Everyday Mathematics
We have launched Everyday Math this year so the children will be working VERY hard.
Parents should expect a newsletter with each unit. Children will be doing
Study Links (homework) every night.
What is Everyday Mathematics?
•It is based on research that suggests that people rarely learn new concepts or skills the first time they experience them, but fully understand math concepts only after repeated exposures.
•Thus, the Everyday Mathematics curriculum is said to “spiral” where students are first introduced to concepts that are expected to develop over time with repeated exposure and extended understanding.
•The students experience student-centered experiential activities designed to introduce them to the various math concepts.
•Students also learn and practice basic applications through slate assessments, math games and daily math boxes.
•Through numerous problem-solving opportunities, the program strives to enable students to become better mathematical thinkers – everyday.
What does it LOOK like on a daily basis?
An Everyday Math Lesson at fourth grade consists of the following components:
•Mental Math and Reflexes – These exercises are designed to strengthen student’s number sense and to review and advance essential basic skills. They are brief and last no more than 5 minutes.
•Math Message – The math message usually leads into the lesson for the day; sometimes it reviews topics previously covered.
•Math Lesson – The lesson is where the new information is presented to the students. This is also the time when students practice applying the new information.
•Math Boxes – Math Boxes are designed as independent activities. They are not intended to reinforce the content of the lesson in which they appear. Rather, they provide continuous distributed practice of all skills and concepts in the program.
•Math Games – Games are an integral part of the Everyday Mathematics program, rather than an optional extra as they are traditionally used in many classrooms. The games as enjoyable ways to reinforce concepts, develop basic computation skills, and practice number skills (especially those that help children develop fact power).
•Study Links – Study Links are the Everyday Mathematics version of homework assignments. Each lesson has a Study Links. Study Links consist of active projects and ongoing review problems that show parents what their child can do in mathematics.