA principles are woven throughout the curriculum, and support other important strategies such as number bonds, bar modeling, and mental math.  

Please read Our Story and What is Singapore Math? to learn more.

Singapore has consistently ranked at the top in international math testing for decades.  

Two international tests, the TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) and the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), assess math and science competency in countries around the world. Singapore students consistently rank among the top on both tests. 

Here's a great introduction (PDF). We created Dimensions Math PK-5 to better serve teachers and students. We preserved all the methods and content that make Singapore math so effective, while making improvements to educator resources, design, and more. Concepts are presented in an inviting format with vibrant imagery, while the progression and scope that define Singapore math remain intact. This is our most substantial program. Take a look inside each book of the program here.

You can find it under Resources, or right here: Scope & Sequence (PDF)

Dimensions Math includes extensive teaching materials. Check out Dimensions Math PK-5 Overview for Schools and All Dimensions Math PK-5 Resources.

The content was created by our team of teachers and experts with over 100 combined years of Singapore math classroom experience. The series is written, designed, and published in-house by Singapore Math Inc. 

Lessons in Grades 1-5 are well-defined and follow a consistent sequence. They begin with a problem for discussion, move to an explanation of the concepts, introduce vocabulary, and provide various approaches to solving the problem. This is followed by a set of learning tasks that extend the concept, ending with a set of problems to assess understanding.  

Textbooks and Workbooks include additional problems. Workbooks offer independent practice while maintaining the careful progression of exercise variation. They are where students hone their skills, and are a necessary component of the series. Workbook exercises are differentiated and include basic problems, practice problems, and challenging problems. 

Teacher’s Guides are in full color and include reduced-size copies of Textbook and Workbook pages for easy reference to every lesson. The Teacher’s Guides give more ideas for differentiation and include math literature suggestions. 

There are Textbooks, Workbooks, Teacher’s Guides, and Tests for each grade. Textbooks, Workbooks, and Teacher's Guides are necessary to successfully use this program. Tests are optional. Note that there is only one Tests book for Grade K, and none for Grade PK.

Yes, you need both Textbooks and Workbooks to successfully use the Dimensions Math curriculum. They are designed to be used together and the program is incomplete if one is left out. Textbooks introduce concepts and are central to learning and understanding new topics. Workbooks provide practice and independent work, which is essential for solidifying new knowledge. 

Dimensions Math PK–5 is not aligned with the Common Core State Standards, but covers the standards in its own unique progression. The few standards not included in the Textbooks (for example, line plots of measurements to fractions of an inch in Grade 3) are covered in the Teacher’s Guides. Dimensions Math 6-8 meets and exceeds Common Core State Standards. 

Dimensions Math PK–5 Common Core Standards alignments (PDF) 

Dimensions Math 6-8 Common Core Standards alignments (PDF) 

The Dimensions Math 6-8 program brings the Singapore math approach to middle school, emphasizing problem solving and empowering students to think mathematically. This rigorous series integrates pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, some trigonometry, and advanced math topics. Learn more here. 

Dimensions Math includes expanded teaching materials, here on our Resources page, such as videos, Blackline Masters, letters home, and more. 

Lessons begin with a class activity to encourage discovery. Worked examples of new concepts are followed by similar questions for students to solidify their understanding. 

Exercises include: 

• Basic Practice: Simple questions that drill comprehension of concepts
• Further Practice: More challenging questions that involve direct application
• Challenging Practice: Questions that require synthesis
• Maths@Work: Questions that apply mathematical concepts to real world situations
• Brainworks and Enrichment: Questions involving higher order thinking or an open-ended approach to problems 

Each chapter in Grades 7-8 is followed by a review exercise. The Extend Your Learning Curve activity encourages students to consider math outside the classroom with questions requiring sentence or paragraph reflections on their learning experiences. 

As in all our programs, the school year is divided into two semesters: A and B. A books cover the first half of the year, and B books cover the second half of the year. 

Grade 6 includes (A and B) Textbooks, Workbooks, Teacher’s Guides, and Workbook Solutions.  

Grades 7-8 include (A and B) Textbooks, Workbooks, Teaching Notes and Solutions, and Workbook Solutions. 

Dimensions Math 7 and 8 together cover Pre-algebra and Algebra 1 topics, with some geometry. Dimensions Math 6 is aligned with Common Core Standards, and so while it does include some Pre-algebra topics, it is not a Pre-algebra text in the traditional sense. It is a Grade 6 text.

