Math Instruction for English Language Learners

Why is my EL student struggling with mathematics, and how can I help? I thought math was the same in every language.

Language plays an important part in math instruction, particularly for English language learners (ELLs). Here are some strategies for making language an integral part of math instruction, ensuring that ELLs have the tools and language they need to master mathematical concepts, procedures, and skills.

The importance of teaching academic vocabulary:

• Vocabulary instruction is essential to effective math instruction.
• Demonstrate that vocabulary can have multiple meanings.
• Encourage students to offer bilingual support to each other. Learners will understand material better if they explain it to another person, such as a family member.
• Provide visual cues, graphic representations, gestures, and pictures.
• Identify key phrases or new vocabulary to pre-teach.

The importance of reading and understanding written math problems. There are many ways to help learners master word problems, including the following:

• Explicit instruction of key vocabulary.
• Daily practice of problem-solving.
• Repeated readings of the word problem.
• Hands-on activities, such as movement, experiments, or drawing to help learners comprehend the problem.

The importance of building background knowledge:

• Modify the complexity of language and rephrase math problems. Learners will understand the problem better if it is stated in shorter sentences and in language they understand.
• Guide learners to cross out the unnecessary vocabulary in word problems.
• Build knowledge from real-world examples.
• Use manipulatives.

Tips to increase learner-to-learner interaction with academic language during math:

• Have learners translate symbols into words, and write the sentence out. For example, 3x + 4 = 16 would be written out, “Three times X plus four equals sixteen.”
• Create a “sentence frame” and post it on the board. Write the format of the sentence you would like learners to use. For example, “The answer is _______ degrees because it is a _________ triangle.
• Have learners share problem-solving strategies. This involves asking a simple question, such as, “Did anyone else get the answer in a different way?”
• Incorporate writing activities, such as math journals.
• Challenge learners to create their own math problems.

Using technology. Technology can also be a powerful tool in math instruction for ELLs. Here are some ways you can play with technology in a math lesson:

• Teach learners how to use a calculator.
• Look for educational resources that accompany your curriculum and will allow your learner to practice what they are learning.
• Look for interactive games that offer learners a chance to practice their mathematical skills.

Even if it doesn’t come easily at first, there are ways to get ELLs excited about math. By keeping their language skills and needs in mind when planning mathematical instruction, you will be taking important steps to help your learner master mathematical concepts and skills. And who knows? Your learner may be among the next generation of economists, rocket scientists, and math teachers just waiting for the tools they need!