Math Instruction for ELLs
Math can be a helpful bridge for English language learners (ELLs) that have studied math in their home countries or in other schools. Nevertheless, some students will have limited math experience, and all ELLs will need practice mastering the language of math and learning how to understand word problems and use language in math class for tasks such as explaining their answers. These resources offer strategies for math instruction at various grade and English proficiency levels.
Featured Articles
- Supporting ELL Success with STEAM and Hands-On Learning (Part 2)
- Reading and Understanding Written Math Problems
- Math Instruction for English Language Learners
- Teaching ELLs to Navigate Textbooks Effectively
- Improving Mathematics Problem Solving Skills for English language learners with Learning Disabilities
Blog Posts
- Year-End Review: A Recap of Our CCSS for ELLs Posts (Part 2)
- Resources for Teaching the CCSS in Mathematics to ELLs
- Common Core Math for English Language Learners
- The Academic Language of Mathematics
- PARCC Announces Translation of Common Core Math Tests Into Spanish
Related Video
Math collaboration
Math collaboration
How vocabulary can get in the way of solving a word problem
How vocabulary can get in the way of solving a word problem
Math standards
Math standards
Math challenges for ELLs
Math challenges for ELLs
Books and Booklists
FAQs
- What strategies can be used to overcome math difficulties?
- I am looking for written resources or computer programs to use in my classroom to help teach my students with math disabilities. Do you have any recommendations?
Research and Reports
- Educating English Language Learners: A Review of the Latest Research
- The Social Competence of Latino Kindergartners and Growth in Mathematical Understanding
- Benchmarking the Success of Latina and Latino Students in STEM to Achieve National Graduation Goals
- Accommodations for English Language Learner Students: The Effect of Linguistic Modification of Math Test Item Sets
- Making Math Count More for Young Latino Children
Recommended Resources
- Larry Ferlazzo: Best Websites for Teaching Math
- TeacherVision: Word Problem Resources for Teachers
- #ELLCHAT Resources: Teaching Math and Science to ELLs
- Kidzone: Math Worksheets
- Dave's Math Tables: English/Spanish Dictionary
Related Projects
Project: Teaching English Learners Early Mathematics (TEEM)
The TEEM vision is to increase the proportion of English Learner (EL) students completing challenging mathematics courses by creating communities of inquiry among students, teachers and school leaders. Students engage in structured inquiry through the use of interactive notebooks in mathematics; teachers improve mathematics instruction by forming communities of inquiry supported by Summer Institutes and Lesson Study; and principals develop as instructional leaders in mathematics. Key strategies include talking through number lessons, lesson study cycles based on strategies commonly used in Japan, and math journals. The project was recently featured in Education Week.
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ELL News
- English-Learners Often Denied Full Access to STEM Education, Report Finds Education Week | October 25, 2018
- What New York's Skyline Can Teach Kids About Math and Science PBS NewsHour | May 10, 2018
- Expansion of AP Computer Science Courses Draws More Girls and Minorities The Washington Post | January 10, 2018
- UNM Study to Look Into English Language Learners' Struggles with Math KRQE (NM) | August 28, 2017
Colorín Colorado is a national multimedia project that offers a wealth of bilingual, research-based information, activities, and advice for educators and families of English language learners (ELLs). Colorín Colorado is an educational service of WETA, the flagship public broadcasting station in the nation's capital, and receives major funding from our founding partner, the AFT, and the National Education Association. © Copyright 2023 WETA Public Broadcasting.
Artwork by Caldecott Award-winning illustrator David Diaz and Pura Belpré Award-winning illustrator Rafael López is used with permission. Homepage illustrations ©2009 by Rafael López originally appeared in "Book Fiesta" by Pat Mora and used with permission from HarperCollins.
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