Free Essay

Everyday Mathematics

In:

Submitted By ayne48
Words 807
Pages 4
Everyday Mathematics
Teaching Math to Young Children
Spring 2010
Ashley Dismukes

I feel that this quote from Richard Wertheimer defines mathematics as well as describes how the majority of people view the subject, “Mathematics, the science studied and practiced by mathematicians, is a language that quantifies the world around us. In its applied form, it is used by workers in most walks of life. Unfortunately, most people see mathematics as cold, abstract, difficult and beyond their reach” (Post Gazette, 2002). Due to these feelings educators, administrators, and researchers are constantly working to develop new and improved ways to teach students mathematics. As a result there are many theories and curriculum sets available; one being Everyday Mathematics.
When one enters the teaching field they will become acutely aware of just how many curriculums are available to teach each subject. The school where you are employed will most likely have adopted a curriculum that they feel best suits their needs and the needs of their students. As a teacher it will be your responsibility to teach to and with the curriculum. Everyday Mathematics is a curriculum that is used across the country (Wright Group, 2010) with more than 3 million students. It is “a rigorous PreK-6 curriculum” (Wright Group, 2010) that is “scientifically research-based and proven to build students’ mathematical knowledge from the basics to higher-order thinking and critical problem solving” (Wright Group, 2010). The Everyday Mathematics program is a result of “20 years of research and development and was developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project in conjunction with feedback from education specialists, administrators, and classroom teachers” (Wright Group, 2010). The goal of Everyday Mathematics is to “enable children in elementary grades to learn more mathematical content and become life-long mathematical thinkers” (Wright Group, 2010). McGraw- Hill partnered with the Wright Group and released a third edition in 2007 of the Everyday Mathematics curriculum with additional support and technology (Wright Group, 2010); it contains the following components: * A three-part lesson plan that focuses on lesson objectives, provides ongoing practice for students, and addresses individual student needs for a variety of populations. * Getting Started Activities with a daily math message used as a lesson opener; Mental Math and Reflexes offer mental-math opportunities. * Student Math Journals to facilitate Individual, Small Group, and Partner activities * Math Boxes containing short problems to practice and refine understanding of mathematical concepts. * Games that provide fact practice alternatives to worksheets and pencil and paper drills * Home Links or Study Links for home study. * Cross-curricular, theme-based activities that can be woven throughout the year * Lessons that allow students to investigate and discover mathematics by incorporating manipulative-based, hands-on group activities.
Everyday Mathematics is centered on the idea of “spiraling” and seven mathematical strands. “Spiraling” can be defined as a curriculum that begins with the assumption that children are not always ready to learn something. A spiral curriculum tries to expose students to a wide varies of ideas over and over again, and mastery is not required before the introduction of new topics. Everyday Mathematics was designed to take advantage of the spacing effect…”(Braams, 2003). It relies on the notion that regular reinforcement of important skills is necessary, emphasizing that skills should appear multiple times and throughout a course of study. The key principle in regards to spiraling and distributed practice is that mastery and fluency in basic skills are goals that should be achieved long after they are first introduced (Braams, 2003).
The seven strands that Everyday Mathematics focuses on are: * 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
There is some opposition to this curriculum, as there is with any curriculum. The spiral curriculum, where mastery is not required, goes against one’s own experience of learning math. Many,therefore, do not see the validity of it. They feel more comfortable seeing an obvious progression of skill build-up (WikEd, 2010).
In conclusion I feel that Everyday Mathematics is a strong curriculum that approaches educating students in a “unique” and “new” manner that is effective. The old saying “if something isn’t broke, don’t fix it” does not ring true in this case. There are many different ways that students can learn. Everyday Mathematics is a revamped system that has proven itself in the recent years as an effective way to teach math.

