We know the power of creating community in mathematics classrooms. We see the magic that happens when students engage deeply with mathematical concepts, build on each other’s ideas, and develop robust understanding through conversation. Yet, fostering rich mathematical discourse can be one of our greatest challenges.
That’s where Mathematical Language Routines (MLRs) come in – structured approaches that give students both the purpose and the tools they need to engage in meaningful mathematical discourse. After overwhelmingly positive responses to our previous MLRs workshops, we’re hosting Amplifying Discourse with Mathematical Language Routines, a 3-part virtual workshop series that will dive deep into these powerful teaching strategies.
Tues, Feb 11 | Launching Learning with Math Language Routines
Tues, Feb 18 | Creating & Promoting Discussion in Activities with Math Language Routines
Tues, Feb 25 | Supporting the Synthesis with Math Language Routines
All workshops are 7:00 – 8:30 pm ET.
Why MLRs Matter
Mathematical Language Routines aren’t just another teaching tool – they’re a transformative approach to classroom discourse. While they provide excellent support for multilingual learners, their benefits extend to every student in your classroom. These routines give students specific reasons to engage in mathematical conversations and provide the scaffolding students need to participate confidently.
Think about those moments when students hesitate to share their thinking or struggle to build on their classmates’ ideas. MLRs address these challenges by creating structured opportunities for students to engage with mathematical concepts through all four language domains: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
What Makes These Workshops Different
This is an active professional learning experience. You’ll collaborate with educators from across the country, see live demonstrations of MLRs in action, and have dedicated time to plan implementation in your own classroom. The routines we’ll explore work with any curriculum, making them immediately applicable regardless of your school’s math curriculum.
Over 3 Tuesday evenings (February 11, 18, and 25, from 7:00-8:30 PM EST), you’ll experience these routines firsthand.
Each session builds naturally on the previous one:
- Session 1: Explores launching effective learning experiences
- Session 2: Focuses on routines for engaging students in mathematical conversations during activities
- Session 3: Addresses supporting the synthesis of mathematical ideas
Creating More Equitable Mathematics Classrooms
Perhaps most importantly, MLRs help create more equitable mathematics classrooms by transferring agency to students. Instead of teachers “telling” mathematical ideas, students engage in explaining, clarifying, and sharing knowledge with one another. These routines create low-pressure entry points for mathematical thinking and deliberately incorporate students’ linguistic and cultural knowledge as valuable assets in the learning process.
Through this workshop series, you’ll discover practical ways to transform mathematical discourse in your classroom, support all learners in developing both mathematical understanding and language skills, and create more engaging, equitable learning experiences for your students.
Join us starting February 11 as we explore these powerful routines together and build a community of educators committed to enhancing mathematical discourse in our classrooms.