Here is a link to the Everyday Math Algorithms, if it helps you understand how they expect the kids to solve the problems better:

http://instruction.aaps.k12.mi.us/EM_parent_hdbk/algorithms.html

I strongly recommend supplementing EDM with math facts (memorizing multiplication/division facts) because EDM doesn't really teach that in depth K-4 and in our district, if the kids don't have their math facts 0-12 completely memorized by 5th grade, they are left behind.

My DD is just finishing 3rd grade and can do mult/division 0-20 in addition to her EDM curriculum. She is pretty good at fractions too.