Everyday Math Help by Grade Level

Everyday Math Help: Info for Parents

What Is Everyday Math?

Developed by educators at the University of Chicago, Everyday Math is a new math curriculum for pre-K through 6th grade students. It focuses on preparing students to solve real-world problems, and it also teaches alternative methods for performing basic math operations. In addition, it uses interactive games to engage students in learning the material.

Grade Level Goals

At each grade level, students are expected to meet certain goals by the end of the year. These goals are aligned with the Common Core Standards for Mathematics, and they are divided into six categories:

• Measurement and reference frames
• Patterns, functions and algebra
• Operations and computation
• Number and numeration
• Data and chance
• Geometry

Knowing these goals will give you a sense of what your child is learning in school. Below, you'll find sample goals from the Everyday Math curriculum for each grade level.

Pre-K: Students practice counting, and they also learn to compare and order groups of objects using words like fewer, less and more. In addition, they create and solve number stories and use graphs to answer questions.

Kindergarten: At this grade level, students learn to measure time, verbally describe temperature and identify various types of money. In geometry, they identify basic shapes, such as circles, squares and triangles.

1st Grade: Students begin working with expressions and number sentences in 1st grade, and they also learn how to use mathematical symbols related to addition and subtraction (+, -, =, etc.). Additionally, they solve problems using tools like tally marks, calculators and number grids.

2nd Grade: In 2nd grade, students learn to count by twos, fives and tens, and they also begin classifying numbers as even or odd. In addition, they work with the principles of probability, using terms such as 'likely,' 'impossible' or 'certain' to describe situations.

3rd Grade: Students begin working with rays, angles and lines in 3rd grade geometry, and they learn how to identify and draw points as well. Your child will also study the commutative and associative properties.

4th Grade: Students in 4th grade learn to predict outcomes and test their predictions using various tools. They'll also use paper-and-pencil algorithms, calculators and mental arithmetic to solve multiplication problems involving two- and three-digit whole numbers.

5th Grade: At this level, students identify prime and composite numbers, and they also work with factors and prime factorizations. In addition, they'll determine whether number sentences are true or false, and they'll practice applying and describing arithmetic properties.

6th Grade: For geometry, 6th grade students identify and describe congruent figures based on their properties. They also learn to find the circumference of circles and solve problems dealing with area and perimeter.