Numeracy and Reading
21/04/15 09:00 Filed in: Cross-Curricular
The question before us,
“How do we improve numeracy in children and teenagers?”
“How do we improve numeracy in children and teenagers?”
In the meeting we all sat and pondered. In case you aren’t aware, numeracy is a growing issue among young people.
Friends and colleagues thought up complex strategies, activities and brainstormed in depth implementation plans. I, on the other hand thought simply; READ MORE.
Reading more to solve a numeracy problem isn’t a sexy answer. However, research backs up the notion of reading for pleasure improves a child’s score in numeracy. As a Language Arts teacher, I’m here to convince you, sometimes the answer is plain and simple.
Take a look at the skills required to be proficient in math:
Are these not the same skills required to be a good reader?
Granted, you still have to know the formulas and basic processes of math to solve problems, but reading helps people build the skills and remember the formulas to execute this task.
Proficient readers and those with strong literacy skills, that are able to comprehend difficult passages, employ a package of tactics:
The goal here is to improve the thought process, which in turn, has a positive impact cross-curricular, including numeracy and math.
It really does all start with reading. Together we need to create passionate readers.
#GivechoiceGetresults
Friends and colleagues thought up complex strategies, activities and brainstormed in depth implementation plans. I, on the other hand thought simply; READ MORE.
Reading more to solve a numeracy problem isn’t a sexy answer. However, research backs up the notion of reading for pleasure improves a child’s score in numeracy. As a Language Arts teacher, I’m here to convince you, sometimes the answer is plain and simple.
Take a look at the skills required to be proficient in math:
- Understand the problem
- Devise a plan
- Carry out the plan
- Check/Reflect
Are these not the same skills required to be a good reader?
Granted, you still have to know the formulas and basic processes of math to solve problems, but reading helps people build the skills and remember the formulas to execute this task.
Proficient readers and those with strong literacy skills, that are able to comprehend difficult passages, employ a package of tactics:
- Locate key information
- Differentiate between main idea and supporting details
- Modify behaviour when faced with difficulty
- Ask questions before, during and after
- Construct meaning from comprehension
- Evaluate new information
- Connect new information with existing facts
- Organize information in a way that makes sense
The goal here is to improve the thought process, which in turn, has a positive impact cross-curricular, including numeracy and math.
It really does all start with reading. Together we need to create passionate readers.
#GivechoiceGetresults
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