As a special education teacher, many students struggled with solving math problems, often adding all numbers without understanding the problems.
Keywords like “all together” for addition and “difference” for subtraction were introduced to help.
However, focusing solely on keywords led students to miss the problem’s context, a common issue for elementary school teachers today.
The problem extends beyond math, involving gaps in literacy. Reading skills are closely related to solving math problems. Early literacy and numeracy are crucial for academic success. Research shows that literacy and math development are intertwined.
Yet, pre-K teachers spend an average of only 2.5 percent of their day on numeracy skills, highlighting the need for approaches that bridge math and literacy.
Teachers must help students build foundational cognitive skills like logic and reasoning.
Related: Our biweekly Early Childhood newsletter offers innovative solutions for young students. Subscribe for free.
Integrated teaching can help students see math and English as complementary, leading to better academic outcomes. Unfortunately, most elementary schools teach math and English separately.
One way to address comprehension gaps is to initially remove numbers from word problems and encourage students to read through the entire problems first. By solving “numberless word problems,” students can grasp the context before computing.
Storytelling can also be powerful. Using literature in math instruction, such as “Amanda Bean’s Amazing Dream,” helps students understand concepts like multiplication through engaging illustrations. This method improves understanding, reduces math anxiety, and builds confidence.
Here is what this approach encourages:
- Improved comprehension: Stories make abstract math concepts more accessible.
- Math visualization: Descriptive writing and storytelling provide tangible references for math principles.
- Vocabulary development: Students learn math vocabulary, enhancing their understanding.
- Critical thinking skills: Analyzing problems and using language improves problem-solving skills.
- Contextualized problem-solving: Literature helps students construct meaning to solve problems.
Administrators should support teacher training and resources that blend math and ELA. A curriculum that encourages teachers to facilitate discussions will help students use language skills to solve math problems together.
Here are some approaches educators can use to blend instruction:
- Project-based learning: Assign projects that require math analysis and language arts skills, like creating infographics.
- Collaborative learning environments: Groups solve complex problems requiring math reasoning and communication.
- Literature-based discussions: Read books with math themes to spark debates and show real-life applications.
These strategies strengthen the connection between math and ELA, promoting deeper learning and engagement.
Related: You probably don’t have your preschooler thinking about math enough
Using literature in math instruction provides comfort for teachers, many of whom may not feel confident in math. Teachers can expand math teaching through children’s books and hands-on activities.
Math instruction will improve if administrators, educators, parents, and policymakers push for integrated curricula, promoting a more effective education system overall.
Thera Pearce is the learning services manager at ORIGO Education with experience in instructional design, curriculum consulting, and professional development.
Contact the opinion editor at opinion@hechingerreport.org.
This story about early numeracy was produced by The Hechinger Report. Sign up for Hechinger’s weekly newsletter.
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