Pat Mower - Pre-Algebra Out Loud: Learning Mathematics Through Reading and Writing Activities

Jossey-Bass Teacher

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Other titles in Out Loud series.

Algebra Out Loud

Geometry Out Loud

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ISBN: 9780470539491

About the Author

Pat Mower is an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. She earned her B.S. in mathematics and English at Dickinson University in Dickinson, North Dakota, and both her M.S. in mathematics and statistics and her Ph.D. in teacher education with emphasis in mathematics at the University of North Dakota. She is the author of three books on reading and writing to learn mathematics strategies and activities, all published by Jossey-Bass. Pat currently teaches Math for Middle School Educators, History of Math, Exploring Mathematics, and an online version of Exploring Mathematics. Her interests are in the history of mathematics and using ancient methods for solving problems and also in the pedagogy of freshman mathematics.

Acknowledgments

I am grateful for the patience and support of my husband, Derek; my mother who recently passed; my older brother, John C.; and my basset hounds, who were just happy to have me home at the computer. I am especially grateful to my editors and guides, Nana Twumasi and Kate Bradford, who believed in the vision of this book and pushed me to finish it.

Introduction

Pre-Algebra Out Loud, like the other books in the Out Loud series, is based on the premise that students will perform better in mathematics if they learn to read mathematical content more efficiently, pinpoint and study the important content with better retention, and write well in several different formats about mathematical concepts.

Too often, students learn about mathematics only from watching the teacher do problems and repeating these examples. These activities are considered tried-and-true learning strategies, but if we want students to think deeply or to challenge themselves to truly get it, we must ask them to read, interpret (think), and write about the content in their own words.

Meant for use as a supplemental resource, Pre-Algebra Out Loud provides several successful classroom-tested reading and writing strategies and activities that can be used to help students learn math at a deep level. Some of these activities ask students to paraphrase math text, create word maps, and build and use graphic organizers and tables. Other reading and writing to learn pre-algebra activities include the creation of written problems, a math glossary, and biographies of mathematicians. The activities are meant to teach students how to read, think, and write mathematics efficiently, effectively, and accurately.

The following eight chapters focus on the main pre-algebra topics: the basic tools of algebra; exploring infinite sets; topics in integers; number theory; fractions, decimals, and percents; equations and inequalities; visualizing algebra by graphing; and geometry. Each chapter contains two mini-lessons, as well as activities and reproducible worksheets that you can copy and use in your classroom. All reading and writing activities and strategies have been classroom tested with successful results.

The topics and activities are aligned with the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Initiative, a concrete description of standard practice for teaching K--12 mathematics. This is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and experts, to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare our children for college and the workforce (Common Core Initiative, 2011). This practical and necessary initiative:

These eight standards form the basic practice of mathematics. give the appropriate standards from the CCSS for the curriculum in grades 6 through 8 that is addressed in each chapter of this book. Since