Everyday Mathematics and MATH Rotations

We use the EM (Everyday Mathematics) program to teach Ohio’s New Learning Standards in math. The program spirals, meaning we will work on a concept for a short time; move on to another topic and revisit in a spiraling pattern. This allows for continuous learning rather than learning a concept separate from the other. This helps students make more connections between concepts, and consequently, achieve better mastery. The newest edition of EM focuses on the students’ ability to explain mathematical thinking and understanding. So, even if your child can add and subtract successfully, I may challenge them by helping them learn to accurately explain how and why they got their answers. Major themes of learning are number sense to 120, place values, telling time to half hour, shape attributes and the connection between addition and subtraction. Fluency of addition and subtraction facts to 10 is expected of our first graders.

MATH Rotations

To provide independent math practice and individual math support, our class will do MATH Rotations. Students will participate in four math activities. The activities will support our EM lessons and are as follows:

· Math with Tools and Manipulatives-EM encourages work with tools and manipulatives, such as templates, place values blocks and dice, or STEM Bins, to teach, practice and reinforce math concepts. Children will work both independently and in pairs with tools and manipulatives.

· A Buddy-Math Games are an important part of learning and practice in EM. Children will work in pairs and in small groups to play games learned during EM lessons.

· Technology-We will use our classroom Chrome Books to play math games. We will use sites, such as Xtramath., Edmentum, IXL, and EM to practice math concepts and enrich our math work.

· How can I help?-This is an opportunity for me to meet students' more personalized needs in small groups. In this rotation, students will receive extra help or enrichment depending on their level of mastery with our current topics.

Home Links Homework

Most EM lessons include a math Home Links Homework. The homework provides insight to what your child is working on in class and provides meaningful practice. (Please see "Homework" page for more info).