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Core Curriculum Mathematics

The full module of 12 units (24 lessons) of Core Curriculum Mathematics covering language and skills for ELs in math classrooms.

The features mentioned in this article are available to all Teachers on paid and free subscriptions. However, only a limited number of lessons are available on free subscriptions.

Table of contents 

  1. Target students
  2. Key features
  3. Lesson Details & Links

Target students

These lessons are for students who have already developed basic English proficiency and need support acquiring the subject-specific language and skills necessary to engage fully in the math classroom, especially LTELs. Lessons in this module target pre-intermediate levels (WIDA Developing/CEFR B1).

Key features

All lessons in this series are based around the following elements:

  1. Relevant topics for US secondary students: Topics for the lessons in this module all feature prominently in the math curricula and frameworks used in three influential US states: California, Florida and New York.
  2. Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL): The lessons in this module use a Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) approach by introducing subject content through the medium of English. Language learning in meaningful contexts is most effective and so promotes quicker acquisition.
  3. Full WIDA mapping: Each lesson in the module is fully mapped to specific WIDA language expectations making it easy for teachers to use the lessons within a wider curriculum map.
  4. Versatile lesson content: While the Core Curriculum Mathematics lessons can be taught from start to finish in a sequence, they can also function as standalone lessons. This means that core subject teachers can jump into a given lesson when necessary to support specific students needs’ at that particular moment.

Lesson Details & Links

The unit, lesson name (with link), and objectives are listed below for a quick overview of each lesson. Click a lesson name to launch it directly from this article. To see a spreadsheet of all Off2Class lessons, click here.

Unit Lesson & Link Objectives
1 - Introduction to mathematics 1-1 Numbers ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify basic math vocabulary to describe numbers and their attributes.
ELD-MA.9-12.Explain: Write and pronounce numbers.

At the end of this lesson, students can read, write, and express numbers in different forms.
1 - Introduction to mathematics 1-2 Fractions and decimals ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify basic math terms to describe fractions and decimals.
ELD-MA.9-12.Explain: Represent decimal fractions (e.g., 1/10, 1/100) using a variety of models and make connections between fractions and decimals.

At the end of this lesson, students can identify, read, and express fractions and decimals.
2 - Mathematics Vocabulary 2-1 Basic math vocabulary ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify math vocabulary used in mathematical equations and describe mathematical processes.

At the end of this lesson, students can read basic math equations, understand and accurately use key math vocabulary.
2 - Mathematics vocabulary 2-2 Math terms ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify and describe mathematical structures by introducing concepts through mathematical terms and phrases.

At the end of the lesson, students can understand and accurately use key math terms.
3 - Algebra 3-1 Algebra ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify inequalities and phrases used to compare amounts and sizes.
ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients.

At the end of this lesson students can identify vocabulary used in algebra and read and write basic algebra.
3 - Algebra 3-2 Algebraic equations ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify phrases used in algebraic equations, including the use of passive voice.
ELD-MA.9-12.Explain: Explain strategy to solve a mathematical task by describing an approach to solve a problem through imperative verbs (factor, solve, invert, simplify, apply).

At the end of this lesson, students can understand words and phrases used in algebraic equations and students can write and read equations using passive voice.
4 - Geometry 4-1 Lines and angles ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify vocabulary used to describe lines and angles.
ELD-MA.9-12.Explain: Use relating verbs (have, belong to, be) to define properties and adverbial phrases to add precision.

At the end of this lesson, students can interpret mathematical symbols, and describe different types of lines and angles using relating verbs.
4 - Geometry 4-2 Shapes ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify vocabulary connected to geometry
ELD-MA.9-12.Explain: Use relating verbs (have, belong to, be) to define properties.

At the end of this lesson, students can describe characteristics of different types of shapes and understand basic prefixes and suffixes used in math such as bi, tri, etc.
5 - Statistics 5-1 Surveys ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify vocabulary related to statistics.
ELD-MA.9-12.Explain: Use a range of expressions to describe numerical relationships and express quantitative relationships, including comparatives and adverbs.

