Literacy Strategies in Maths

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Understanding the language of mathematics is a critical part of

mathematical sense making.

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What does “2” mean in each example?

• 2• To• Too• Two• 24• ½• 102

• 9

+

Add

total

sum

plus

and

or (in probability)

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Vocabulary Development

Three categories of terms:

1. SAME: Words that have the same meaning in “Maths” as in “Everyday English”

dollars, cents

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Vocabulary Development

Three categories of terms:

2. ONLY MATH: Words that have meaning only in “Maths.”

numerator, isosceles

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Vocabulary Development

Three categories of terms:

3. DIFFERENT: Words that have different meanings in “Maths” and in “Everyday English.”

table, right

Strategies for DevelopingMaths Vocabulary

• Concept Sorts• Graphic Organizer• Definition Cards• Prefixes/ Suffixes• Double Meaning• Acronyms• Completing an argument• Cloze Passages• Unjumble Sentences• Celebrity Heads

ExamplesAngle Complex Irrational Mode Plane

Base Degree Kite Net Power

Chord Difference Mean Obtuse Prime

Common Fair Median Pentagon Quarters

Right Regular Real Rational Range

Root Scale Sign Similar Slope

ExamplesAngle Complex Irrational Mode Plane

Base Degree Kite Net Power

Chord Difference Mean Obtuse Prime

Common Fair Median Pentagon Quarters

Right Regular Real Rational Range

Root Scale Sign Similar Slope

Examples Non- Examples

Examples Non-ExamplesDefinition: A polygon is a closed plane figure bounded by three or more line segments.

Acronyms

• Examples:

• Trigonometry • SOH CAH TOA

• Bearings

• Never, Eat, Soggy, Weetbix

Completing the Argument

STRATEGIES FOR PROBLEM SOLVING

• Donna wanted to buy a car stereo for $1500. Her bank offered her loan at a flat interest rate of 12% p.a. to be repaid in fortnightly instalments over 2 years. The bank charges were stamp duty of $7.50, loan insurance of $8.50 and an establishment fee of $12. If Donna included the bank charges in the amount she borrowed, find:

• The total amount to repay• The fortnightly repayment

FLOWCHART FOR PROBLEM SOLVINGRead

Re-read

Underline Key Terms

Decide what operation and/or formula to use

Solve

Writing/ Comprehension in Mathematics

• Students are given the numerical sentence and then derive the meaning of the sentence and then write the problem

EG:

• Students are given a problem to solve and then write an explanation using sentences of how they solved it

LITERACY IN MATHS

• Literacy in maths is meant to provide practice in essential reading, comprehending and writing, while facilitating an understanding of Mathematics through an increased literacy in its vocabulary.