Everyday Mathematics is a research-based curriculum developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project.  Students acquire knowledge and skills and develop an understanding of mathematics from their own experience.  This program is a "spiral" curriculum, meaning a specific concept is introduced giving your child many opportunities to grasp an idea when developmentally ready.

Everyday Math Features

Real-life Problem Solving: Everyday Mathematics emphasizes the application of mathematics to real world situations. Numbers, skills and mathematical concepts are not presented in isolation, but are linked to situations and contexts that are revelant to everyday lives. The curriculum also provides numerous suggestions for incorporating mathematics into daily classroom rountines and other subject areas.

Balanced Instruction: Each Everyday Mathematics lesson includes time for whole-group instruction as well as small group, partner, or individual activities.

Mulitple Methods for Basic Skills Practice: Everyday Mathematics provides numerous methods for basic skills practice and review. These include written choral fact drills, mental math routines, practice with fact triangles (flash cards of fact families), daily sets of review problems called math boxes, homework, and a variety of math games.

Emphasis on Communication: Throughout the Everyday Mathematics curriculum students are encouraged to explain and discuss their matematical thinking in their own words.

Enhanced Home/School Partnerships: Daily Home Links provide opportunities for family members to participate in the student's mathematical learning.

Appropriate Use of Technology: Everyday Mathematics teaches students how to use technology appropriately. The curriculum includes many activities in which learning is extended and enhanced through the use of calculators.

Content areas covered are listed below:

Numeration and Counting: Saying, reading, writing numbers; counting patterns, place value; whole numbers, fractions, decimals.

Operations and Relations:  Number facts; operations families; math properties.

Problem Solving and Number Models:  Mental math; brain teasers, real-life problems; written arithmetic.

Measure and Reverence Frames:  Length, width, area, weight, capacity; temperature; time.

Exploring Data:  Collecting data; tables, charts, graphs; making predictions.

Geometry: Two and three dimensional shapes.

Rules and Patterns:  Relationship, attributes, sequences.

Algebra and Uses of Variables: Generalizing patterns; exploring variables; solving equations.

The Assessment Scale is as follows:

Beginning (B):  Student cannot complete the task independently.  He/She shows little understanding of the concept or skill.

Developing (D):  Student shows some understanding.  However, errors or misunderstandings still occur.  Reminders, hints, and suggestions are needed to promote the student's understanding.

Secure (S): Student can apply the skill or concept efficiently, consistently, and independently.