Everyday Mathematics Parent Handbook

Concepts Developed in Everyday Mathematics

People rarely learn something new the first time they experience it. For this reason, key ideas are repeated, usually in slightly different contexts, several times throughout the year. New material follows the 2/5 rule - that is, a concept is informally introduced for two years before it is formally studied, and once introduced, the concept is practiced in five or more different settings. Everyday Mathematics materials let children explore the full range of mathematics across all grade levels. Math activities are connected to past experiences and studied in a problem-rich environment with links to many areas both within mathematics and other subject areas. Each grade level includes content from the areas listed below: Numeration and Counting: saying, reading, and writing numbers; counting patterns; place value; whole numbers, fractions and decimals Operations and Relations: number facts (computation); operation families; informal work with properties Problem Solving and Number Models: mental and written arithmetic along with puzzles, brain teasers and real-life problems Measures and Reference Frames: measures of length, width, area, weight, capacity, temperature and time; clocks; calendars; timelines; thermometers; ordinal numbers (first, second, etc.) Exploring Data: collecting and ordering data; tables, charts and graphs; exploring uncertainty; fairness; making predictions Geometry: exploring two- and three-dimensional shapes Rules and Patterns: functions, relations, attributes, patterns and sequences Algebra and Uses of Variables: generalizing patterns, exploring variables, solving equations Children often work together with partners and small groups, sharing insights about math and building on each other’s discoveries. Talking about math is an important part of thinking about math, and verbalizing helps clarify concepts. Cooperative grouping helps children work together as a team, develops good listening habits, and stimulates their learning. The materials that you see and hear about vary somewhat by grade level, and some are probably different than what you remember from elementary school.