Algebra Out Loud: Learning Mathematics Through Reading and Writing Activities [Paperback]

Pat Mower (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0787968986 | ISBN-13: 978-0787968984 | Publication Date: November 11, 2003 | Edition: 1

Algebra Out Loud is a unique resource designed for mathematics instructors who are teaching algebra I and II. This easy-to-use resource is filled with illustrative examples, strategies, activities, and lessons that will help students more easily understand mathematical text and learn the skills they need to effectively communicate mathematical concepts.

Algebra Out Loud's strategies and activities will give students the edge in learning how to summarize, analyze, present, utilize and retain mathematical content. The book offers proven writing activities that will engage the students in writing about algebraic vocabulary, processes, theorems, definitions, and graphs. Algebra Out Loud gives teachers the tools they need to help their students learn how to communicate about math ideas between student and teacher, student and peers, and student and the wider world. For quick access and easy use, the activities are printed in a big 8 1/2" x 11"format for photocopyin g and are organized into eight chapters.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

ALGEBRA OUT LOUD

Learning Mathematics Through Reading and Writing Activities

Algebra Out Loud is a unique resource designed for mathematics instructors who are teaching Algebra I and II. This easy-to-use resource is filled with illustrative examples, strategies, activities, and lessons that will help students more easily understand mathematical text and learn the skills they need to effectively communicate mathematical concepts.

Algebra Out Loud's strategies and activities will give students the edge in learning how to summarize, analyze, present, utilize, and retain mathematical content. The book offers proven writing activities that will engage the students in writing about algebraic vocabulary, processes, theorems, definitions, and graphs. Algebra Out Loud gives teachers the tools they need to help their students learn how to communicate about math ideas between student and teacher, student and peers, and student and the wider world.

For quick access and easy use, the activities are printed in a big 8-1/2" x 11" format for photocopying and are organized into eight chapters.

PREREADING STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES: Knowledge Ratings . . . Anticipation Guides . . . Problem Solving Prep . . . Wordsmithing.

READING AND VOCABULARY BUILDING STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES: Magic Square Activity . . . Concept Circles . . . K-W-L . . . Semantic Feature Analysis . . . Graphic Organizers . . . Reading Math Symbols . . . Proof-Reading . . . Semantic Word Map.

POSTREADING STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES: Group Speak . . . Concept Cards . . . Fryer Model . . . Question-Answer Relationship (QAR) . . . Comparison and Contrast Matrix.

READINGS IN MATHEMATICS: The Secret Society of Pythagoreans: An Ancient Cult . . . Marathon Math . . . Egyptian Multiplication.

WRITING TO UNDERSTAND ALGEBRA: In Your Own Words: Paraphrasing Activity . . . Methods of Operation . . . Graph Description Activity . . . Crib Sheets . . . Math Story Activity . . . Math Ads . . . The Writing Is on the Wall . . . Creating a Math Mnemonics . . . Creation of Written Problems (or Fat Men in Pink Leotards) . . . Math Concept Paragraphs . . . Math Biographies . . . Experimenting to Learn Algebra Reports . . . Concept Math . . . Learning Log.

WRITING TO COMMUNICATE ALGEBRA: Writing Across Campus . . . Group Exposition . . . Guided Math Poetry . . . Math Letters . . . Math Poetry . . . Math Journals . . . Mathematical Investigator.

WRITING AS AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT: Muddiest Point . . . Math Analogies . . . One-Minute Summary . . . Math Is a Four Letter Word . . . E-Writing . . . Math Similes, Metaphors, and Analogies . . . Targeted Problem Solving Assessments.

WRITING FOR ASSESSMENT: Math Portfolio . . . Math Essay . . . Write Question . . . Math Posters.

About the Author

Pat Mower, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Dr. Mower prepares preservice teachers to teach mathematics in elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Her interests include reading and writing in mathematics, and alternative methods for the teaching and learning of mathematics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (November 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787968986
• ISBN-13: 978-0787968984
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #510,673 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for teaching high school math!, July 19, 2005

By 

Ms. Mike J. Edwards (TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Algebra Out Loud: Learning Mathematics Through Reading and Writing Activities (Paperback)

I am a student working on my bachelor's to teach high school math. I bought this book as a resource for my reading class. It is so awesome I even included it in my term paper. It has examples of all the things and more that we were taught in that class. This book changed my attitude toward teaching reading and writing strategies in a high school math class. These techniques help struggling readers while at the same time they enhance more successful learners. This is also a must have book for middle school math teachers.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Resource, August 30, 2007

By 

Math Mommy "math mommy" (NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Algebra Out Loud: Learning Mathematics Through Reading and Writing Activities (Paperback)

How refreshing! I ordered this book at least a year ago, and it sat on my shelf until a few days ago. Big mistake on my part-I could've used most of the activities sooner! I normally read through this type of resouce and flag the handful of pages deemed useful for improving classrom instruction. Immediately, I found myself flagging almost every other page. This book is LOADED with meaningful and easy to implement ideas to assist in improving literacy, vocabulary and communication in secondary mathematics classrooms. Even though mathematics is the subject of focus, I would HIGHLY rec. this to any teacher as the activities could be easily adapted based upon grade level and/or subject.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Algebra Out Loud - A math resource that will produce positive results, November 13, 2010

By 

Beverly Mackie "Math Editor @ BellaOnline" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Algebra Out Loud: Learning Mathematics Through Reading and Writing Activities (Paperback)

The author, Pat Mower, has written a helpful resource filled with many ideas to incorporate reading and writing activities in Algebra courses. The activities are suitable for secondary and college level classrooms. Generously, the author extends permission for individual classroom teachers to reproduce math activities.

I especially like the three subheadings included for each activity:
1. What? Description
2. Why? Objectives
3. How? Example

Prior to reading this book, I had used some of the activities in my classroom with good success. For example, the Muddiest Point gave students the opportunity to write on an index card what objectives were still confusing to them at the end of a lesson. As a result, I was able to review those topics in my next lesson. In Algebra Out Loud, the author has provided a worksheet for students to use instead of index cards. Secondly, I have required students to write an explanation on how to solve a particular type of problem without worrying about grammar and so on. The One-Minute Summary gives details for this activity.
In summary, teachers and professors will find an abundance of examples and lessons to improve their students reading habits and understanding of math. Also, I believe students' retention of math concepts will increase due to the engaging nature of the activities.

I recommend you take a look inside the book to view the table of contents.