I remember my days of teaching trigonometry with fond memories. The students always carried a perspective that refreshed my soul. One day in the depths of summarizing characteristics of trig functions a discussion about vocabulary erupted. A student claimed he should receive a foreign language credit for math because it was a whole new language!
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| Aligned to CCSS for Grade 7 |
Vocabulary is essential to deep understanding of math concepts and the ability to communicate that understanding. Math teachers integrate the teaching of vocabulary throughout their lessons. In a recent Genius Hour, we reflected on that integration and discussed methods that would support strategic efforts. From word walls to Frayer models to graphic organizers to activities via Kagan structures to fun games...we investigated 12 strategies that align with the research described on this Vocabulary Development post. We used a recent unit on Percent (7.RP.A.3) to model the strategies and an Excel spreadsheet that included vocabulary from the MATH-7 course as a possible starting point.
Which strategy would most improve vocabulary development in your classroom? How would you like to organize your efforts?
A huge thanks to Danielle for sorting the vocabulary terms into Units 1-6 on the spreadsheet! Next step...refine the definitions. Any support I can offer?
ReplyDeleteI really want to do a word wall using the cute cards you have made but I want them in color and on cardstock so that will have to wait until summer(ish). I will definitely be more in tune with the curriculum next year! ;-)
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