As teachers, the amount of content we need to teach in a year can be overwhelming. But integrating subject areas is one way to work smart in the classroom. Literacy and math may not seem easy to integrate, but there are some simple ways that you can encourage reading and writing in your math class!
Reading In Math Class
One way to incorporate literacy with math is to do a math-based read-aloud with your students. While reading, stop to ask questions and discuss the book. This can spark problem-solving conversations among students. They will have so much fun with math-related conversations!
Some great math read alouds for your students:
- Equal Shmequal by Virginia Kroll
- Elevator Magic by Stuart Murphy
- Inch by Inch by Leo Leonni
Math-Themed Reader’s Theaters
My students love reader’s theater plays. They have the chance to act out different roles and pretend to be another person. Reader’s theaters are a great way to introduce and practice math academic vocabulary. They can also be good review for comprehension and fluency.
Exit Tickets
Another great way to incorporate literacy and mathematics is to use exit tickets. Exit tickets work well at the end of math units or lessons and can be used as informal assessments to drive future instruction.
How to Introduce Exit Tickets in the Classroom
It will take time for your students to understand your expectations for their exit tickets. Demonstrate how to respond to questions thoughtfully. Model what a good answer looks like as compared to a great answer. Have your students practice this! Over time, use exit tickets as a way to grow your students’ writing skills and conceptual knowledge about math strategies. After using the tickets for a few lessons, challenge your students to write longer paragraphs.
Sequence of Events Writing
Incorporate writing and mathematics together by having your students write the sequence of steps to solve a math problem. For example, you might have your students write down the steps to solve a multiplication/division problem or the area of an irregular shape. (Use transition words like first, next, then, and last.) After completing this as a whole group, have your students try it independently.
Math Journals
Math journals are fantastic for getting your students to write at the beginning or end of your math period. Allow your students to let their creativity shine through with their writing style.
Some possible journal topics include:
- What is the difference between multiplication and division?
- Tell me everything you know about fractions.
- Write a multiple choice question about area. Include one correct answer and three other options that students could easily mistake for the right answer. Why could they easily be mistaken for the correct answer?
Tip: Designate a time where students can share their journal passage. I love having my students share some of their journal entries at the end of our math block.
Creating Word Problems
One of my favorite lessons to teach is writing word problems. Start this lesson by looking at some sample word problems. What is the problem telling you? What is it asking you to do?
After analyzing several word problems, have students practice writing their own. I like to emphasize that they can tell a story with their word problems. Students can also be creative when writing by using their names, names of friends and family members, favorite athletes, etc. Encourage students to be imaginative and incorporate their hobbies, favorite foods, passions, or pets into their word problems.
To foster teamwork and collaboration, students can even work with partners to create and discuss their word problems. When everyone finishes, students can share their word problems.
What are your favorite ways to integrate literacy and math? Share in the comments below!
One Comment
This is great information. My students’ environment is somewhat noisy. I had a math class in the Reading Lab and they were hoping that classes can take place there. However, because it is a Reading Lab I am being told that it is not possible for an everyday class.
Reading this has given me ideas and ways in which I can truly incorporate math into reading.
Thank you