References
About Everyday Mathematics: Research & Development/Wright Group. (2003) http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/about.shtml#scope. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
Bas, Braams. (2003) Spiraling Through UCSMP Everyday Mathematics. http://www.nychold.com/em-spiral.html. Retrieved April 19, 2010.
Wertheimer, Richard. (2002) Forum: Making It All Add Up. http://www.post-gazette.com/forum/comm/20021110edwert1110p3.asp. Retrieved April 18, 2010
.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Sample Business Message

...Good Evening Team,   Moving forward please ensure you are placing an order every campaign. If you fail to submit an order of $50 or more every campaign, you may be removed as a representative. As a representative, we all know how important it is to have all your supplies available ie. brochures, samples and demos in order to be successful in your business. With the Holiday Season here, everyone has an opportunity to win with AVON. Customers are out there... I find them everyday. Talk to three new people everyday. Statistics show: For every 100 brochures you order, 30 people will place an order of $25 or more. That is $750 in Awarded Sales At 40% earnings, that is equal to $300 -$19 for brochures = $279 in your pocket   Buenas Tardes,   Favor de someter un pedido cada campana. Si no somete un pedido por campana, puede que Avon la remueva como representante. Asegurese de someter un pedido cada campana de $50 o mas. Como representantes todos sabemos lo importatnte que es tener los utiles ie. folletos, muestras y productos de demostracion para tener exito en este negocio. Con la temporada festiva aqui todos tienen la oportunidad de ganar con AVON. Hable con tres personas por dia. Los clientes nos estan buscando. Y lo se porque los veo diario.   Los estudios reportan: Por cada 100 folletos que repartan. 30 personas le daran un pedido de $25 o mas. Son $750 en ventas A ganacias de 40%, es un equivalente de $300 -$19 para pagar los folletos= $270 en su bosillo por...

Words: 316 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Digital Divide

...We will spend this week reading about how both geographical and demographic differences impact people's access to technology. Define the concept of the "Digital Divide" and discuss its implications. How do geographical and demographic differences among people influence their access to technology? Can you think of any other predictors of access to technology? Discuss these and how they might impact one's access to technology. Digital Divide is the space between those who have access to computing technology and those who don’t. For example, there’s people who choose not to use the Internet, while there’s others who use it everyday. I think geographical and demographic differences among people can influence their access to technology especially the Internet in many ways. The first way geographical differences among people can influences their access to technology is because not every country has enough resources to offer the Internet for everybody. There’s countries like Africa and Australia where it’s quite difficult to have access to any type of technology. For example, in El Salvador you have to travel like 15 miles to have access to a computer with Internet. On the other hand, demographic differences among people can influence their access to technology because sometimes people who are 65 and older don’t have a reason to get a computer with Internet. Younger people have plenty of reasons to have access to the Internet like the social networks and online classes...

Words: 317 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Walnut & Birch

...[Report Title] [Subtitle] [Name], [Title] [Company]— [Address] T: [Main Telephone] DD: [Direct Phone] E: [Email] Executive Summary To replace any placeholder text (such as this paragraph) with your own, click to select it and then press any key. When you add the title on the cover page, the control containing the title remains. This is because there is another title control in the header that will automatically populate with the title you add on the cover page. To replace the logo on the cover page or in the header, or the photo on the cover page, start by selecting it. When you do, you see a bar across the top—click the icon on that bar to select your own logo or image for replacement. Word automatically sizes and formats your image to fit the space allotted. The table of contents that follows picks up any text that you format using Heading 1 through Heading 3 styles. To update the table after you add your own information to the document, click in the table of contents and then click the Update button on the bar that appears across the top of it. Note: Body text such as the paragraphs above are formatted using the default Normal syle. This paragraph is formatted using the style named Normal - Space After to create the space between the executive summary and the table of contents. Contents Executive Summary 2 Heading 1 3 Heading 2 3 Heading 3 3 Heading 2 3 Heading 1 4 Heading 2 4 Heading 2 4 Heading 1 This template uses a few tables to create the page...

