Reading and Writing to Learn Mathematics: A Guide and a Resource Book

Reading and Writing to Learn Mathematics responds directly to changing patterns of discourse in the mathematics classroom. The book shows how to teach math using writing and reading lessons and activities in accordance with NCTM standard #2, math-as-communication, which makes ideas clearer by placing complex mathematics concepts in meaningful contexts and helps the student make the transition to mathematical language. Writing to learn mathematics enhances the development of effective problem-solving strategies and inductive reasoning; promotes metacognition; and facilitates assessment by documenting the problem-solving process. Reading to learn mathematics helps break down barriers between mathematics learning and learning across the curriculum. As children become better math readers, they develop cognitive structures and contexts for processes and procedures. This book includes classroom examples, lessons, activities, and stories for teachers to show how everyday language skills can transfer to math learning. The authors illustrate how to make writing a meaningful part of cognitive as well as affective development, how to use reading and writing in assessment of math sills and how to make reading-math assignments more meaningful. This book emphasizes practical, innovative ideas for integrating reading and writing into the K-6 mathematics curriculum. For K-6 preservice and inservice teachers who wish to incorporate writing and reading more effectively into their math curriculum.