Language is a vital tool for teaching math—it’s present in word problems, textbooks, teacher talk, and more. With this game-changing guidebook, middle and high school teachers will harness the power of language to ensure math success for all students, including multilingual and other diverse learners who may need support to access academic language.
Introducing a unique
functional language awareness
approach developed through decades of research and field work, this book helps teachers
examine how they use language
in the math classroom and
make small changes to their words and practices
to support student learning. Math teachers will see the functional language awareness approach in action across different classroom contexts, and they’ll get a practical collection of ideas, activities, and tools for making the most of language in the math classroom. An innovative approach that complements popular math models used with English learners, this guidebook will help educators use language consistently and effectively to meet the learning needs of all
MATH TEACHERS WILL:
record, analyze, and reflect
on their own use of language in the classroom
increase understanding of student strengths and needs
by developing learner profiles
establish language-rich interactive routines
that engage all learners
plan powerful math lessons
with an explicit focus on how language can support learning
build student competence in key skills
related to math, including explaining, reasoning, and problem-solving
teach students precise language
for communicating their math knowledge
use a think-aloud technique
to reflect on and improve elements of their planning and teaching
SPECIAL FEATURES
: Leverage language effectively in the math classroom through sample transcripts of teacher-student discourse, Try It Yourself boxes, On Your Own activities, and reflective practice. Online materials include a lesson plan template, sample lesson plan, transcription guide, and other forms to support effective teaching.