Math Talks: Building English Language Skills in the Numbers Classroom

In this episode of the Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores how Math teachers at the primary and secondary levels can support English language learners in the classroom. While numbers may be universal, the language of math—terms like slope, fraction, denominator, and the phrasing of word problems—can create barriers for students learning in English.

Drawing on second language acquisition theory, Giuseppe shares practical strategies that bring language and math together. From counting games and sentence stems in primary classrooms to vocabulary walls, math journals, and structured peer talk in secondary classrooms, you’ll learn how to integrate language support without sacrificing math rigor.

Whether you teach addition or algebra, this episode will help you see that every math problem is also a language opportunity—and every math teacher can be a language teacher.