Words: 797 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

“Loyalty Cards Cost Shoppers Millions

...MKTG7501 Consumer Behaviour “Loyalty cards cost shoppers millions” Introduction - Everyday Reward Card  What is “Everyday Rewards Card”? The Everyday Rewards Card is an initiative from Woolworths that provide a series of benefit rewards to their customers. Such as fuel saving offers, exclusive offers and discounts of their products. Also, now it’s able to earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points when you shopping in Woolworths, BIG W, Dick Smith and Tandy stores.  How to accumulate reward points? You can earn one point per dollar when spent over $30 in one transaction when you shop in Woolworths, BIG W and one point per dollar when spent over $50 in one transaction when you shop in the Dick Smith and Tandy stores. Pros & Cons of using Everyday Rewards Card  Advantages There are three major advantages that Woolworths offers its rewards card holders : save 4c per litre on fuel at Caltex petrol stations, receive exclusive offers and discounts from all participating retailers, and earn Qantas frequent flyer points for a free flight ticket.  Disadvantages According to a recent report from a consumer group Choice, consumers will unconsciously spend more than what they can gain from these kind of loyalty programs. First of all, paybacks are very "poor". Woolworths Everyday Rewards program averagely offers less than $1 return for every $100 a shopper spends. And if anyone want to collect points for free flight tickets, he or she will need to spend at least $22,030 to gain...

Words: 662 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Everyday Use

...Meredith Butler English 1102 Fiction Essay In the story Everyday Use by Alice Walker, the author attempts to show the contrasts between family members in regards to their heritage during the 1960’s. Ms. Walker tells the story of how different the family members are in education, lifestyle and beliefs. In doing so, she illustrates the importance of everyday items and of everyday people. Ms. Walker, through the point of view of the mother, paints the picture of a young woman, too good for her family, running off to the city only to find that the city values her heritage and conversely, now must she. The character of Dee is first described by her mother in the excerpt, “Dee is lighter than Maggie, with nicer hair and a fuller figure” (Walker, 1973). This is in contrast to her “large, manly mother who can kill and clean a hog as mercilessly as a man” (Walker) and her sister who was disfigured in a fire as a young child. The same fire that Dee stands and watches, so intently, that her mother thought to ask her “why she didn’t do a dance around the ashes” (Walker). It is never stated why Dee feels such deep hatred for her home, however shame and ignorance play a key role. “Dee wanted nice things” (Walker), things that would be difficult if not impossible to a young black girl of the time to obtain. Her mother often notes that Dee daydreams to the point of not blinking, determined to get what she wants. When Dee’s mother and the town raise money to send Dee off to school...

Words: 826 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

The Importance of Connecting with Nature

...and constantly connected with technology. Despite the recent technology boom and scientific advances that make us believe that we have very little in common with the rest of the animal kingdom, we are still very much a part of our ecosystem, whether we realize it or not. Before we had all of the technological advances that we have now, we were much more dependent on nature and we actually paid attention to the changes and nuances’. Now, with the advances and discoveries that have actually revolutionized our way of life, we seem to get more and more disconnected every day. It is essential, however, for people to connect with nature because it provides us with a sense of simplicity and an escape from the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life. Nature is the original home of the human species, and it remains to be the home for the vast majority of plants and animals, except for those that are domesticated, obviously. Spending time in nature shows us the world’s true beauty in its most simple form. There are no modifications, no exaggerations, nothing to distract. The Pew Education Research Center conducted a survey in 2009 that said 67% of the settings on the highest-selling noisemakers specifically oriented towards relaxation were nature-related sounds such as water, thunder, crickets chirping, etc. Even many of the world’s most famous pieces of art are nature-based. SLIDE How many of you have...

Words: 791 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Robots Apa

...Community College Critical Analysis of The Robot Invasion In the article The Robot Invasion by Charles Gillis, it talks about in the not too distant future how robotics will be a part of everyday society, how it will be used in manufacturing and labor industry instead of people for jobs that are dirty, dangerous, and difficult. The author argues that the world will be swarming with the robotics in the future which will change the job industry and even how basic chores are done around the house. The world is changing as the technology of robots are slowly taking over jobs, is not a too farfetched argument. “For many years the work of engineers and sci-fi writers have forecast a time when autonomous machines would become enough like living creatures to share our homes and work spaces.” The statement in this article is a good capture to draw the attention of the readers, drawing them into what they have seen on TV and in the media. Robots for many years have been the focus in movies and sci-fi, this is what we are expecting in the future of our world. This has brought the fears to the people to think that robots will take over the world and do harm on to them, which was a great way to understand that society will have a hard time adjusting or accepting that robots will be used in everyday life. As of right now there already is a little robot called the Roomba helping out in many households with the chore of vacuuming. This robot has been welcomed into many homes due to its practicality...

