Read Your Math! The Link Between Reading Literacy and Math

Read Your Math! The Link Between Reading Literacy and Math

Reading and math subjects appear to be opposites. Math is not typically associated with "literacy”, but as the popular saying goes, Opposites Attract! Success in learning math is often linked to successful reading comprehension. Some of the same approaches we use when reading can also help with strengthening math literacy. We'll highlight a few reading comprehension strategies that can also be used to help with math.

Comprehension Over Memorization

A lot of math strategies focus on memorizing a math concept instead of making sure it is understood (Who remembers memorizing your multiplication table?). If a concept or formula involves simple numbers, like 2+2, sure, it’s easy to memorize. But what happens when the math becomes more complex, such as 2 to the 13th power?   Relying on memorization in this instance is no longer a successful strategy. This underscores the importance of being taught to understand math and not just memorize it.  We don’t simply memorize passages of words and call it reading, so we shouldn’t expect to do the same for math and get positive results.

Does your child understand literally what action the math equation is asking them to take? If it's a word problem, can they define the vocabulary?  If your child shows difficulty in being able to define basic math terms or understand what is being asked of them to solve a problem, it may be helpful to refocus their math learning on making sure they are comprehending and not just doing.  

Write It Out

If a question or math concept presented to them is confusing, encourage your child to rewrite it in their own words from their point of view. Break it down into parts like you would a large reading passage. Encourage them to summarize the day's math lesson or problems in their own words to make it make sense to them, with not as much focus on whether they came up with the exact answer right away. Just like students have spelling and vocabulary tests to increase word knowledge and understanding, you can also help them define math vocabulary and new terms. Writing it out can help the problem seem more relatable and less abstract.

Once they have a solid grasp on the topic or equation, suggest writing their own math word problems, using previous ones they have solved as a guide. Repetition and writing help to reinforce what they are learning and helps it to become planted in their minds.

Keep A Math Journal

Your child may already be keeping a written journal for language arts class, or another subject. They can also start a journal for math! The journal can be used to write down daily lesson summaries, unanswered questions or special homework examples or workarounds they find.

Here's a quick step-by-step example of how they can break down a math problem in their journal:

(1)   Write down the problem. If it’s a numerical problem or equation, advise them to write out what the problem is asking them to do. Read the problem out loud, breaking down what action the problem is describing. Once they have the literal meaning, it may be easier to understand the numerical part.

(2)   Let them write down their explanation in detail for how they will come up with the answer.

(3)   Write down the answer.

(4)   Write down any new questions or revelations they discovered while solving the problem. If their answer was incorrect, have them write down why their answer differed and what actions they should have taken to solve the problem. 

For a more in-depth discussion, you can go through a few writing prompts with your child:

●      How would you explain this lesson to a student in a lower grade?

●      Is today’s assignment similar or different from what you learned yesterday or earlier this week?

●      How did you know to solve the problem using this strategy?

●      How could the problem be solved differently?

The same effort and spotlight on the importance of reading comprehension and literacy should be focused on math as well. It should be a goal and an expectation for children to be math literate and have math comprehension. The purpose of math is not to just know enough to pass a class, but to make known the real-world value of math.  Math is everywhere and will be used outside of the classroom. The earlier they are encouraged to become literate in math, the greater the chances of being able to successfully navigate the more challenging subjects as they progress academically.

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Here at Mathnasium, we understand the importance of math literacy and look forward to working with your child to help them achieve it. We offer in-person and online individualized instruction for children in grades 2 through 12. Give us a call or reach out to us online today to schedule your child’s no-risk assessment!