Incorporting+Literacy+skills+in+Math_+Gillian+Edwin

Children learn more when they see no barriers between subject areas. The interconnectedness of subjects makes concepts more meaningful. In math, we encounter topics that deal with all the subject areas through real life problems. However, literacy is the most important of these because it enables children to effectively read and comprehend math problems.

More and more, writing is incorporated in mathematics. The state examinations now require students to explain math processes. Teachers ask students to explain how to solve a problem or how they arrive at their answer. Students are expected to write journals on a variety of math topics using math vocabulary.(See http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/glossary.htm for the suggested list of vocabulary by grade.) Students are expected to transform verbal statements into mathematical and algebraic expressions and equations. For example, the sum of two times a number and nine is forty- five becomes 2//x// + 9 = 45. If a child does not understand sum or times he/she would have problems writing the equation and understanding is represents equality would determine if whether the child writes an expression or an equation.

In my district, one of the discussions we had at our math meeting was how to support the ELA curriculum in our lessons. We had the opportunity to work in groups and develop lessons that supported specific ELA skills (context clues, main idea, cause and effect, etc.)

Here are a list of ways I encourage literacy in my math lessons. that prevent them from successfully solving the problem. discuss any vocabulary that prevents students from successfully solving the problem;
 * Daily writing assignments
 * Weekly journal writing
 * Create word problems – students exchange the problems. They solve the problem if possible and critique flaws in the problems
 * Read word problems for meaning – break the problem up; discuss what the problem is asking and how to solve it; identify and
 * Use of poetry, stories and videos - these helps students to develop listening skills and note-taking skills

Some helpful websites: http://www.geocities.com/kaferico/writemat.htm This site provides a rationale for journal writing and a suggested list of prompts along with a rubric.

http://www.figurethis.org/ This site has various word problems and brain teasers, complete with descriptions of how math is used in the real world, fun facts, and things to try at home. It is a word-rich site that will stimulate students to higher-order thinking! (Julie D)

http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/ This is an interactive math dictionary. As a sidenote along with this, I often make math terms for the week a part of my students' vocabulary list. During the week, they use the words in sentences, define the words, and illustrate the words. For the end-of-the-week test, I read the definitions aloud and they must write and correctly spell the word that matches the definition. (Julie D)

http://www.superkidz.com/counting.html This is a money word problem site for younger students. (Julie D)

http://www.usmint.gov/kids/html/ A kid-friendly site about the history of money, the U.S. mint, and more! (Julie D)

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/deck.php Use the Trading Cards tool to create math fact cards for vocabulary terms. Students can choose illustrations or photos to represent the terms and write a description of the terms on each card. (Julie D)