Introduction to First Grade Everyday Mathematics

Welcome to First Grade Everyday Mathematics. It is part of an elementary school mathematics curriculum developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project (UCSMP). Everyday Mathematics offers children a broad background in mathematics. Several features of the program are described below to help familiarize you with the structure and expectations of Everyday Mathematics.

A problem-solving approach based on everyday situations. By making connections between their own knowledge and their experiences in school and outside of school, children learn basic skills in meaningful contexts so that mathematics becomes "real".
Frequent practice of basic skills. Instead of practice presented in a single, tedious drill format, children practice basic skills in a variety of ways. In addition to completing daily mixed review pages, patterning on the number grid, and working with addition and subtraction fact families in differnt formats, children will play games that are specifically designed to develop basic skills.
An instructional approach that revisits concepts regularly. To enhance the development of basic skills and concepts, children regularly revisit previously learned concepts and repeatedly practice skills encountered earlier. The lessons are designed to take advantage of previously learned concepts and skills and to build on them throughout the year instead of treating them as isolated bits of knowledge.
A curriculum that explores mathematical content beyond basic arithmetic. Mathematics standards in the United States, as well as around the world, indicate that basic arithmetic skills are only the beginning of the mathematical knowledge children will need as they develop critical thinking skills. In addition to basic arithmetic, Everyday Mathematics develops concepts and skills in the following topics ~ numeration, operation and computation, data and chance, geometry, measurement and reference frames, and patterns, functions, and algebra.

~Information taken from Everyday Mathematics First Grade Parent Letter