Everyday Math

Though most of you have experience with Everyday Math, I thought I'd include an overview for those who either don't have any experience with it or would like a refresher after a long and restful summer.

Here are several important features of the program:
1. Problem-solving Approach Based on Everyday Situations
By making connections between their own knowledge and their experiences, both in school and outside of school, students learn basic math skills in meaningful contexts so that the mathematics becomes "real."
2. Frequent Practice of Basic Skills
Instead of practice presented in a single, tedious drill format, students practice basic skills in a variety of more engaging ways. In addition to completing daily review exercises covering a variety of topics, patterning on the number grid, and working with multiplication addition act families in different formats, students will play games that are specifically designed to develop basic skills.
3. Instructional Approach that Revisits Concepts Regularly
To enhance the development of basic skills and concepts, students regularly revisit previously learned concepts and repeatedly practice skills encountered earlier. The lessons are designed to take advantage of previously learned concepts and skills and to build on them throughout the year instead of treating them as isolated bits of knowledge.
4. Curriculum Explores Mathematical Content Beyond Basic Arithmetic
Mathematics standards around the world indicate that basic arithmetic skills are only the beginning of the mathematical knowledge students will need as they develop critical thinking skills. In addition to basic arithmetic, Everyday Math develops concepts and skills in the following topics - numeration: operations and computation; data and chance; geometry; measurement and reference frames; and patterns, functions, and algebra.

The students will use their Math Journals as guidance as we learn new math concepts and practice skills every day. Most of their journals will be completed in class and what they don't finish will usually be homework for the following day. The "Math Boxes" are only done in class if they finish their lesson for that day. Otherwise, it is homework. Study Links are homework every night and are rarely done in class. They provide additional practice from the lesson that day and usually connect the lesson to real-life situations.