Everyday Math® and the Special Needs Student

Everyday Math Traditional SpEd Math Enhances understanding of basic facts Provides a broad scope and sequence of math concepts Develops ability to switch gears Promotes authentic mathematical vocabulary development Provides drill on basic facts Limits mathematical concepts Assumes students can’t switch gears Restricts mathematical vocabulary development

Everyday Math Traditional SpEd Math Allows multiple opportunities to learn concepts Identifies alternative algorithms Develops independent math learners Creates missed opportunities for new students not developmentally ready Has a one-size-fits-all approach Reinforces teacher- dependent math learners

Concerns Too much language Moves too fast Math boxes switch from one operation to another Students won’t be able to do higher level skills when they don’t even know the basics

These Concerns… Are issues? Yes Are obstacles? No! These very issues make Everyday Math a superior program for students with special needs

Routines in EM Math Messages Reading a thermometer Practicing basic facts Reading the calendar Telling time “What’s My Rule?”

Vocabulary and Reading Level Vocabulary models - definition - vocabulary word (spelling) - use in sentence Word wall Reading with a partner, read round robin, or be read to

Learning Basic Facts Slide show using computer software –visual Say whole problem out loud, not just the answer –auditory Humorous stories, rhymes, music Skip counting

Math tools Calculators Geometry templates Number lines and number grids

Math Boxes Easily modified –give students more information –do only some independently, others with partner or whole group Provide “Math Box Seminars”

A General Educator’s Perspective Everyday Mathematics is a very easy program to modify for all students in any classroom. I have found that many of my students have become very successful with math concepts that they never would have experienced with the traditional math program. With Everyday Mathematics ALL students can be successful with MANY mathematical concepts. “Everyday Mathematics and the Special Needs Student” Cindy Vann, Linda Comfort, LeAnne Heflin Teacherlink, Vol. 11, No. 1 Fall 2002

A Special Educator’s Perspective Positive Aspects of Everyday Mathematics Student Reference Book contains “hurdle helps” => cue cards such as multiplication charts, definitions of vocabulary words, step-by-step processes a tool for practice in study skills, using index and glossary

Positive Aspects of Everyday Mathematics Alternative Algorithms - long division - multiplication of three digit numbers - rates and proportions “I have had students excel in areas of math I would not have thought possible before.”

Positive Aspects of Everyday Mathematics No longer do students work on a skill in one unit and once that unit is done, forget that skill until the reach the same unit the next year. With the spiral approach, students work on skills repeatedly.

For more information: Visit the University of Chicago Everyday Mathematics Center web site and the publisher’s web site and click on Everyday Mathematics