Another easy, visual approach to learning English from the authors of the Word by Word Picture Dictionary and the Word by Word Primary Phonics Picture Dictionary.

I have been teaching English to Japanese and Korean students for four years. Out of all of the workbooks that I've used, Side by Side is the best at getting shy students to engage in conversation. Someone mentioned that the fashions are a little bit outdated; however, none of my students have had a problem with this and letting students have fun is key. The illustrations are amusing and fun to look at and talk about! This book can be used in so many different ways. Sometimes I will copy the illustrations and put them on a poster or on flash cards. I am DEFINATELY not an artist and these pictures really help. Give this series a try! They are great!

After teaching for 2 years, this is a great book. It has an excellent mix of grammar, vocabulary and reading texts. I only wish it had a DVD and mall flash cards to go with it.

When you use the right level book for the right level student it is great. There are many other books out there that gloss over all types of grammars, functions, vocab'and pronunciation. However, this does attempt to explore the more important parts of grammar. The grammar is graduated based upon increasing levels of student's ability, which is an important point. Also, I especially like it's drilling of the third person.

It is a good book if you know what you are doing. A text + student does not equal an English lesson. There is more than just the text book in language learning.

I have read some other quite critical reviews of this series, but I would like to point out its merits. I have used book 1 & 2 for the last 10 years, and if I could only take one book with me to my next county - that would be it. These books are the best out there for developing accuracy of forms which are necessary for beginning students. It provides realistic dialogues with ample practice through substitution drills. The illustrations are both humourous and clear so that the books are easy to use with real beginners. For students at the pre-intermediate level and above, I would suggest only using this series as a supplement to practice grammar forms (I usually make an overhead and let students practice in pairs).

As for comments about dialogues with social security numbers or talking about San Juan - if something doesn't apply to your situation - skip it!!!! (That information is relevant for some students)