Math Giraffe
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Doodle Notes
  • Shop
  • Classroom Management & Ideas
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Middle School
  • Inquiry Learning
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Pre Algebra Doodle NoteBook
  • Finance Doodle NoteBook
  • Distance Math Activities
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Doodle Notes
  • Shop
  • Classroom Management & Ideas
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Middle School
  • Inquiry Learning
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Pre Algebra Doodle NoteBook
  • Finance Doodle NoteBook
  • Distance Math Activities
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

Picture

10/26/2016 2 Comments

Teaching Your Students the Specifics of Writing in Math Class

How to Specifically Teach Writing in Math Class
Pin it
We expect students to write in every subject area.  Just like reading across the content areas, writing across the content areas is a key skill.  

With the shift to common core standards and concept-based learning, we are asking students to do more and more written work in math.  They are expected to perform in writing on assessments to complete error analysis tasks, explain problems, justify solutions, and more.

But, I've noticed that if we do not take a full day (or more) to explicitly teach this and practice it in context immediately, then we cannot expect our students to know what results we are looking for in their writing.

​They really are not comfortable writing out full responses in math until we model it, show them specific examples, and explicitly outline what is required.  

One of the best ways to do this is to offer a full class period or two in which you only cover writing expectations specific to math classes.  Here are what I have found to be the basics to go over with kids during this lesson:

Complete Sentences.  Always.

They honestly do not ever expect to have to write in full sentences, because it's math class!  I have now learned to incorporate "Explain in complete sentences" into the directions for any question I want them to write for.

You can ask them to offer at least three sentences (or more) when you are looking for a complete explanation of something.   At first, they probably will not know how to finish those sentences, but that is why we go on to the practice afterward.

Justify EVERYTHING.

Each statement that a student makes in writing must be supported.  There are different forms of justification.  

Give students examples of the different forms of "WHY" that we see in math explanations, and ask them to come up with samples on their own as you go forward.   Remind them that each sentence can be followed up with a justification answering the question "why."  Here are a few sample justifications that they could embed into an explanation:

​• Why did you use that process?
• Why does that answer seem reasonable or not?
• Why did you choose to do that?
• Why do you think that?
• Why is it an error?
• Why will you start with that step?

    Include Examples and Counter-Examples or a Picture / Diagram if Needed.

    The key to a good math explanation is to be clear and complete.  If students want to offer a drawing to support their explanation, this can be a great addition.  Sometimes it helps.  Along these lines, they can provide examples or counter-examples if it can support their writing.  

    However, the full sentences must always be present.  Any pictures or examples are just supplements.

    Now, Practice It!

    Here are some of the ways that we use written explanations in math class:
    • Explaining a mathematical relationship
    • Explaining a method, approach, or thinking process
    • Explaining a problem
    • Explaining a choice
    • Explaining an answer

    ​You can practice each of these types of written explanations with your students.

    Explaining a Mathematical Relationship

    Writing in Math Class - Explaining
    Pin it

    Explaining a Method, Approach, or Thinking Process

    Writing in Math - Error Analysis
    Pin it

    Explaining a Problem

    Writing in Math - Explaining in Sentences
    Pin it

    Explaining a Choice or Answer

    Writing in Math Class
    Pin it
    Be sure that students justify each and every part of their explanation with WHY!

    My favorite approach for this "Writing in Math" lesson is an introductory doodle note that goes into the characteristics of a good math explanation followed up by stations where students practice right away (using the above prompts and additional ones as well).  The full lesson pack for that is available for purchase here if you want it all fully assembled and ready to go. 
    How to Teach Writing in Math Class
    For free resources, updates, and strategies for math teachers, enter your email below to join the Math Giraffe email list:
    Pin it

    To Read Next:

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    2 Comments
    Bridgette
    7/13/2017 08:42:46 am

    I've always required my high school math students to write in complete sentences there answers when the problem or task includes a question mark. This year I want more justification and supporting their ideas with details. This packet will 1) be a way for me to organize my lesson, 2) help me to "practice" station/group work at the beginning of the year, 3) make a much needed lesson accessible and engaging. The preview makes it seem like great review work for my Foundations and Algebra 2 students: they'll be able to practice the writing, which is the lesson, and not be hindered by the math. I have no problem paying for this.

    Reply
    Math Giraffe link
    7/13/2017 10:17:36 am

    Hi Bridgette!
    Thanks so much! I really appreciate hearing that it's valuable to you :)
    That's great to hear that you already have them write in sentences and are working on justifying even more. I hope you have an awesome school year! Thank you!!
    -Brigid

    Reply



    Leave a Reply.


      Archives

      November 2022
      October 2022
      September 2022
      August 2022
      March 2022
      December 2021
      November 2021
      September 2021
      July 2021
      April 2021
      November 2020
      September 2020
      August 2020
      April 2020
      March 2020
      November 2019
      September 2019
      April 2019
      March 2019
      February 2019
      January 2019
      November 2018
      October 2018
      September 2018
      August 2018
      July 2018
      June 2018
      May 2018
      April 2018
      March 2018
      February 2018
      January 2018
      December 2017
      November 2017
      October 2017
      September 2017
      August 2017
      June 2017
      May 2017
      April 2017
      March 2017
      February 2017
      January 2017
      December 2016
      November 2016
      October 2016
      September 2016
      August 2016
      July 2016
      June 2016
      April 2016
      March 2016
      February 2016
      January 2016
      December 2015
      November 2015
      October 2015
      September 2015
      August 2015
      July 2015
      June 2015
      May 2015
      April 2015
      March 2015
      February 2015
      January 2015
      December 2014
      November 2014


      RSS Feed

      Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
      Click to set custom HTML
    Proudly powered by Weebly
    Photos used under Creative Commons from kellywritershouse, Robert-Herschede, University of the Fraser Valley, mrhayata, Iwan Gabovitch, nateOne, Franklin Park Library, rhymeswithsausage, US Department of Education, Edsel L, Larry1732, philwarren, peteselfchoose, Dean Hochman, BryonLippincott, AFS-USA Intercultural Programs, Nilsze, philosophygeek, VividImageInc, cantanima, dcysurfer / Dave Young