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The core of our mathematics instruction is the University of Chicago's Everyday Math. Everyday Math makes several key assumptions about mathematics instruction and learning. First, students learn better when instruction is based on real-life situations. Second, students must not only understand how to complete a mathematical procedure, they must also recognize why a procedure works as it does. And finally, integrating new mathematical concepts and procedures occurs over time. To that end, Everyday Math instruction scaffolds most of the skills and concepts taught, returning to a concept several times over a year or throughout the years of elementary math instruction.
The skills and concepts taught through Everyday Math are a strong match with the DC math standards. Over the course of each year, students expand and solidify their skills in the following areas: numbers and operations; patterns relationships and algebra; geometry; data analysis; statistics and probability; and measurement.
Teachers ensure the success of each of their students through a variety of instructional methods that include whole group, small group and one-on-one instruction. Students have opportunities to work individually, with a partner and in small group.
Many lessons include real life experiments to both demonstrate and reinforce the skill being taught. Each unit of instruction includes games that strengthen the skills that are being taught and technology activities that expand the concepts students are learning.
In order to involve families, each unit of Everyday Math begins with a letter to families that includes a review of the skills that will be taught, vocabulary words for the unit and activities that can be done at home that reinforce what is being taught at school.
In addition, Murch teachers are trained in the Marilyn Burns' Math Solutions instructional methods. This program’s focus on problem solving has helped teachers to bring a range of activities and games into the classrooms that enhance instruction.
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