Words: 900 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Morrie

...1. Morrie is optimistic towards his death. Although he is also distressed about his life-threatening disease, he is happy that he is given enough time to create more happy memories with his loved ones before he departs this material world. He perceives having the opportunity to bid farewell to the people around him as something good and wanted to make the best out of the remaining days of his life. For instance, Morrie even had a “living funeral” in which he himself who is about to die, participates in his own funeral. The close people who attended in Morrie’s “living funeral” all laughed and cried as they reminisce their experiences with Morrie, stressing how Morrie has touched each of their individual lives. What is very heart-warming and essential in the movie “Tuesdays with Morrie” that reflects Morrie’s outlook on death, and most importantly on life, is his interview sessions with his former close and favorite college student named Mitch. This is because Mitch wanted to preserve his memories with Morrie, he asked Morrie to tape record their interview sessions every Tuesdays revolving on fundamental questions about life. In response, Morrie happily agreed with the favor Mitch was asking him. Morrie wanted to share his life and experiences to Mitch in the light of teaching Mitch about life lessons on how one should appreciate the beauty of life and how to live it to the fullest. On one of the Tuesday interview sessions, the topic centered on death. Morrie pointed out one of...

Words: 2258 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Business Personal Statement

...what those people do not realise is that it is this very subject that provides us with the knowledge needed to manage our everyday life. My interest in Business stems from the fact that I have been brought up in an entrepreneurial family where I have been constantly exposed to discussions varying from the accountancy of an everyday running business to the marketing of daily new products. The advantages of growing up in a family with a self employed business are that you begin to catch onto business traits from a very early age and I believe I have the experience of doing exactly that. By studying Business I would be able to learn what goes on behind the scenes of running a successful business and knowing that the Business industry is a very competitive and driven trade is what excites and motivates me even more into doing this particular course.    As I have previously mentioned my interest in Business derives from my upbringing into a family who currently own 4 successful businesses and a number of different properties; therefore I have always been curious as to the work my parents have to put in, in order to make our businesses a success. You could say it is in my blood and I have certainly absorbed the interest and fascination of how business and commerce works. From an early age I have always been keen in how the business world operates among our everyday lives and to understand the complexities behind the industry. By studying Business it gives me an advantage over others...

Words: 630 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

History Skills

...After making a detailed list of skills that are involved in the study of History as an academic discipline, briefly discuss the potential usefulness of these skills for other professions and/or in our everyday lives. This will help you to see how the academic study of History is useful as part of our general education.) Investigative Research Communication Patience Writing Commitment History is the ultimate puzzle. Mastering the skills developed through studying history gives you the ability to discern fact from fiction and reality from myth. It makes you more able to document an event with better accuracy. In Science, this can help you reach a desired solution or result by depicting the outcome of trials and tests with better understanding. In everyday life you will be more critical of events as they are told or received initially by you. You will look for ways to justify or corroborate facts/ events presented to you. I think you will become less likely to fill in the spaces and more likely to pursue proof to validate the event and to better separate fact from fiction for yourself. 2. What can you do with History in a practical sense? (Think about both the skills which are used and content knowledge.) How can the fruits of an academic study of History be used in our everyday lives or professionally? Make a list of as many meaningful personal and professional / occupational applications as you can imagine. Be creative. (As a Ph.D. in History myself, I am always interested...

Words: 619 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Community Profile

...WK 2: Community Profile In a community there lives a diverse group of people. These people are what make a community a home or a neighborhood. This neighborhood needs to be respected and protected in order for people to thrive and carry-on with their everyday lives. My community is made up families raising their children and just going with everyday life. We take pride in living for our children. Sports and education is big in the community, during school and during the summer months as well. When the adults are not working they take their leisure time going to basketball games on Friday nights during the fall or baseball games during the summer. Also during the summer months my community has a farmers market. The farmers market supports local farmers and also brings other small businesses out. The farmers market always brings out the community and brings people together. It is also a great way to contribute to small businesses and give back. Some other wonderful, fun things we have during the summer months that brings the community together are car shows, a day in the park and the jubilee. A reason we can have these things is because of the workforce in the community. The workforce ranges from industry to clerical to fast food to medical. We are very diverse in what needs to be done. The community used to be mostly industrial but a lot of factories were shutdown due to the economy. The community still has a couple of bigger industrial factories that are in production but...

