Many students who switch to Dimensions Math after 2^nd grade will need to complete more than one lesson a day until they are on target to complete at least Level 5B by the end of 6^th grade. (Some students may easily be able to finish 6B, and should be encouraged to do so.)

The following time recommendations will help students catch up.

Once students have progressed sufficiently so that they are on track to finish at least Level 5B by the end of 6^th grade, they can complete one lesson per day.

Dimensions Math is divided into two semesters: A-1st semester and B-2nd semester. Students can begin instruction with "A" or "B" depending on their math knowledge. Two one-semester sets should suffice for a standard school year. (If a student is working at an accelerated pace, then you will need more than the two one-semester sets per school year.)

Textbooks and workbooks are also available separately if you are teaching the same level to more than one student.

Each day's lesson uses both the textbook and workbook.

Textbook: Pages are designed to be taught by the teacher, not given to students for independent work. Follow the instructions in the Home Instructor's Guide. Be flexible—students who understand the concept well might skip some repetitive problems; students who struggle might need more assistance. At the end of each day's textbook pages, a yellow pencil directs you to the corresponding exercise in the workbook.

Workbook: There are no directions for the Workbook in the Home Instructor's Guide. Answers are at the end of each chapter and may include teaching hints. Be sure to read the “Workbook” section on page xii in the Home Instructor's Guide.

For workbook pages, read the directions aloud to students and be sure they understand what to do. Then students complete workbook pages independently. If you find that a student has difficulty completing a page, work with them individually. Determine if the student understands the concept but needs to be taught how to work quietly and independently, or if the student doesn't understand and needs more instruction. Workbook pages are perforated and may be torn out if preferred.

As an optional add-on, you can purchase 12-month access to video lessons that teach all the textbook and workbook lessons. These are excellent videos that show students how to use a variety of techniques to solve problems. If you use the videos you won't use the Guides for instruction, but will still need them for answers and as a backup.

You might watch the videos yourself before teaching a lesson to better understand the math techniques used. Or you might watch them together with a student. (If you give them to a student to watch independently, which is not our top recommendation, then train them to stop the video each time the online teacher asks them to work problems.) Skip the videos for the workbook if the student is doing well.

The same teacher and format is used for all grades. You can watch the first few lessons FREE for each course.

We recommend regular practice of math facts written horizontally, instead of vertically, to reinforce how math concepts are being taught in Dimensions Math. Horizontal Math Addition/Subtraction Flashcards and Horizontal Math Multiplication/Division Flashcards are a simple and effective way to mentally practice math facts. Use Fast Facts for written practice of math facts consistent with Dimensions Math.

Textbooks and Workbooks include pages that may be used as tests: two or more cumulative Reviews each semester and one or more Practice Pages for most chapters.

Schools: Optional tests are available to purchase for Grades 1-5. We do not recommend them because in most cases they are not necessary. Reviews and Practice Pages can function as informal tests to document how students are progressing without the added time, stress, and expense of additional testing. However, tests are available for purchase at Dimensions Math. The booklets include answers at the back.