Incorporating+Literacy+in+Math

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 website: 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.

Gillian Edwin

Math Poems Online Sites http://www.tooter4kids.com/classroom/math_poems.htm http://www.mscc.cc.tn.us/webs/vyoung/songs/Tables.htm http://www.pen.k12.va.us/Div/Winchester/jhhs/math/poetry/mathpoet.html

[|Math Songs and Raps] This site covers all types of mathematics and levels. From multiplication to algebra this site has songs, lyrics and download that you can have your class sing. (Ian W)
 * Check out these math songs!**

[|**Math Poems and Stories from Mr. R**] These poems and stories cover many mathematics topics that include the operations, geometry, and the order of operations. (lpoelnski)
 * Check out these math poems and stories!**

Math has moved into a new direction which is explaining on paper how the student solved the problem. Journal writing is encouraged in the school I work in as well, however it is not monitored as much. The region has moved into a new direction. Reading is a priority and soon it will be the science test for the third grade. What ever the region’s direction is going into that becomes a priority, and the other subject does not get as much attention and money. It remains plain that the state test requires critical thinking approach. The math program that we are using in our school seems to foster such skills which will enable a student to explain how they derive at the answer. We as teachers must encouraged student to use a variety of strategies when attacking a given problem, and explain these strategies when attacking a given problem. Some of the strategies the children will use are identifying and using patterns, using mental computation, making a data display, making a table and much more. These strategies will help the student write and support their answers. Written by Jane Lofton
 * //__Math Math and some more Math__//**

For the past 4 years, I have been part of a Literacy and Mathematics Coaching Initiative. Basically, teachers from schools around the area meet 4 times a year with a keynote presenter whom presents theories and practice in incorporating literacy in the mathematics classroom. There is even a name for this, "technical literacy". In essense, students must be taught "how" to read and in write in mathematics, much the same way they are taught how to read, understand and write poetry. We cannot assume that even "accelerated" or honors students will excel in a literacy based mathematics classroom. We must first teach these kids how to read and write in mathematics before we can expect them to do it on their own. Ryan Speer