SLP Full Disclosure Ep. 113 Recap: How Language Impacts Math Success
Math and language—two seemingly distinct worlds—intertwine more closely than many of us realize. When we think of math, we often picture numbers, formulas, and calculations. But what if we told you that language plays a critical role in students' ability to grasp mathematical concepts?
The connection between these disciplines sheds light on why some students—especially those learning English or with language-based learning disabilities—struggle with math as they progress through school.
This blog dives deep into the relationship between language and math, as discussed on the latest episode of the SLP Full Disclosure Podcast. The episode highlights the value of collaboration between speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and math teachers, tips for supporting English learners, and the power of visual strategies to make math more accessible.
The Cognitive Link Between Language and Math
Language is foundational to mathematical understanding. Students aren't just solving equations—they're interpreting word problems, analyzing instructions, and internalizing vocabulary. Without strong linguistic skills, the path to math mastery becomes much steeper.
How Language Influences Math Skills
Vocabulary and Comprehension
Imagine encountering terms like "translate," "reflection," or "inequalities" in a classroom. These words carry meanings in everyday life, science, and math—but they often differ depending on the context. For example, "translation" in math refers to sliding a shape on a coordinate plane, not converting one language to another. Students with limited exposure to precise math vocabulary often face hurdles in understanding instructions or tackling problems effectively.
Reading Comprehension in Math Problems
Word problems require students to process information sequentially, visualize scenarios, and decide which numerical operations to apply. Poor reading comprehension skills diminish their ability to decode these questions, leading to confusion and frustration.
Higher-Order Thinking Skills
Advanced math concepts—like algebra, geometry, and statistics—demand reasoning, problem-solving, and synthesizing information from multiple angles. Mastery of such tasks necessitates fluency in the "language of math."
The Shift in Middle School Education
Math's language demands increase significantly in middle school. Vocabulary like "scatter plots," "quadratic equations," and "mean, median, and mode" becomes commonplace. According to our special guest, Mia Gage, an experienced middle school math teacher and PLC leader, many students begin to struggle at this stage, particularly those with language delays.
Challenges Faced by Students (with IEPs)
Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), especially those with language-based learning disabilities, encounter unique obstacles. Here's a closer look at some challenges they face and why support systems are vital.
- Vocabulary Overload
Math units, like transformations or statistics, often introduce a slew of new terms within weeks—each with nuanced meanings. Students need time to internalize, memorize, and apply these concepts.
- Difficulty Formulating Questions
Middle school students, especially those with language delays, may struggle to articulate their misunderstandings. This creates a spiral of frustration where they're unable to seek help effectively.
- Cross-Curricular Confusion
Terms shared across subjects (e.g., "translate," "volume") may cause confusion when their definitions differ in math versus English or science. Mia notes that understanding context becomes an overwhelming task for many of her students.
Over the past three years, Mia has worked with around 45 students with IEPs across her math classes. Her insights highlight the critical need for intentional language-based support in math instruction.
Strategies for Educators and SLPs
Both educators and SLPs can play meaningful roles in bridging the gap between language and math. The following evidence-based strategies offer actionable ways to aid student understanding.
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Enhance Math Vocabulary
- Introduce Words Early: Familiarize students with vocabulary at the start of a unit, providing definitions they’ll encounter in math problems.
- Create Visual Aids: Use diagrams, flashcards, and visual representations of terms like "reflection" (a geometric figure flipped across a line).
- Reinforce Terms in Different Contexts: Help students identify words that change meanings across subjects or real-life scenarios.
- Use Storytelling in Math
Storytelling transforms abstract problems into relatable scenarios. For example, teaching fractions can be tied to slicing a pizza at a family gathering. When students can connect math concepts to real-life situations, their comprehension improves.
- Encourage Multi-Step Visuals
To help students break complex problems into digestible steps, involve visuals and drawings. Mia recommends students draw scenarios from word problems to visualize their math solutions.
- Build Self-Advocacy Skills
Support students by teaching them how to ask questions. Practice scenarios where they rehearse asking for clarification, like, "Can you explain what this vocabulary word means in the problem?"
- Make Collaboration Central
Both teachers and SLPs should work closely to identify potential hurdles early. SLPs can integrate math-related terms into speech therapy sessions, focusing on articulation and fluency while enriching math comprehension.
How Our Special Guest, Mia, Bridges Language and Mathematics
Mia implemented a strategy where visual aids, real-life analogies, and extensive vocabulary-based lessons were combined in her eighth-grade class. By allowing students to interact with geometric shapes physically and digitally, she saw marked improvements in their grasp of transformations (one of the most vocabulary-intensive units).
Mia’s Collaboration as a PLC Leader
Mia works alongside educators and SLPs to share student performance insights. Her role as a Professional Learning Community leader has facilitated ongoing collaboration, ensuring seamless communication between her math department and language-based supports.
Fostering Collaboration Between Educators and SLPs
The key to empowering students lies in teamwork. Here are practical tips to strengthen collaboration between educators and speech-language pathologists.
- Regular Check-Ins: Plan monthly or bi-monthly meetings to share progress and strategize for IEP students.
- Share Vocabulary Lists: Math teachers can provide SLPs with a list of vocabulary terms for upcoming units. SLPs can incorporate these words into therapy sessions.
- Integrate Goals: Ensure IEP goals align with classroom objectives. For example, focus on both articulation and vocabulary comprehension during speech therapy sessions.
- Utilize Diverse Resources: Use math visuals, tactile tools, and digital platforms collaboratively to support students.
Empower Students with Integrated Support
Understanding the intersection between language and math is more than an academic exercise—it’s a vital step in ensuring every student has the resources and support to succeed. By focusing on collaboration and implementing actionable strategies, educators and SLPs can help students overcome language-based hurdles in math.
Want more insights from the world of speech therapy? Discover unique stories, perspectives, and strategies on the SLP Full Disclosure Podcast to continue empowering your students.
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