Unit 1: Understanding Literacy in Mathematics

Introduction

When we think about literacy instruction, mathematics is probably not the first subject that comes to mind. However, students use literacy skills throughout the entire process of learning mathematics. They read directions, interpret information, make sense of mathematical vocabulary, and communicate their reasoning.

In this lesson, we will explore what literacy looks like in mathematics and how it connects to students' mathematical understanding.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, participants will be able to:

Identify literacy demands within mathematics tasks.
Explain how literacy skills contribute to students' mathematical understanding.

Lesson 1: What does Literacy Look Like in Mathematics?

Activity 1: Same math, Different Task

Directions: Examine the following Grade 7 mathematics problems.

Problem A:

Evaluate: 0.75 × 20

Problem B:

A class has 20 students. Seventy-five percent of the students returned their permission slips. How many students returned their permission slips?

Both problems require the same mathematical calculation, but students must approach them differently.

Consider the following questions before continuing

What additional skills are required to complete Problem B?
Why might a student successfully complete Problem A but struggle with Problem B?
Does struggling with Problem B necessarily mean the student does not understand percentages?

Analysis

While both problems require students to calculate 75% of 20, Problem B also requires students to interpret a written situation, recognize the relationship between the numbers, and translate the information into a mathematical expression.

A student who struggles with Problem B may need support with the mathematical concept, the language of the task, or both. The answer alone does not tell us which difficulty occurred.

This is one example of how literacy and mathematics work together.

Understanding Literacy in Mathematics

Literacy in math is more than reading word problems. It involves interpreting mathematical information, understanding how mathematical language is used, and communicating reasoning through words, symbols, diagrams, and other representations.

Schleppegrell (2007) describes the unique language demands of mathematics, including the use of specialized vocabulary, symbolic representations, and relationships expressed through mathematical language.

Students regularly use literacy skills when they:

Read: Interpret written directions, word problems, graphs, tables, and diagrams.
Write: Explain solutions, justify answers, and describe mathematical relationships.
Communicate: Discuss strategies, ask questions, and respond to mathematical arguments.
Interpret mathematical language: Make sense of symbols, notation, and vocabulary that may have different meanings outside mathematics.

These skills are not separate from mathematical learning. They help students make sense of mathematical ideas and communicate what they understand (Frey & Fisher, 2023).

Video: Literacy in Action

Watch the following video from ASCD, which shows a high school mathematics teacher modeling how he interprets and approaches a mathematical problem.

Lesson 2: The Role of Vocabulary, Reading, and Mathematical Communication

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