The Language Behind MathematicsFocusing on the English Learner

Quick Write

• Skim Levels of English Language Proficiency• Write down the names of 2 students in your

class that fit one of the profiles• What are some of the challenges you face in

supporting those students in learning mathematical concepts.

• Whole group share

Building a Language Rich Interactive Classroom

Teach students language and strategies when they don’t know what to say.

Encourage students to speak in complete sentences. Randomize and rotate who is called on so students of all

language levels can participate. Use response signals for students to monitor their own

comprehension. Use visuals and a focus on vocabulary to build

background. Have students participate in structured conversation and

writing activities.

Language of Math – enVision Math Vocabulary Cards Connections to Everyday Vocabulary Vocabulary Activities

Explicitly teach vocabularyExplicitly teach vocabularyWhen? When?

Pre-teach?Pre-teach?During the lesson?During the lesson?Following the lesson?Following the lesson?

It depends…It depends…

Do they need to know the word to be successful? Do they need to know the word to be successful?

Would exposure to the concept help them Would exposure to the concept help them understand the word?understand the word?

Research on Vocabulary Acquisition Read brief summary of article by Marzano on

Vocabulary Acquisition Share with partners any experience you have with

using all of or parts of this routine to introduce vocabulary with your students. A rule of thumb is to provide 6 exposures to a new word

during the initial lesson and at least 30 additional exposures during the ensuing month.

Vocabulary should be repeated often in meaningful settings before students will retain and actually use it to construct mathematical concepts.

5 Broad Categories of Vocabulary Problems

1. Words with more than one meaning

2. Words with Special Emphasis in Mathematics

3. Technical Vocabulary

4. Varied Forms

5. Abbreviations and Specialized Symbols

Words with more than one meaning

Square Geometric figure Outdated

Mathematical Operation 2

Technical Vocabulary

Chord

Cored

Cord

Varied forms, abbreviations and specialized symbols

½ 2 1 one divided by 2

cm mm in ft sq.

= > < +

Words with Special Emphasis in Mathematics

Function

If y = x + 5Then f (x) = x + 5

Frayer Model

Equation

Expression

Word WallsShow examples.List any other words or expressions that have the

same meaning.List the word in the native language of any of your

students. List the word or phrase.

Commutative Property Propiedad conmutativa

3 + 4 = 4 + 3 ab = ba

Vocabulary Bingo

Write the numbers 1-24 randomly on your bingo card.

What does randomly mean? What does it tell you about this situation?

“Math Vocabulary Bingo” is available at NCTM Illuminations.com under - lessons

Interactive Learning – enVision Math Engage Pose the Problem Expand Student Responses Academic Vocabulary Small-Group Interaction Extend

Supporting Mathematical Conversations Read handout from Implementing

Investigations, using A/B Each Teach.

With your A/B partner discuss successes you have had with mathematical discussions or the roadblocks you have encountered while trying to conduct mathematical conversations.

What to say instead of “I don’t know”

May I have some time to think?

Would you please repeat the question?

I have a question about…

I don’t understand this about the question…

I don’t know what the word ____ means.

2020

Language Functions

Functions are the purposes for communicating orally and in writing.

Dominant Language Functions

Language functions commonly found in content standards, include: Identification and explanation (includes description,

definition) Cause and effect relationships Compare and contrast attributes or actions Prediction and inference Express sequence and time relationships Summary and generalization

Connection:

Language Function Signal Words

B/EI – is going to, will, I think

I – think, believe, probably, predict, might

EA/A – most likely, certainly, doubt, based on,

Predict/Hypothesize

Sequence

B/EI – first, second, next, then, last,

I – To get started, from there, continue to, to finish

EA/A – initially, eventually, to begin/conclude the process,

Explain through classification

B/EI – have, are, are called, is used to

I – described as, is part of, is related to, is used for

EA/A – characterized by, utilized for, identified by, employed as, features,

Sentence Frames

1. I think the answer is _____ because …

2. First I _____ then I _______...

3. I agree with [name's] answer because…

4. I don't agree with [name's] answer because…

5. I started the problem like [name] but then I...

Thinking Mathematically Video What is the teacher or students’ language

purpose (function) throughout this conversation?

What are the signal words or phrases that you heard, which helped identify the function?

Considering this function or functions, what might the teacher have done to further support the participation and success of her English Learners?

Applying New Learnings

Take some time now to work with your team around planning a lesson in enVision where you are able to incorporate something that you have learned today.

Share Out and Conclusion What our you already doing?? Toot your own

horns.

Use the Talking Stick to allow some participants and resident experts to share some of the things they are already doing with Math Vocabulary and Math Talks.

Evaluation

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