Why Teach Reading and Writing in Math

  When I first started teaching here, ten years ago, there was a program in place designed to teach reading and writing across the curriculum but as superintends and principals have changed over the intervening years mandates have come and gone.

At the moment, this is not a priority which is a shame because when we have the mandate to teach reading and writing across the curriculum and we offer a specialized reading class for those who struggle.

So why should be teach reading and writing in math class when it should be done in English or Language Arts.  While hands on activities are great for building prior knowledge, creating interest, but it is the reading and writing that help a student analyze, comprehend, and communicate mathematical ideas.

It is well known that the more a student knows about a topic the better they understand the material as they read it. In addition, the specific reading skills needed in mathematics are the same ones used in reading so it is better to teach the skills in both subjects so students see the connection.  These skills include comparing and contrasting, inferring, predicting, and cause and effect and are important in both topics.

In regard to writing, students clarify their understanding, improve their communication ability, organize both their ideas and thoughts into a more coherent form, and create better conclusions.  The only way to accomplish this is to have students practice writing. 

Reading and writing can incorporated by using trade books, texts, and fiction books with a math theme because they provide a look at concepts in a fun way.  Most of the fictional books I've read are picture books designed for younger readers, these same ones could be read by high school students before analyzing the math and writing a summary of the story or concept.  

I am currently taking a class on integrating film making and animation into the classroom.  Why not have students read the fictional books and then create a short one shot film discussing the concept covered, or a review of the book, or even their favorite line. They would have to write the script before recording it.

Other ways to increase the amount of writing in class is to require students to record their thoughts in a mathematical journal.  They could record their thoughts on solving problems, their weaknesses or strengths, questions, or their opinions on some mathematical topic perhaps taken from real life, write a letter on an issue that includes data from the census bureau, or other reputable data source. 

It would be nice if the English department and math departments could work together to plan the teaching of certain skills in both classes at the same time.  If cause and effect is being taught in English, do it in math at the same time so students practice it in both subjects.  We keep saying skills need to be taught across the curriculum yet most schools do not.

Maybe we need to change the way we think about the way we teach the topic.  Let me know what you think.  I'd love to hear.