How to Teach Math to English Language Learners


Teachers across the country have increasing numbers of English language learners (ELLs) in their classrooms. As a result, teachers need strategies that will help them reach all of their students and ensure that students learn what they need to know.

Many lessons in existing curricula are designed for native speakers of English and do not support second language acquisition. This is particularly true for math instruction. Students need specific vocabulary to talk about and do math.

ELLs are still learning the language in which the problems and directions are written; they are learning new math skills and a new language at the same time.