Learning math is like learning a new language. All languages have their own vocabulary, and mathematics is no exception. Unlike common English, which students hear, see, and use daily in reading, watching television, and conversing, the language of mathematics is limited largely to school (Thompson and Rubenstein 2000). Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM 2000, p. 60) states that students who have opportunities, encouragement, and support for speaking, writing, reading, and listening in math classes benefit because “they communicate to learn mathematics, and they learn to communicate mathematically,” which helps children be successful in math class.
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