Breaking Down the Language of MATH for ELLs!

To support ELLs in accessing math content and language, teachers will need to do quite a bit of language clarification.  Some of this will entail the rewriting of questions from passive voice (ex.  16 subtracted from 32 equals 16) to active voice (32 minus 16 equals 16).  Other situations will entail words with multiple meanings such as GROSS.  In conversation it means disgusting, but in math, it means total income from sales. 

If ELLs try dictionary definitions, they will be lost.  Instead, this paper from NYU School of Education addresses how to make the language of math problems accessible through a variety of ways.  First, wall charts that have vivid easy to follow definitions to assist students in determining the correct usage.  Then there are graphic organizers such as venn-diagrams where, math "pictures" with their labels could be laid out in such a way as to show ELLs differences and similarities (difference:  rhombus, square, rectangle---similarity:  all 3 have 4 sides).  Of course, there is also the need to highlight key vocabulary students need to know to be able to figure out what is being asked of them.  With a document camera or an iPad, this can be done with ease.  To build this skill, have paper handouts with word problems on them, have them highlight must-know words (with ERASABLE HIGHLIGHTERS), and then discuss meanings.  If they highlighted the wrong words, they can erase them--no waste of paper for you and no loss of confidence for them.  One of the strongest ways to support them is to have them keep math journals (inexpensive composition books will do here).  They will note everything they learn there as well as problems they encountered and then solved.  With a record to refer to in doing future problems, they are not starting from ground zero.


There are many more ideas here along with additional website resources (majority are free, but not all).  Save the PDF in your DropBox folder and refer to it as needed.  Think of it as a free e-book on math:)
ELLS+MATHEMATICS

Denise


ELL TEACHER PROS

OfficeMax Pen Style Chisel Tip Erasable Highlighters, 5 Colored
Composition Book, 7 1/2" x 9 3/4", Wde Ruled

FREE Video Support and More in BASIC Math THROUGH Calculus:)

If you have your own website or a blog for your students in your math class, you might want to add this one. The videos are delivered through engaging teachers who really seem to enjoy all phases of math instruction. If you want kids to develop an interest in math, you need to be enthusiastic about it. Teacher enthusiasm about her/his subject can be quite infectious:)

This site could be that extra support for those (especially ELLs) who need more time to process the information. Students can watch them at home as often as they like for free. If browsing for videos doesn't offer exactly what you want, check by book. Click on the copy you are using in your class, and all the videos will be listed in the order that they appear in the textbook.

Students can also input problems on their own if they need help in solving them, but they will only receive the answer. If they need the steps that take you to the answer, there is a fee. However, students can always bring the problem to class where the problem could be solved in class either in small groups or whole class discussion.

Students can also get help from the MATH HELP forum. Immediate answer only responses are free.


BRIGHTSTORM -- free support for your math classes:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS