Parent’s Guide to Learning Math in Dual Language Immersion Programs

Congratulations on beginning the dual language immersion program with your child. This is an incredible journey that you are providing for your child. And while there are so many benefits, dual language programs can also be difficult for children too. One of the more difficult aspects can be learning math in dual language immersion classrooms. But with the right guidance and support at home, your child can be successful and develop the necessary math skills. These skills lead to future success even when learning in their second language.

Math is actually one of the better subjects to teach in a second language at the younger ages. This is especially true if that language is Spanish. While numbers have different names, the written representations are the same. Additionally, math is a very visual and hands-on subject in the early grades, further supporting children when learning math in a second language. But before we dive into the strategies for helping your dual language learner when learning mathematics, let’s take a look at what is taught at these early grades.

Math Concepts Taught in Early Elementary Dual Language Classrooms

First, it is important to note that the concepts taught in math programs should be the same whether your child is enrolled in a dual language immersion program or not. The teachers do not change the concepts and standards taught because your child is enrolled in a special program. What does differ is the language these concepts and standards are taught in.

Second, we will break down the concepts taught by grade level for early elementary students. We will specifically look at which mathematical concepts are taught in Kindergarten, first, and second grades. As most states begin formal academic testing in mathematics in third grade, many dual language programs opt to change the language of mathematics instruction to English beginning in third grade.

If your program does not switch the language of instruction, that’s okay too. Your biggest area of focus will be the mathematics word problems and math vocabulary, which happens to include many cognates for English-Spanish dual language programs.

Kindergarten Math Concepts

Kindergarten mathematics is very heavy in vocabulary. This can cause difficulties for children learning math in dual language programs. However, many of these words are cognates in English and Spanish, which means that the words are very similar in both languages. Recognizing these cognates can help your child to use their English language skills even when learning in Spanish.

• The names of numbers 0 – 20 as well as writing the numeral
• Counting to 100
• Counting groups of objects up to 20
• Greater than, less than, equal to, more, less (vocabulary words for comparing two objects or groups)
• Adding and subtraction within 10 using counters or other manipulatives
• Fact fluency within 5 for both addition and subtraction
• Understanding that the teen numbers are a set of 10 with some more.
• Using position or spatial words (above, below, in front of, behind, etc)
• Name two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes

Bridging Kindergarten Math Concepts Between Spanish and English

One of the wonderful aspects of learning mathematics in Spanish for English speakers or in English for Spanish speakers is the plethora of cognates available between the two languages. While the actual number words are different, Spanish counting follows a similar pattern to English counting where counting beyond 20 follows a similar pattern.

The written representation of each number (1, 2, 3…) are exactly the same as well as the understanding of tens and ones, or how we group numbers by place values. Moreover, most two-dimensional and three-dimensional words are cognates as well, so once children learn these words in one language, it is much easier to learn in their second language.

Positional words as well as concepts such as greater than, less than, and equal are a little more tricky as many of these words are not cognates. In addition, Spanish and English often use these words differently. However, with a little vocabulary building and practice, young children can learn and use these words easily in mathematics and beyond.

First Grade Math Concepts

• Adding and subtracting within 20
• Adding three numbers
• Understanding the relationship between addition and subtraction
• Fact fluency within 10 for both addition and subtraction
• Beginning understanding of addition and subtraction equations, are two equations equal?, what is the missing number?
• Count, recognize, and write numbers to 120
• Place value of any two-digit number (tens and ones)
• Compare two-digit numbers (numbers smaller than 100)
• Add within 100 using models and drawings
• Add and subtract multiples of 10 (including 10 more or 10 less)
• Measure and compare lengths of objects
• Read and write time to the half hour
• Beginning representation of data
• Distinguish attributes of two-dimensional shapes and make two-dimension and three-dimension shapes
• Understand and create 1/2 and 1/4 of a shape

Bridging First Grade Math Concepts Between Spanish and English

First grade becomes a little more heavy on the vocabulary. While many of the words are cognates or vocabulary words from kindergarten, mathematics definitely takes on a heavier language focus in first grade. With first grade comes the introduction to place value, measurement, telling time, fractions, and graphing data sets. The vocabulary necessary for these skills takes a bit more time to teach and ensure that the child is in fact learning the mathematics, not just stuck on the vocabulary.

Word problems also become more common in first grade. So while your child may learn the vocabulary for first grade math, they may struggle with the word problems. This is because math word problems use more common vocabulary.

The continued benefit of learning mathematics in a dual language program is that many of the problems are number based, and numbers are the same across languages. The fluency, addition, subtraction, and recognizing numbers continue to cross the languages. Thus, making these problems easier for children learning while also learning the language.

Second Grade Math Concepts

• Add and subtract within 100 fluently, within 1000 using models and drawings
• Fact fluency within 20 for both addition and subtraction
• Understand even and odd numbers
• Use repeated addition and rectangle arrays to find the sum
• Place value of three-digit numbers (hundreds, tens, and ones)
• Count, recognize, and write numbers within 1000, skip counting by 5, 10, 100s
• Compare three-digit numbers (numbers smaller than 1000)
• Add up to 4 two-digit numbers
• Estimate and measure the length of objects using standard units and a variety of tools
• Understand when to use different tools and how two measurements differ based on the size of the units used
• Read and write time to the nearest 5 minutes
• Solve word problems involving money
• Make a line plot of measurement data
• Draw a pictograph and bar graph with up to 4 categories
• Recognize and draw shapes with specific attributes, including triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and cubes
• Divide rectangles into equal rows and columns, find the total squares
• Understand and create 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 of a shape and describe non unit fractions for each

Bridging Second Grade Math Concepts Between Spanish and English

While second grade math concepts add in even more vocabulary, so much of the language is building upon your child’s previous knowledge. Addition and subtraction build from working within 100 to working within 1000. Second graders begin to add four numbers and compare three-digit numbers. They progress in their learning of time, measurement, place value, fractions, shapes, and data. Most of these continue the same vocabulary taught in first grade and add a few additional words, like hundreds, 1/3, etc.

Second grade introduces money and a variety of new forms of graphs. Many of the graphing terms are cognates, which definitely helps once your child recognizes them. Word problems become increasing complex as well. Many children can pick out the math vocabulary but struggle with the common language providing context for the word problem.

What are Key Strategies to Support Your Child as They Learn Math in Two Languages?

Now that we’ve outlined what your child will learn in their dual language math program, it’s time to dive into strategies to help your child to be successful. Children will need support in mathematics when they are learning in a new language. This support is more than math support, but instead focuses on building your child’s vocabulary in their new language. Math vocabulary will need to be taught and bridged in both languages, but children will also need additional support with word problems. Word problems use much more language than mathematics vocabulary and children often get lost in all the words written in a language they are still learning.

Using Cognates to Develop Comprehension in English

Begin with teaching your child to recognize cognates in English and their target language, which for us happens to be Spanish. Specifically for English and Spanish, there are so many different mathematics cognates. While addition (suma), subtraction (resta), and number names are not cognates, many other words in mathematics are Spanish-English cognates. This makes learning geometry and graphing much easier because your child will more quickly pick up on the mathematics vocabulary.

But also be aware of false cognates and words with multiple meanings. For example, grados is the Spanish word for degrees in angles and grade in school. This word is a cognate for grade as they are so similar, but has double meanings which can make it confusing for children. Another word with more than one meaning that can be confusing for kids is cuarto, which is very similar to cuatro (4). Cuarto can mean 1/4 or room depending on the context. Resta is the Spanish word for subtraction, but sounds like it could be a cognate for rest. Children often become confused and mix up these false cognates, so it is important to give them some special attention.

Making Math Visual

Whenever possible, use written numbers, manipulatives, and drawings to make math visual. While mathematics tends to have a lot of academic vocabulary, at the early grades, math should be very manipulative and hands-on. By drawing pictures, using written numbers, and manipulatives, you child can blossom when mathematics is taught in their non-dominant language. Being able to see the math problem or create the problem using counters helps to eliminate the language barrier a bit.

For example, showing the number seven or siete on a piece of paper using lines or circles will help your child to visualize that seven and siete are the same even though they are two different words. Write the math problem with symbols when possible, for example: 9 + 4 or 5 – 2 because these are written the same in both languages even though they are said differently.

Picture Supports for Math in Dual Language

Another strategy for helping with the copious amounts of mathematics academic vocabulary is to pair the same picture with the word in both languages. By pairing the words with the same picture, you help your child to understand the relationship with the English and Spanish words. This helps to build your child’s vocabulary but also helps to improve understanding in your child’s second language. Then use these pictures as your child practices mathematics in Spanish.

We have created a few different resources for learning vocabulary in English and Spanish. We have a resource for learning Shapes, Numbers, and Position Words in both English and Spanish dual language programs.

Number Talks

Number talks are a great way to help your child to build mathematics understanding in both languages. These are simple pictures or problems that you and your child solve in as many different ways as possible. You can draw pictures, write expressions, use a variety of operations, or even count forwards or backwards.

Dot Cards

For the younger grades, these might begin with dot cards showing different numbers of dots. Your child can then show how they determined the number of dots on the card quickly by sharing the patterns or combinations they used. You may draw groups, write an expression showing the different groups you added together, or even make one group and then count on. For more advanced learners, they may even add imaginary dots and subtract these from the number.

Additionally, using partially filled ten-frames as the dot card can help your child to grow their understanding of both the number 5 and the number 10, which helps with learning fact fluency for both addition and subtraction as well as place value concepts.

Math Talk Problems

As your child becomes proficient in recognizing larger quantities of dots on cards, you may wish to switch to some mental math concepts. For younger children, try to work out different ways to figure out those larger addition and subtraction facts. For examples, 9 + 7 can be computed in multiple ways. We could think about 10 + 6, or maybe your child wants to try 7 + 7 + 2, or even 9 + 9 – 2. See how many different ways your child can find to figure out a specific addition or subtraction fact.

For your older child, you may want to look at larger addition and subtraction problems. Why stop at 1 digit problems, when we could explore 2 digit problems. For instance, see how many different ways your child can solve 28 + 13. Maybe they know that 28 + 2 is 30, then they add 11 more since 13 = 11 + 2. Another option is to add 20 + 10 then add 8 and 3 more. Yet another method might be to 28 + 3 = 31 then add 10 more.

Don’t forget to try some subtraction problems too. For example, 58 – 35. For this problem your child might start with 58 – 30, then subtract 5 more. They may instead want to try (50 – 30) + (8 – 5) or even try 35 + _ = 58.

These number talks help your child to develop fluency with numbers and facts. But even more importantly, these number talks allow your child the opportunity to develop their mathematics vocabulary for addition and subtraction in the language of their math classroom. Moreover, your child will grow in their confidence with their number sense and problem solving while learning to preserve and try new ideas.

How Can Parents Support Math Instruction for Dual Language Learners Through the Environment?

Your home is a wonderful place to support your child’s math instruction. We created a positive math environment in our home that allows for math learning in both languages and you can too! Begin by making a few changes to your home. Find ways to put numbers and shapes around your house. We love adding simple magnetic numbers to the refrigerator, foam numbers to the bathtub, and purchasing or creating some lacing numbers for both sewing and tracing. Adding numbers all around your house will encourage your child to interact with the numbers and talk with you about the different numbers.

Add pictures of number vocabulary to your home too. We love to hang up photo vocabulary cards on our refrigerator or hang them on our walls. This is a great way to remember to practice the different words in both languages. Moreover, you also always having pictures nearby for your child. The more times your child hears, reads, says, and writes the math vocabulary words, the more he will understand the word when taught in class. These multiple exposures really make a world of difference.

Finally, create mathematics books with your child. We love to create shape or fraction books to illustrate the different shapes or fractions we are learning. Your child can create or take pictures for each shape or faction to add to the book. You can also make a number book with pictures showing the number of objects. Create a book for position words, or grab our Kindergarten Position Words Vocabulary. You can read these books often with your child or even make an audio book for your child to practice their Spanish and English vocabulary.

What Special Considerations Help Support Dual Language Learners in Mathematics?

When learning math in dual language programs, parents and teacher should keep a few simple considerations in mind. Learning mathematics in a second language requires a little different approach than learning in your child’s primary language. While we have addressed what your child will learn in mathematics, the connect between the English and Spanish learning, and a few strategies to support your child, their are a few other considerations as well.

The Importance of Reading and Understanding Math Word Problems

Word problems are especially tricky when learning math in your child’s second language. Even if your child understands the mathematics vocabulary, they may not fully understand the other words used in the word problem. We find that presenting word problems in both languages helps children to solidify their mathematics knowledge and increase their vocabulary in their new language.

Whenever possible, pair word problems with concrete examples or drawings. For example, if the word problem involves collecting baseball cards, actually bring in baseball cards to count and add. Providing your child with the concrete materials from the word problem will help her to learn the new words in their second language while focusing more on the mathematics than the vocabulary. If you do not have the actual items, you can always draw a quick picture of the problem or print pictures from online. Remember, your drawing doesn’t need to be perfect, just good enough that your child recognizes what you drew.

