Everyday Mathematics . By then, the need for richer curriculum resources had been made clear by the results of our studies of K-3 children in a broad range of schools. These results clearly showed that the early school mathematics experience in the United States ignored many of the actual capabilities of young children. From their own experience children construct an understanding of mathematics and acquire knowledge and skills. EM begins with children's experience and connects that experience with the discipline of mathematics.
Children begin school with a great deal of knowledge and intuition.
EM makes use of this knowledge and aims for significantly higher achievement than has traditionally been expected. Investigations in geometry, data and statistics, and early concepts of algebra begin in kindergarten and continue with greater sophistication throughout the grades. The curriculum helps children make the transition from intuition and concrete operations to abstract ideas and the use of symbols, while at the same time fostering new intuitions that will mature beyond sixth grade. Excellent instruction is crucial. Teachers have many roles that the curriculum must support.