Math Language Routine 2: In Other Words

Speaker: Thinking about something in multiple ways can promote understanding, and the “In Other Words” routine invites students to bring alternative thoughts and phrasings into the classroom. 

When you’re teaching a math concept that is not yet solidified for the students, ask them to reword the definition. They might offer a more informal version in their own words or come up with a different way to state the formal definition. They might use a visual representation or even another language to add more variety to the mix.

Another great thing to do is to pick one or two of the students’ rewordings and display them for the class, giving them a chance to compare and make connections with the official definition. Make sure to feature different students’ ideas over time. 

The “In Other Words” routine makes the underlying meanings of mathematics more accessible to students. Go ahead and give it a try!