Writing About Math

It's important that children are able to explain their thinking through writing. This has been particularly difficult for most children, especially in math. Yesterday, we had a practice session. I showed them a terrific answer. Then I modeled how I would write a terrific answer. Next, we wrote a terrific answer together. Finally, the children worked individually to write a terrific answer.

At the conclusion of the lesson, the children were asked to share the strategies that worked for them as they explained their thinking. I will post the following list in the classroom for them to use as a reference:

*Solve the problem (before you explain it)

*Write as you solve (do a step, write about it, do a step, write about it...)

*Use the math vocabulary (math word wall will help)

*Use examples

You may want to hold onto these strategies. The children may find them helpful as they are doing their math homework.