"What is Everyday Mathematics and why are we involved with it?" Everyday Mathematics is the elementary component of The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project (UCSMP), which is a long-term project designed to improve mathematics at all grade levels.
We have heard for years of the need for a richer mathematics curriculum. We have also heard about how poorly our students score in mathematics compared to other countries. Reports from international studies show U.S. students learning much less mathematics than students in many other countries. For too many years we have ignored the actual capabilities of our children. We have not taken advantage of children's rich store of mathematical understanding, information, and creativity. The results of much research with children and teachers led to the development of UCSMP's Everyday Mathematics.
Everyday Mathematics attempts to remedy this problem by giving your child a wide range of mathematical experiences and ideas. We achieve this by integrating mathematics instruction into other curricular areas, like science and social studies.
Everyday Mathematics is written based on a “spiral” curriculum, meaning a specific concept is taught five times in two years, giving your child many opportunities to grasp the idea when developmentally ready to do so. For example, multiplication concepts are introduced in kindergarten with skip counting, again in first grade, in second grade through building arrays, and focused on in depth in third grade. Your child has many exposures to the concepts before mastery is expected.
Your child is involved in sharing ideas through discussions. Children gain important mathemati-cal insights by building on discoveries. This promotes good listening habits and a receptive attitude toward the ideas of others. Children are constantly talking about how they solved a problem and what they are thinking mathematically. By discussing their thoughts, they are clarifying and solidifying their learning.
Your child will explore, learn and practice mathematics in a range of settings including whole class, small groups, partners and individually. They will learn to work cooperatively and independently as they solve problems based on real-life situations.
The math classroom has changed dramatically. Our focus is much broader. Your child is involved in activities focusing on numeration, counting, operations, relations, problem solving, mental arithmetic, data collection and analysis, geometry, measures and reference frames, money, rules and patterns, as well as arithmetic skills.
Our hope is that this parent manual will answer many of your questions. It has been compiled based on information given us through comments and suggestions. You are a very important part of your child's education. We greatly appreciate your continued support.
