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.