Inclusive math classrooms for multilingual learners (MLs) build upon students' backgrounds, intentionally develop language, provide linguistic support, and reinforce students' math identities. This session will focus on strategies, tools, and practices that elevate and support MLs in mathematics.
From Sierpiński's Triangles, Escher's Transformations and Mandela projects, students actually go old school and use paper, pencil, compass, rulers, CRAYONS, markers, and even scissors. While they will complain - they are in MS after all- you will be impressed with their buy in and results!
Teachers participate in a middle school geometry lesson designing lanterns. Using symmetry and geometric shapes, teachers will sketch, cut, and assemble lanterns. We end by reflecting on the design process, anticipating student thinking, and sharing experiences from real middle school classrooms.
"When are we ever gonna have to do this?" The answer is a series of project based, practical applications that bring mathematics into the real world! Whether done as one-off projects or a more comprehensive course, math can come alive!
Mathematical play is essential for supporting the 8 Mathematical Practices. Use mathematical play in the middle school classroom with non-curricular tasks, games, and puzzles. Take on the role of student and experience different challenges in play as both an intervention and an extension activity.
Middle schoolers can be a tough crowd, but the right motivators can work wonders! Discover how challenges, points, raffles, quirky rewards (yes, even two slices of bread!), and a sense of belonging can spark effort, boost engagement, and get students excited to learn and achieve.
