Vocabulary Lesson

Lesson plan

I was asked to make a 20 minute lesson plan that focused on vocabulary for our unit. The above plan shows a lesson on the word Reflection and what the word means in mathematics. This includes an activity to better understand the vocabulary term that was selected. I did choose to focus on only one vocabulary term. I did.

Performance Criterion 4.1 states Candidates accurately communicate central concepts of the discipline.This means that I can correctly explain the important concepts of mathematics, and in this case I can explain important concepts of transformations. This lesson focused on the definition of a transformation in mathematics. I believe my lesson shows this criteria, because it shows that I understand the importance of foundational  language in order to discuss the mathematical concept in a deeper manner. I even say in my lesson that we are learning the definition, because it will help students better understand the rules of reflection in a later class. I must have a deep understanding of the central concepts of mathematics in order to convey the bigger picture to my students. This lesson is meant to convey to students that understanding mathematical language will help them understand deeper aspects of the content. This is a very important part of mathematics. Mathematical language is  definitely a key concept when learning mathematics. I believe an emphasis on the language lets students know that language is important when learning math.

One thing I learned about myself as a teacher is... I learned that teaching vocabulary in my content area is incredibly important. Mathematics heavily relies on the language it uses. If students do not understand the language, they will not be able to understand complex higher mathematics. Complex problems will sound like foreign languages to students who do not understand the words being used and only confuse them more. I will continue working on putting an emphasis on language in my future mathematics lessons, because I feel language is a major part of understanding mathematics. I will want my students to be able to properly use and comprehend mathematical vocabulary, because this will help them become better mathematicians.