9/12/2014
Parent Update: 
There are many
ways that you can help support your child with mathematics. Math is everywhere
and we use it every day. One way to help develop number sense with your child is
to talk about numbers. They are on highway signs, billboards, and grocery
shelves. We see them on menus, advertisements, and in games. Discussing numbers
helps them become more aware of how we use them daily.
Your
student is learning math with a textbook called Everyday Mathematics. There are
many great lessons in which students are exploring and discovering how numbers
work. Sometimes, as a parent, you might
be tempted to show them the traditional algorithm or the “old-fashioned” way to
solve some of these problems. Please hold off on that. Let your child discover
patterns in numbers, how to break numbers apart to solve, and how to use a
number line or place value to solve. To you, this may seem like a lot of work,
but that work is focused on helping children learn to think and problem solve.
We will teach them the “old fashioned” way when the time is right. That will be
after students have had time to gain strong number sense and problem solving
strategies. Students will also learn alternative algorithms you might not be
familiar with. We have planned this progression of learning within our
curriculum; so there is no need to worry that your child will not learn the
basics. They will learn the basics and so much more that is needed for our 21st
Century Learners.
1.
At the start of
each unit you will receive an Everyday Mathematics Family Letter. This letter
will tell you the content that is emphasized in the unit, key vocabulary,
do-anytime activities, and games the students will be playing. Often times in the
vocabulary section there will be additional help on the steps students follow
to answer problems. The last page of the letter is called As You Help Your
Child with Homework. This page provides the answers to the Home/Study Links
your child brings home to complete. Save
this page until the end of the unit. Home Links and/or Study Links: Home Links
are sent home in Gr. K-3. Study Links are sent home in Gr. 4-5. You will
recognize them by the home icon in the top right hand corner. Please take time
to work with your child as they complete these at home. It is a great way to practice concepts and
skills learned in school.
2. All students will be getting a login and password for Everyday
Mathematics Online. Once they receive this, students will have access to their
student reference book, tutorials, home links, games, and more. You will need
to have a computer and internet access in order to use this site. This is an
amazing site and very helpful to students and parents. We hope to have all
logins by the end of October.
3. The state of North Dakota has adopted the Common Core Standards
for Mathematics and English Language Arts. These standards are being used
nationwide to clearly define what students need to know and be able to do in
Math and ELA at each grade level. The expectations of math have been increased
with these standards. You can expect to see that increase rigor in your
student’s classroom expectations. Teachers will work hard to provide effective
instruction to help all students achieve their maximum potential. For more
information on the Common Core Standards please visit the Parent’s Guide to
Success at: http://www.pta.org/4446.htm
Sincerely,
Jill Leier Elementary
Math Coach for West Fargo Public Schools
leier@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
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