The Genre of Math: Building Math and Literacy Connections (Jan. 9th, 2025)

Have you ever paused to consider the genre of mathematics? Mathematics is a unique genre, but is still full of specific literacy structures. Number sentences, operation symbols, numbers, and the language we use in mathematics are connected to the sentences, punctuation, phonics, and parts of speech we teach in literacy. Noticing and naming these connections can help us to use what students already know from their literacy learning as they tackle new ideas in mathematics. This session will work to explicitly name literacy connections as we explore the genre of mathematics.

This workshop is designed to help us think differently about mathematics. By considering mathematics as a genre with specific structures and patterns, we can build off what our students know about reading and writing as we teach new math concepts and ideas. We will explore what a “sentence” is in literacy, and compare that to a “sentence” in mathematics. We will also consider other parallels, such as: punctuation and operation symbols; letters/phonemes and digits/numbers; sequencing events and unpacking word problems; and more! 

By identifying and using these literacy and math connections, we can create a more cohesive learning experience for our students as they learn across content areas. Rather than learning a whole new mathematics language, let’s work together to consider how mathematics is related to what students already know, or are learning, in their literacy classrooms. This approach has the potential to transform classrooms into strengths-based mathematics classrooms as we explore what students know in literacy and how that learning is connected to mathematics.

Who Should Attend:

“The Genre of Mathematics” is designed for elementary classroom teachers, elementary special education teachers,  elementary team leads, elementary math specialists, elementary math administrators, and elementary math instructional assistants. If you support student learning literacy AND mathematics, this session is for you!

What to Expect:

This workshop will include short bursts of content and opportunities for participants to collaborate around the work of math computation.

Key Questions We Will Answer:

• What is the genre of mathematics?
• How do components of literacy show up in the genre of mathematics?
• What literacy and math connections can we make for students?
• Why is it important to use literacy knowledge in a strengths-based math classroom?

ESC and CIESC Member Discounts

Is your school district a member of CIESC or another ESC in Indiana? You can register at a discounted price! Check the link below to verify your school district's ESC member status. Once ready you will click the registration option for an ESC Member District or CIESC Member District to receive the discount.

Please note, you must use your school email address to receive the discounted ticket price.

Unsure if your school district is part of an ESC?

Check this spreadsheet to see if your school is listed!

Pay via Invoice

If you need to pay for your registration via invoice, you may do so by selecting your ticket and then choosing the invoice option at check out.

Cancellation Policy - Cancellations made before the payment settles (usually within 24 hours) will be 100% refunded. Cancellations made 7 calendar days or more in advance of the event date, will receive a 90% refund. Cancellations made less than 7 days of the event will receive a 75% refund.