Math Concepts

Welcome to Everyday Mathematics
A Kindergarten Parents' Guide

Philosophy:

Everyday mathematics is a kindergarten through fifth grade curriculum that enriches the mathematical experiences of teachers and students. Everyday Mathematics builds on fundamental mathematical strands such as numeration and order, measures and measurement, reference frames, operations, patterns, functions, and sequences. It also has students explore data and chance, geometry and spatial sense, and algebra and the uses of variables.

Everyday Mathematics places high priority on children developing automatic recall of the basic number facts.

Everyday Mathematics recognizes that computation is an important and practical part of mathematics, and has been designed to ensure that all students can compute accurately in a variety of ways.

Everyday Mathematics balances skills and concepts.

Everyday Mathematics recognizes that practice is necessary in developing competency in mathematics and in every other area of study.

In Everyday Mathematics, both the answer and how you get it are important.

Everyday Mathematics works to develop both students’ knowledge of mathematics and their ability and willingness to apply what they know.

Skills:

Many new skills are introduced in kindergarten. The following skills should be mastered by the end of the school year.

Counts forward by 1s to 99 and beyond starting from any number
Counts backward by 1s from 26
Counts by 2s to 28 and higher
Counts by 5s to 100 and higher
Counts by 10s to 100 and higher
Counts 31 or more objects
Represents numbers using bundles of 10s and 1s
Reads and writes numbers beyond 100
Compares and orders numbers from 0 to 20 and higher
Solves number stories
Reads and interprets graphs
Uses tools and techniques to compare temperature, time, weight, and length.
Identifies coins and their values, along with the dollar bill
Identifies 2 and 3 dimensional shapes
Extends, describes, and creates patterns
Sorts objects and identifies the rules

Games:

Games are an important part of the Everyday Math program. Your child will learn these games during the school year. These games are important for many reasons. First, students enjoy playing the games which make learning fun. Games also help students develop the ability to think critically and solve problems. Finally, games provide an enjoyable way for students to practice and master skills. Some of the games that are introduced in the Everyday Math program include:

Number Line Squeeze
Top-It
Concentration
Spin a Number
Digit Game
Listen and Count
Matching Coin Game
High Roller
One Dollar Game

Tips for Parents:

Home involvement is the key to success!

Find a place to keep all math materials.
Complete Home Links with your child. Many Home Links require children to interact with someone.
Talk about math in everyday situations.
Communicate with your child’s teacher on a regular basis.
Ask your child to teach you the lesson or game he/she is learning.

Everyday Math Websites:

University of Chicago School Mathematics Project (Everyday Mathematics Developers)
University of Chicago Parent Homeroom (Parent Support and FAQs)
Everyday Mathematics for Parents (Parent’s Guide to Everyday Mathematics)
Wright Group (Everyday Mathematics Publisher)
Everday Mathematics Online Games Student Login (Password Required)
Everyday Mathematics Early Childhood Games (Try a Game)

Created by: Kristen Mang, Mentor Teacher
Adaptations by: Debbie Soos, Mentor Teacher