You should provide a Math Message at the start of each lesson; the message will help you lead students into the concept of the day. If you have noticed that the students are struggling with a previous message, you can create a message that also includes a review of material. You have the option of displaying the message in a number of ways; you may want to write the message on the board or create a handout to be copied and distributed.
The terms Mental Math and Reflexes relate to exercises, in most case oral, that you can design to strengthen your student's number sense and to review basic skills. Reflexes and Mental Math sessions should last no more than five minutes; frequent short interactions are more effective than longer infrequent sessions. Some exercises involve a counting routine and some are written problem solving exercises. You can adjust the exercises based on your classroom activities and needs.
Math Boxes are an ideal way to review the material that you plan to cover on a regular basis. You should not use Math Boxes to reinforce the content of the lesson, but rather to provide continuous distributed practice of the concepts and skills covered in the lesson. You do not have to complete the Math Box page the same day you cover the lesson, but the activity should not be skipped. Your guidance will be needed at the beginning of the school year when skills from previous years are reviewed. Children may have been exposed to the concepts, but may not remember how to work through solutions.
Games are an enjoyable way for students to practice numbers. You should frequently integrate games into your lesson plan. Because the numbers are randomly generated in the math components, you do not have to worry about the problems being repeated. Using the game format eliminates the need for traditional math drills.
Each lesson has a Home Link. Home Links include active projects and ongoing review problems. Home Links also give your parents a chance to be involved in the program and observe their child's progress. Many of the Home Link programs require that students interact with a parent, other adult, or sibling. At the beginning of the school year, send home the introductory Family Letter to familiarize parents with the Everyday Mathematics program. You can encourage involvement throughout the year by sending home a newsletter that provides an overview of the units you intend to cover.
Exploration activities are intended to be a time you set aside for your students to work in small groups. In addition to creating a co-operative learning environment, small group work will allow your students to have an opportunity to use manipulatives such as the pan balance and base blocks. You will need to plan how you will be able to successfully manage several exploration activities at once. You will find that parent volunteers can be helpful with the management of the group.