Do your students struggle with writing in Math class?
Do your students need more practice writing extended responses?
Getting students to write about Math can be a
challenge at first, but with practice and persistence your students can master
writing Math fluently. There are many different strategies to use in getting your
students to write math. Daily practice during math warm ups (bell work) is one strategy
that can be very effective.
How to start writing math extended responses
At the beginning of the school year is the time to
assess students’ math writing. This will be invaluable. Look for certain aspects in
the writing process. See how well they write sentences and problem solve. This will allow
you to see their strengths and weaknesses in writing math. Do they need to work
on calculations? Do they need to work on writing? Are they proficient in grade level vocabulary?
First Steps
Mathematics is a thinking process that leads to more
effective problem solving. Students need to practice problem solving more.
Provide practice with Math vocabulary and writing Math prompts. The prompts are
mostly open ended giving the student the ability to write openly about Math.
Next Steps
Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to
solve math problems. Give students the opportunity to see and work through
different problems. Have mathematical discourse about which strategies work
best when solving these problems.
Final Steps
Monitor and reflect on the process of mathematical
problem solving. Continue reviewing and evaluating each other’s responses. Show
students a variety of responses to a math problem and discuss the errors in
reasoning. This will be a powerful strategy and tool for students in building problem
solving practice.
Take Action
Have
you used a math writing journal? The math writing prompts provide practice problem solving for
students. Sign up and try 2 weeks of math writing prompts today!
Happy Teaching!
