Everyday Mathematics - Application

Application

Below is an outline of the components of EM as they are generally seen throughout the curriculum.

Lessons

A typical lesson outlined in one of the teacher’s manuals includes three parts

• Teaching the Lesson—Provides main instructional activities for the lesson.
• Ongoing Learning and Practice—Supports previously introduced concepts and skills; essential for maintaining skills.
• Differentiation Options—Includes options for supporting the needs of all students; usually an extension of Part 1, Teaching the Lesson.

Daily Routines

Every day, there are certain things that each EM lesson requires the student to do routinely. These components can be dispersed throughout the day or they can be part of the main math lesson.

• Math Messages—These are problems, displayed in a manner chosen by the teacher, that students complete before the lesson and then discuss as an opener to the main lesson.
• Mental Math and Reflexes—These are brief (no longer than 5 min) sessions “…designed to strengthen children's number sense and to review and advance essential basic skills…” (Program Components 2003).
• Math Boxes—These are pages intended to have students routinely practice problems independently.
• Home Links/Study Links—Everyday homework is sent home. Grades K-3 they are called Home Links and 4-6 they are Study Links. They are meant to reinforce instruction as well as connect home to the work at school.

Supplemental Aspects

Beyond the components already listed, there are supplemental resources to the program. The two most common are games and explorations.

• Games— “…Everyday Mathematics sees games as enjoyable ways to practice number skills, especially those that help children develop fact power…” (Program Components 2003). Therefore, authors of the series have interwoven games throughout daily lessons and activities.