Using Writing to Strengthen Your Students’ Understanding of Math Concepts and Skills, Grades 3-6

Third through sixth grade learners need to gain proficiency in math calculation skills, but computation is not enough to ensure math understanding. This video-based online learning course takes you into intermediate grade classrooms to watch teachers engage students in thinking, talking and writing to help them analyze, process, and articulate new mathematical learning. The purpose of this training program is to demonstrate ways to engage students in talking, thinking and writing as essential elements of grade 3-6 math instruction. You will be able to use these highly effective strategies to create powerful math learning and practice opportunities for your students. You will learn how to: Scaffold upper elementary students’ math learning through teacher-directed questions, models and demonstrations Engage students in vocabulary activities that increase their word knowledge, enhance their understanding of math concepts, and enable them to communicate more clearly in writing Strengthen students’ ability to use writing for a variety of purposes within math instruction and reinforcement activities Incorporate different types of writing to strengthen third through sixth grade students’ skills in organization, representation, and communication of mathematical thinking Teach students the characteristics of effective math writing and provide feedback in time-efficient ways Directly involve students in discussing, scoring and revising their own writing to enhance their math communication skills