Primary Math:
Literacy and the
Big Ideas
October 30, 2020
The Big Ideas
What are they?
The big ideas are central to the learning of mathematics. They are
essentially one statement that connects several different
mathematical concepts. In recent years there has been an emphasis
on focusing on the big ideas of math as concepts that you want the
students to grasp. They are directly linked to the expectations in the
curriculum in such a way that several expectations can be linked to
one, central big idea.
The Guide to Effective Instruction in Mathematics says,
“Programs that are organized around big ideas and focus on problem
solving provide cohesive learning opportunities that allow students to
explore concepts in depth.” (pg. 2)
Rather than focusing on one area of math at a time in our practice,
we can plan our teaching around clusters of big ideas and take a
multi-strand approach to mathematics.
In this way we can draw attention to the connections between strands
in math and show our students that math in the real world doesn’t just
revolve around one set of expectations or one specific area of math.
Real world problems are not separated into strands or limited to only
one mathematical concept. When students recognize the
connections that exist through the big ideas, they are better able to
solve multi-strand problems, which are the types of problems that
they will face in the real world.
Students who learn through big ideas and
connections enjoy mathematics more, understand
mathematics more deeply and are better prepared to
tackle the big complex problems and discoveries
that they will meet in their lives. - Jo Boaler
Expectations?
Linking to the Big
Ideas
The expectations are directly
related to the big ideas. One big
idea can be connected to several
different expectations at the
same time.
Therefore, the different strands in
Math can be linked through the
big ideas. In this way, students
begin to see math as a cohesive
program, not just a bunch of
random topics.
By continuously referring back to
the big ideas of math we
demonstrate for our students how
all the strands of math are woven
together and form a cohesive
whole. In this way we are also
able to cover multiple
expectations from different
strands at the same time.
Math and Literacy Unite
How to weave them together
When we look at all the curriculum documents
together, they can easily become very
overwhelming. The only way to possible cover all
aspects of the curriculum in a single school year is
to attempt to weave them together and cover them
simultaneously. We can do that with math and
literacy!
Math and Literacy together make up the majority of
the time spent in class. We spend almost 2 thirds of
our day focusing on one or the other. Yet we still
have other subjects that we need to cover. We often
use Social Studies to cover Literacy expectations
and Science to cover Math expectations. But can
we teach them together?
Discussion:
What if we could simultaneously teach both Math
and Literacy? What would that look like? Many
teachers are already using books to introduce a
Math concept, but what else can we do?
There are plenty of options for integrating literacy
and math. Some examples include math projects
and oral explanations, written solutions to problems
and the co-creating of quizzes and tests. Orally
presenting solutions to problems and engaging the
class in discussions around math topics are things
that we do everyday that reflect both math and
literacy expectations. The more that we think about
it, the more that we realize how integrated math
and literacy really are.
Talking about mathematics builds language skills. When you discuss and
debate about mathematics, you have to be precise in your language and
thinking and you have to explain your reasoning. Even more than most other
areas, mathematics also involves thinking about word meanings.
Mathematicians know the importance of accurate definitions and use of terms.
This makes the connection between math and literacy very apparent!