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Singapore Math® Materials – at a Glance

Which edition do I want? It’s a common question from schools adopting a Singapore Math® curriculum. Here are the basics on all the editions:

Dimensions Math 1-5
Primary Math Common Core
Primary Math U.S. Edition
Math in Focus
Dimensions Math 6-8
Primary Math Standards
Kindergarten and Pre-K

Dimensions Mathematics  (2017 – 2020)

Level 1 – 5  components:

     

  • Teacher’s Guides A & B
  • Textbook A & B
  • Workbook A & B
  • Tests 1-5 

Disclosure: I am an author of the Dimensions Math Teacher’s Guides and a reviewer of the textbooks.

 Primary Mathematics Common Core Edition (2014)

Level 1 – 5  components:

3a PM TG Pimary Mathematics Common Core Textbook 3a Primary Mathematics Common Core workbook 3a Primary Mathematics Common Core Extra Prac 3 Pimary Mathematics Common Core CWP 3

  • Teacher’s Guides A & B
  • Textbook A & B
  • Workbook A & B
  • Assessments 
  • Extra Practice*
  • Challenging Word Problems*

Primary Mathematics Standards Edition (2007)

Level 1 – 6 components:

Primary Mathematics Standards TG 3A Primary Mathematics Standards textbook 3A Primary Mathematics Standards workbook 3A Primary Mathematics Standards Extra Practice 3A  Primary Mathematics Standards Tests 3A

  • Teacher’s Guide A and B
  • Textbook A & B
  • Workbook A & B
  • Extra Practice*
  • Challenging Word Problems*
  • Tests A & B

These books are aligned to the California State Standards of 2007, not the Common Core Standards.

Primary Mathematics U.S Edition (2001 – 2003)

Level 1 – 6 components:

Primary Mathematics US TG 3A Primary Mathematics US textbook 3A Primary Mathematics US workbook 3A Primary Mathematics US Extra Practice 3A  Primary Mathematics US Intensive Practice 3A
Teacher’s Guide Parts A and B

  • Textbook A & B
  • Workbook A & B
  • Extra Practice*
  • Challenging Word Problems*
  • Intensive Practice*

*Supplemental

So which is best? That’s for you to decide.

  • Dimensions Math has the most robust and rigorous materials. The scope and sequence is similar to Primary Mathematics, with an updated look, and user-friendly Teacher’s guides. Teacher’s Guides include textbook and workbook pages with a colored answer overlay.  It is aligned with most state standards and tests are available both in book form and online.
  • The Common Core Edition is aligned to most state standards. Tests are available in book form and through the Primary Digital program, which is Adobe Flash-based. Teacher’s Guides include textbook and workbook pages. They also provide deeper explanation of how the math works and how to explain it to students.
  • The Standards Edition is aligned to California State Standards from 2007. (Can’t see much use for these right now.)
  • The U.S. Edition is the least changed from what made Singapore tops on the TIMSS. It’s aligned to the Singapore Syllabus circa 2001 and despite its age, still a great option. The Teacher’s Guides can be a challenge to work with if teachers need additional help with mathematics. Answer keys are provided as separate booklets.

Materials from the four programs are not interchangeable. It would be difficult to use the Standards Edition tests with the Common Core Edition. That being stated, many schools use the Intensive Practice and Challenging Word Problems books even though they are aligned to different editions, as they have solid, rigorous problems from the most foundational topics.

Dimensions Math Kindergarten (2017):

  • Teacher’s Guides A & B
  • Textbook A & B
  • Workbook A & B
  • Tests

Earlybird Kindergarten Mathematics (2015) Common Core Edition:

Earlybird Mathematics Common Core TG KA Earlybird Mathematics Common Core Text KA Earlybird Mathematics Common Core Activity KA

  • Textbook Parts A & B (Includes Math at Home activities)
  • Activity Book Parts A & B
  • Teacher’s Guide Parts A and B & Teacher’s Resource Pack

Earlybird Kindergarten Mathematics Standards Edition (2007):

Earlybird Mathematics Standards TG KA Earlybird Mathematics Standards Text KA Earlybird Mathematics Standards Activity KA KRDASET-3

  • Textbook Parts A & B (Includes Math at Home activities)
  • Activity Book A & B
  • Teacher’s Guide A and B & Teacher’s Resource Pack
  • Posters
  • Big Books (Also available as Readers)

Which is best? Dimension Math provides the most supplemental activities within the Teacher’s Guides to support both parents and teachers. Few classrooms purchase both the Textbook and Workbook (or Activity Book) for every student. 

Dimensions Math Pre-K (2017):

  • Teacher’s Guides A & B
  • Textbook A & B
  • Workbook A & B

Dimensions Mathematics  6 – 8 (2014 – 2017):

  • Textbook A & B
  • Workbook A & B
  • Teacher’s Guide A & B

Dimensions Math textbook 7A Dimesnsions Workbook 7a Dimensions Math Teaching Notes 7a

  • Textbook A & B
  • Workbook A & B
  • Teaching Notes and Solution Guide A & B*

  • Textbook A & B
  • Workbook A & B
  • Teaching Notes and Solution Guide A & B*

*For levels 7 and 8, note that the Teaching Notes are not a full Teacher’s Guide similar to levels Prek-6. They include minimal (1-2 pages) notes per chapter.

Math in Focus 2020 (2019-2020)

Level K – 8:

  • Student Book A & B
  • Teacher’s Edition A & B
  • Extra Practice and Homework A & B
  • Assessment

Math in Focus 2018 (Also versions with 2010, 2013, 2015 imprints)

Level k – 8:

MiF 3A TG cover Math in Focus Textbook 3A Math in Focus Workbook 3A Math In Focus Assessments 3A Math in Focus Extra Practice 3A Math in Focus Enrichment 3A Math in Focus Reteach 3 Math in Focus School to Home Connections 3A

  • Student Book A & B
  • Workbook A & B
  • Teacher’s Edition A &B
  • Extra Practice
  • Assessment
  • Reteaching
  • Enrichment
  • School-to-Home Connections Book

If given a choice, I’d opt for Dimensions Math or Primary Mathematics. 

Updated 12/31/2020
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