Anticipation Guides: Reading for Mathematics Understanding

With the acceptance by many states of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, new emphasis is being placed on students’ ability to engage in mathematical practices such as understanding problems (including word problems), reading and critiquing arguments, and making explicit use of definitions (CCSSI 2010). Engaging students in mathematics through reading and discussing mathematical ideas is an important means of developing these mathematical practices and the skills needed to be successful in such tasks. Reading is a fundamental skill for learning in all disciplines, including mathematics. Independent readers can gain new knowledge and understanding from reading a variety of mathematics-focused texts. Students’ reading abilities also influence their performance on mathematics assessments.