At the end of this lesson, students can use a range of basic expressions to describe statistics and express quantitative relationships using comparatives and adverbs (nearly, almost).
5 - Statistics 5-2 Presenting data ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify ways to ask for clarification.
ELD-MA.9-12.Explain: Explain the relationship between data from charts and graphs using mathematical terminology and declarative statements.

At the end of this lesson, students can present statistical data in different formats.
6 - Word problems 6-1 Understanding word problems ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify language used to describe relationships in word problems and identify the element that needs to be solved.

At the end of this lesson, students can understand the most basic language used in math word problems.
6 - Word problems 6-2 Explaining word problems ELD-MA.9-12.Explain: Use connectors to explain a word problem and how to find the solution.

At the end of this lesson, students can further understand the language used in math word problems.
7 - Analysis 7-1 Data analysis ELD-MA.9-12.Explain: Interpret a graph using language to describe trends.
ELD-MA.9-12.Argue: Evaluate and extend other’s arguments through negation (don’t, doesn’t, can’t) and obligation modal verbs (have to, must, should, could, might) to engage with others.

At the end of this lesson, students can interpret a range of different graphs and express what they represent. Students can use qualifying adverbs to describe numbers.
7 - Analysis 7-2 Creating graphs ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify language used to describe parts of a graph.
ELD-MA.9-12.Explain: Graph data and explain the relationships that exist between the data being graphed.

At the end of the lesson, students can represent information in graphs and use comparatives and superlatives to describe relationships between variables.
8 - Mathematical expressions 8-1 Inequalities ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify language connected to inequalities.
ELD-MA.9-12.Explain: Express the relationship between the size and amount of items and express the relationship using inequalities.

At the end of this lesson, students can understand the language used to describe the relationship between the size of items.
8 - Mathematical expressions 8-2 Measurements ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Select and use appropriate tools aligned to the mathematical task and describe why they use it.
ELD-MA.9-12.Explain: Measure, record, and compare items using comparative phrases.

At the end of this lesson, students will be familiar with units of measurement and other measurement terminology and be able to compare measurements and units.
9 - Advanced math 9-1 Functions ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify language used in linear and quadratic functions and identify how the function is read aloud.

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to read functions and explain how to graph a function.
9 - Advanced math 9-2 Trigonometry ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Introduce the concept of trigonometry through mathematical terms and phrases.

At the end of this lesson, students will be familiar with the language used to solve an algebraic equation.
10 - Discrete mathematics 10-1 Mathematical Proofs ELD-MA.9-12.Explain: Explain strategy to solve a mathematical task by using causal connectors to state reasoning used to generate a solution.

At the end of this lesson, students can use basic words and phrases to express logical relationships, deduce and problem solve.
10 - Discrete mathematics 10-2 Logic ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify language connected to logic and discrete mathematics.
ELD-MA.9-12.Argue: Express logical relationships through language used for deduction and problem solving.

At the end of this lesson students can understand the language used in various mathematical proofs.
11 - Probability 11-1 Probability ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify language connected to probability.
ELD-MA.9-12.Explain: Discuss probabilities and demonstrate rules using conditional statements (if/then, when, given).

At the end of this lesson, students can discuss probabilities using conditionals.
11 - Probability 11-2 Outcomes ELD-MA.9-12.Argue: Justify and defend conclusions with evidence and mathematical facts through conditional structures (if, when).

At the end of this lesson, students can draw conclusions about probability and justify their conclusions with conditional structures.
12 - Problem solving 12-1 Language of math ELD-MA.9-12.Inform: Identify verb followed by preposition combinations used in word problems to describe relationships and convey information.

At the end of the lesson, students will be familiar with prepositional phrases used in word problems to describe numerical relationships and polysemous words.
12 - Problem solving 12-2 Presenting solutions ELD-MA.9-12.Argue: Use sequential connectors (first, then) to recount and explain steps in solving problems assumed to be solvable.
ELD-MA.9-12.Argue: Evaluate and extend other’s arguments through questions (what, how, why, do), requests (could, would) to ask for information, clarification, procedure (Could you show me how you got that answer? Why did you do…instead of…?)

At the end of the lesson, students can describe the approach used to solve a problem through causal connectors to express reasoning, and use appropriate language to express results.