Literacy
Literacy is defined as the "ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their community and wider society"- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
In looking at this definition or any other literacy definitions, one will notice the emphasis on interpretation, communication, creations and other areas of focus. In focusing on literacy in Math, we can greatly impact the development of students’ literacy skills as they develop the extensive ability to read, understand, identify, visualize, summarize, communicate and represent information gained from text and audible materials as well as develop critical thinking, interpretation and communication abilities and become extremely knowledgeable about real-world situations connected to Math as we prepare students to be a part of society. It was probably once believed that English teachers were the only ones responsible for teaching literacy, however, a deeper focus on having students develop great literacy skills is making all teachers aware of how important it is for literacy to be a focus across all subject areas. Below are some strategies that I used in teaching Math to my students and I will be sharing more as I continue to add to this website.
In looking at this definition or any other literacy definitions, one will notice the emphasis on interpretation, communication, creations and other areas of focus. In focusing on literacy in Math, we can greatly impact the development of students’ literacy skills as they develop the extensive ability to read, understand, identify, visualize, summarize, communicate and represent information gained from text and audible materials as well as develop critical thinking, interpretation and communication abilities and become extremely knowledgeable about real-world situations connected to Math as we prepare students to be a part of society. It was probably once believed that English teachers were the only ones responsible for teaching literacy, however, a deeper focus on having students develop great literacy skills is making all teachers aware of how important it is for literacy to be a focus across all subject areas. Below are some strategies that I used in teaching Math to my students and I will be sharing more as I continue to add to this website.
Literacy & math
In my Math class, students were always expected to make annotated notes and write an explanation so that I could determine whether or not they comprehended the text.
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The Literacy in Math paper below was created while pursuing a Literacy across the Curriculum course during my Master's in Teacher Effectiveness and Professional Development. I have also included my professor's feedback.
“Your final unit was outstanding! Throughout this course, you did a fantastic job of connecting math skills to literacy. This unit is a fantastic resource for integrating literacy into math lessons. You should be proud of all of your hard work. Honestly, this is one of the BEST final projects I have ever seen (Trust me, I have read at least a hundred). Well done!” ~ C. Grigsby