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Academics: Math
The Everyday Math program was introduced to our first, second and third grade students during the 1999-2000 school year. The following year the program was extended to fourth grade and kindergarten, and this year implementation is complete with the addition of the fifth grade curriculum. Everyday Math is aligned with national (NCTM), state and local standards for mathematics and provides math instruction that is grounded in children's everyday experiences.
Everyday Math builds on fundamental mathematical strands such as numeration and order, measures and measurement, reference frames, operations, patterns, functions and sequences. It uses more of the mathematical spectrum by exploring data and chance, geometry and spatial sense, and algebra and uses of variables.
By acknowledging children's experiences and intuitions about math, the program provides problem-solving situations in real-life contexts while allowing for various learning styles. Additionally, it promotes practice through meaningful activities and games. Math concepts are integrated throughout the curriculum and spiral from year to year. Children are encouraged to "speak" math through representations and drawings, manipulatives, symbolic writing (numbers, symbols) and written descriptions.
Everyday Math utilizes a variety of instructional formats blending writing and discussion, individual and group work, projects, explorations, and investigations into a dynamic curriculum for all children. Thinking with mathematics becomes as natural as thinking with language.
With the Everyday Math program children have come to value cooperative work through the use of games which replace much of the traditional seatwork formerly associated with math class. Additionally, teachers have discovered, through the use of varied assessments, that children are learning increased amounts of new materials at each grade level. Children now understand "why" math works and not just simply how to get a correct answer. Everyday Math does not stress rote memory and drill, but instead emphasizes learning math in real-life contexts. However, children are expected to demonstrate mastery of basic facts and will practice them in many different ways without having to complete an overwhelming number of drill pages. Through games, working with Fact Triangles, and taking timed "50-facts" multiplication tests in fourth grade to master those facts not yet automatic, children will reinforce their knowledge of basic facts.
A partnership with parents is essential to the success of the Everyday Math program. Children frequently have Home Links or Study Links to complete as homework, and parents are asked to use this time to interact with your child and learn more bout the math program. Listen to your child and let him/her teach you about what they are learning. Many elementary schools have offered Math Nights to help parents understand the shift in mathematics instruction and to play the same math games children play at school. An Everyday Math parent handbook will be available shortly on this Web site.
You may find the following Web sites helpful in providing more information on the Everyday Math program:
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