In this first episode of Word Up with Helen Prince, Helen and Andrew Jeffrey discuss the importance of understanding language in order to grasp mathematical concepts. Mathematics is more than just numbers – it’s a language in its own right, and in order for children to understand it they need to hear it and think it. Andrew offers a fascinating take on concept and language.
Helen is an English Advisor, author of Oxford University Press’s Get It Right: Boost Your Vocabulary, and CEO of ChatterStars. Andrew is a Primary Maths Consultant, author, and the Director of Magic Message Ltd. Andrew’s passion is studying why some children find mathematics so hard to grasp.
Further reading and support:
- Read the Numicon Impact Study to see how Numicon helps children to use mathematical vocabulary to explain their thinking.
- Watch our recent webinar with Louise Pennington on Using Manipulatives for Mathematical Communication.