Hays discusses Everyday Math; free math game apps available Dec. 20

If your child's math homework seems as unrecognizable to you as a lesson in Swahili, fear not. It's a curriculum vastly different from the one most parents remember from their school days, but one that research shows is more effective in teaching kids to think and solve problems than previous methods based on rote memorization.

That was the message from Julie Ewert Hays, math resource specialist, to the PTO at last night's monthly meeting. Hays offered an overview of the Everyday Math curriculum, shared examples of the types of problems students are working as they gain a mathematical foundation, and offered ideas for ways parents can help, even if the methods seem foreign.


Developed at the University of Chicago and used in Iowa City schools for at least seven years, Everyday Math uses everyday situations to encourage thinking and problem solving while instilling basic math in all students. Hays said that every concept is revisited five times in a two-year stream, so that if students don't fully master it the first time through they have plenty of additional opportunities to solidify their skills before moving forward. Students rarely use a text book, but a resource book with definitions and detailed explanations of how each type of problem is done is available to borrow from your child's teacher.


Hays noted that the curriculum is language-based, relatively fast-paced and cyclical, which can be difficult for some students with learning disabilities. In such cases, Hays is available as a resource specialist to work with the classroom teachers to identify resources that will address an individual student's needs.


Hays encouraged parents to help foster their children's mathematical growth through classroom volunteering, parent letters, Home Links/Study Links and playing math games at home. She also shared that Everyday Math is offering 12 math game apps for iPhone, iPad or iPod touch for free on Tuesday, Dec. 20. (These are usually $1.99 each.) To download these games search "Everyday Math" in your app store.

In addition, there are resources for parents available on the Everyday Math website. Some of these require a login, which is available from your child's teacher.