Everyday Mathematics is a research-based curriculum for students in grades K-6. It was developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project. Click on the link below to be taken directly to the Everyday Mathematics home page: http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/about.shtml.

Everyday Mathematics is based on the following premises:

1. Students acquire knowledge and skills, and develop an understanding of mathematics from their own experience. Mathematics is more meaningful when it is rooted in real life contexts and situations. Teachers and adults play a very important role in providing children with rich and meaningful mathematical experiences.

2. Children begin school with more mathematical knowledge and intuition than previously believed. A K-6 curriculum should build on this intuitive and concrete foundation, gradually helping children gain an understanding of the abstract and symbolic.

3. Teachers, and their ability to provide excellent instruction, are the key factors in the success of any program. Previous efforts to reform mathematics instruction failed because they did not adequately consider the working lives of teachers.

The scope of the K-6 Everyday Mathematics curriculum includes the following mathematical strands:

· Algebra and Uses of Variables

· Data and Chance

· Geometry and Spatial Sense

· Measures and Measurement

· Numeration and Order

· Patterns, Functions, and Sequences

· Operations

· Reference Frames

Features of the Everyday Mathematics curriculum

1. Real-life Problem Solving

Everyday Mathematics emphasizes the application of mathematics to real world situations. Numbers, skills and mathematical concepts are not presented in isolation, but are linked to situations and contexts that are relevant to everyday lives. The curriculum also provides numerous suggestions for incorporating mathematics into daily classroom routines and other subject areas.

2. Balanced Instruction

Each Everyday Mathematics lesson includes time for whole-group instruction as well as small group, partner, or individual activities. These activities balance teacher-directed instruction with opportunities for open-ended, hands-on explorations, long-term projects and on-going practice.

3. Multiple Methods for Basic Skills Practice

Everyday Mathematics provides numerous methods for basic skills practice and review. These include written and choral fact drills, mental math routines, practice with fact triangles (flash cards of fact families), daily sets of review problems called math boxes, homework, timed tests and a wide variety of math games.

4. Emphasis on Communication

Throughout the Everyday Mathematics curriculum students are encouraged to explain and discuss their mathematical thinking, in their own words. Opportunities to verbalize their thoughts and strategies give children the chance to clarify their thinking and gain insights from others.

5. Enhanced Home/School Partnerships

For grades 1-3, daily Home Links provide opportunities for family members to participate in the students' mathematical learning. Study Links are provided for most lessons in grades 4-6, and all grades include periodic letters to help keep parents informed about their children's experience with Everyday Mathematics.

6. Appropriate Use of Technology

Everyday Mathematics teaches students how to use technology appropriately. The curriculum includes many activities in which learning is extended and enhanced through the use of calculators. At the same time, all activities in which calculators would function simply as crutches for basic computation are clearly marked with a "no calculator" sign.