Dimensions Math 7 assumes students are new to Pre-algebra topics, such as integers and simple algebraic equations, but goes farther into Algebra topics than would a traditional Pre-algebra text. Therefore, Dimensions Math 8 has greater expectations for what students have covered previously (particularly with regard to linear equations) than a traditional Algebra 1 text. The two grades, 6 and 7, are meant to be done as a set.

After grade 8, students may move onto Geometry and Algebra 2 programs.

Yes, you need both Textbooks and Workbooks to successfully use the Dimensions Math curriculum. They are designed to be used together and the program is incomplete if one is left out. Textbooks introduce concepts and are central to learning and understanding new topics. Workbooks provide practice and independent work, which is essential for solidifying new knowledge. 

In Dimensions Math 6-8 Textbooks, lessons engage students with different levels of problem solving and real world application of math topics. Lessons progress as follows: 

Chapter Opener: Introduces a topic through a real world example and identifies learning objectives. 

Example: Helps students understand and master a concept through a worked example.  

Try It!: Gives students an opportunity to answer a similar question to check how well they have grasped the concept. 

Class Activity: Introduces new concepts through cooperative learning methods. 

Basic Practice: Provides simple questions that involve the direct application of concepts. 

Further Practice: Provides more challenging questions that involve the direct application of concepts. 

Math@Work: Provides questions that involve the application of integrated concepts to practical situations. 

Brainworks: Provides higher-order thinking questions that involve an open-ended approach to problem solving. 

In A Nutshell: Consolidates important rules and concepts for quick and easy review. 

Extend Your Learning Curve: Extends and applies concepts to problems that are investigative in nature and engages students in independent research. 

We are considering developing lessons for Grades 7-8 in the future, but they are not currently in production. 

Dimensions Math PK–5 is not aligned with the Common Core State Standards, but covers the standards in its own unique progression. The few standards not included in the Textbooks (for example, line plots of measurements to fractions of an inch in Grade 3) are covered in the Teacher’s Guides. Dimensions Math 6-8 meets and exceeds Common Core State Standards. 

Dimensions Math PK–5 Common Core Standards alignments (PDF) 

Dimensions Math 6-8 Common Core Standards alignments (PDF) 

Please reach out to our School Support Team at school@singaporemath.com to request information regarding digital access.

Please contact us at school@singaporemath.com to plan your ordering.

As new editions of Primary Mathematics and Dimensions Math have been released over recent years, Primary Mathematics Common Core and its associated materials have been replaced with updated content to best meet the needs of today’s students and educators.

Missing or Lost Packages: 

If you believe your package is lost in transit, please refer to the tracking information that was emailed to you when your package shipped. The estimated transit time for orders shipped by standard shipping is 5-14 business days, but delays may sometimes occur. If there have been no tracking updates to your shipment after 15 business days, please contact us.  If a package is marked as delivered but you can’t find it, we recommend checking the following: 

• Confirm the delivery address for accuracy.  
• Look around the delivery location (front desks, porches, garages, etc.) and check with anyone living/working at the same location.  
• Contact the delivery carrier for more specific details.  

If the package is still unaccounted for after these steps, please reach out to us at school@singaporemath.com for additional instructions. So that we may serve you effectively, missing packages must be reported to our team within 90 days of placing your order. 

 

Order Discrepancies or Damaged Items 

If your goods arrive in a damaged condition, or there is a discrepancy in the contents of an order you have received, please contact us at school@singaporemath.com within 7 days of the delivery. Please include a complete description of the situation, along with photos of the damaged item(s), box(es), and shipping label(s). 

 

Understanding Free and Standard Shipping 

Orders weighing up to 15 lbs (about 9 books) with free or standard shipping may be shipped by UPS Mail Innovations. Mail Innovations is a shipping service that uses both the UPS and USPS network to deliver your package. UPS picks up your package from our warehouse and delivers it to your regional USPS facility. It is then sent to your local post office and delivered by your USPS mail carrier. 

You can track Mail Innovations shipments on the UPS website. Tracking on the UPS website will follow your package until it is delivered. If the package has entered the USPS postal system, the UPS tracking page will also link to the tracking on the USPS website. 

Orders weighing over 15 lbs with free or standard shipping may shipped by USPS Media Mail or UPS Ground. Your order confirmation will include a tracking number along with the carrier of your shipment. USPS Media Mail shipments will be picked up and delivered by USPS. UPS Ground shipments will be picked up and delivered by UPS. 

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