Words: 402 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Green Banking

...The Importance of Accounting in Today’s World In the business world, accounting is one discipline of study that all people, regardless of job position, should have some knowledge of. Its concepts can be applied to all job specialties, its importance has been promoted in recent years, and it is useful in people’s everyday lives. First, an accounting education is important because it can be applied in all job specialties. Secretaries must use accounting skills to manage the company check book and orders, auditors have to study financial statements to evaluate the accuracy and integrity of the business, and executives need to judge the success of their business using accounting statements from the past and present. These are just a few of the many possible positions where an understanding of accounting is necessary. Another reason all business students should have some background in accounting is because in recent years, people in the business world have been held more accountable for their financial practices. Since the Enron and WorldCom crisis when independent auditor Arthur Anderson failed to report illegal accounting practices, the SEC has been monitoring public corporations more closely. Thus, companies require some basic knowledge of accounting to avoid any future misstatements unintentionally occurring. Additionally, it is vital that everyone, not just business students, acquire an understanding of accounting for personal benefit. People use accounting...

Words: 301 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Final Paper Matrix

...Associate Level Material Appendix E Final Paper Matrix Fill in the matrix below, in which you will select two pieces of literature from the assigned course readings to compare and contrast in your final essay. Additionally, develop three possible topics for your paper, which your instructor will review for approval. Lastly, list and describe three to five sources that you will use to write your essay. |Literature |Title: Everyday Uses | |Selection One |Author: Alice Walker | | |Why I Chose This Piece: I chose this because of the symbolism it uses on the values placed on old quilts. | |Literature |Title: The House on Mango Street | |Selection Two |Author: Sandra Cisneros | | |Why I Chose This Piece: It emphasizes the symbolization on the emotions that Esperanza feels about her life circumstances. | ...

Words: 256 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Week 2 Assigment

...regard to technology, |telecommunications and computers and turning them into one electric or digital form. This | |and how has it affected everyday life? |affects our everyday lives more than we know. Media coverage gives us the ability to watch| | |television, listen to music, and shop online. This also allows us to do such things as | | |email or video chat on the computer, this removes having to use the telephone almost | | |completely. Other things such as myspace, twitter, facebook, and Instagram also allows you| | |to keep up with your family and friends by using the internet. Media coverage has also | | |replaced such things as hard back books by introducing e-books that can be downloaded from| | |your computer. | |What is meant by the term media |Media convergence, with regards to technology, refers to the tendency of different | |convergence with regard to business, and|technologies to eventually inhabit familiar utility. Smartphones are the best example of | |how has it affected everyday life? |this, as they have many utilities beyond a phone that converge with cameras, tablets, | |...

Words: 599 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Mth 110

...The Influence of Mathematics on Daily Social Activities MTH/110 March 2, 2015 The Influence of Mathematics Society is an important concept in which stands the intellectual development of mathematics and science. Today, in society, mathematics makes extraordinary demands and so to the world of mathematicians and scientists. The purpose of the report is to identify the influence and effects of mathematics in society. It includes some history of math and its major demands and capabilities that come with the material and mathematicians. Math Background People have believed in mathematics and the discipline that comes with it since centuries ago, some may like, and some may not. Some people used to worship mathematics and believe in it for living like Aryabatta and Bhaskara. Back to the 4th century, Aristotle and Plato had already an idea of the existence of mathematics in their mind and the external world; also he argued about a positive effect on individuals (Dossey). In the middle ages, mathematicians were coming out and at one point competing without knowing in discovering new techniques. Archimedes had one of the greatest impacts on its work in mathematics but he was known later in the 16th century when Federico Commandino in 1558 translation into Latin most of his printing texts and spread it out with other mathematicians and physics of the time, that includes Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei (Toomer, 2014). Many other mathematicians...

Words: 1412 - Pages: 6