1. Teach vocabulary using realia and demonstration.
2. Relate math problems and vocabulary to prior knowledge and background.
3. Apply the math problems to daily life situations.
4. Use manipulatives to make problems concrete instead of abstract.
5. Encourage drawings to translate and visualize word problems.
6. Use wait time to encourage understanding.
7. Encourage students to follow the four-step problem solving process.
8. Rewrite word problems in simple terms.
9. Encourage children to think aloud when solving word problems and have students give oral explanations of their thinking, leading to solutions.
10. Have students write original word problems to be exchanged with classmates.
11. Explain directions clearly and repeat key terms.
12. Realize that not all math notations are necessarily universal.
13. Create word bank charts and display them in the classroom to be viewed, emphasize vocabulary.
14. Pair up ELLs with non-ELL students.
15. Group students heterogeneously during cooperative learning.
16. Make interdisciplinary connections to what students are learning in math.
17. Make cultural connections for ELLs when teaching mathematics.
18. Concretize math concepts with total physical response (TPR).
19. Take internet field trips and use mathematics websites / software / technology.
20. Use children’s literature to teach mathematics and develop the language.
21. Auditory, visual, and kinesthetic – be sure to reach different learning styles.
(Ariza, Yahya and Zainuddin 324-337)
Ariza, Eileen Whelan, et al. Fundamentals of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, in K-12 Mainstream Classrooms; Fourth Edition. Dubuque: Kendall Hunt publishing company, 2015. Print.