If you notice that your child struggles with word problems, but can easily solve computation (or number based) problems, head on over to learning vocabulary in your second language. We have a special method for helping to build your child’s everyday vocabulary language which helps with math word problems and conversations in your child’s second language.

Dual Language Learners Can Develop Language Through Conversations About Math

Children should be encouraged to explain their thinking in math as often as possible. When you work with your child on their mathematics at home, ask your child to explain how they found the answer or which strategy they used. Allow your child to answer in the language they are most comfortable, even using both languages in their explanations.

Whenever possible, try to use the mathematics words in the language of your child’s math class. Instead of stopping your child’s explanation, wait until they finish. Then rephrase what they said by clearing up any misconceptions and adding in the academic mathematics vocabulary in the language of their math class. This allows you to pair your child’s thinking with the words of their math classroom.

When you engage in math conversations with your child, try to have the picture support or other manipulatives for your child to use in their explanations. Our child love to point to the pictures of the math words, which makes it really easy to add the Spanish word to our conversation. Your child may also find having numbers or counters ready will help with their explanations because they can show you what they did and you can help provide the mathematics language, modeling for your child how to communicate their thinking.

What Should You Consider When Assessing Mathematics with Dual Language Learners?

Assessing children in mathematics when they are learning in a second language can be really tricky. As a parent, you always need to look at assessment results through a filter of language. While your child’s teacher will want to know if your child understands a math concept, they will assess in the language of the classroom.

What does this mean in terms of mathematics learning? Well, your child may truly understand a specific math concept, but may answer incorrectly do to struggling with language. Maybe your child was only able to answer in English or your child did not understand the directions in Spanish. Does this mean your child doesn’t understand the math concept? Not necessarily.

If you receive a report or your child’s teacher tells you that your child is struggling with mathematics, take a moment and work with your child in their primary (or strongest) language. You may find that your child really does understand the math concept, but mixed up the language. To help avoid this, use as much of the language from the math classroom at home as possible. If your child is learning in Spanish, try to use Spanish as much as possible when practicing math. Also, read math directions carefully, helping your child to better understand the direction words in the math classroom.

Some direction words that we have found helpful for our children are:

• Count
• Write
• Read
• Add
• Subtract
• What is
• Show me
• Which is

Using Technology

Technology can be an amazing tool when learning math in dual language programs. Many times you can change the language of the device your child uses to their second language, especially when that language is Spanish. Then your child can practice math in the language of the math classroom while at home. This extra practice will help grow your child’s language skills and mathematics reasoning too.

Technology also tends to include visuals for support and practice with directions too. Most mathematics programs or apps are very visual. These are great for helping your child to learn the concepts and practice the mathematics vocabulary. Additionally, these programs will also give directions in the language you choose. Thus your child can practice a variety of directions, hearing the directions and seeing what those directions mean on their device. What an amazing way to bring mathematics to life for your child in a dual language immersion classroom.

How Do Children Use Two Languages When Learning Mathematics?

Even though your child will primarily learning math in one language over the other, good dual language programs will bridge these concepts into both languages. This is especially important with the vocabulary to ensure that your child knows these important mathematics terminology in both English and Spanish, or the languages of their program. Many times your child’s teachers will bridge the concepts through word problems as these types of problems are heavy language based problems and thus often need to be taught in both languages.

When your child solves math problems or explains their thinking, expect to hear words in both their languages. Most children will use their primary language more than their secondary language, so don’t be surprised if your child doesn’t use the language of their math classroom all the time.

Children also tend to code switch, or use both languages within the same sentences or while solving one problem. This is completely normal and to be expected. Your child may even forget a word in English that you know they know, instead using the word in Spanish. Don’t fret if this happens, they haven’t forgotten the word, they just cannot retrieve it at the moment since they are using their word more frequently in their other language. This actually shows that your child isn’t just learning a language, but is thinking in their new language too, which is might impressive.

We’d Love to Connect with You!

What an amazing gift you are providing for your child and your journey has just begun. Don’t miss our articles on fun ways to teach math facts or practicing math while cleaning. Read on for more specific math technology programs and ways to extend learning at home.

We also have some dual language resources to help you support your child at home. For children who are Beginning Dual Language Kindergarten we have special tips to master those first few weeks. As your child progresses and begins reading, don’t miss our post on learning to read in Spanish. Have other tips for parents of dual language learners to support math development at home, we’d love for you to drop them in the comments too. Looking for more ways to reinforce learning at home and practice a second language? Subscribe to our newsletter for families for more practical solutions to real-life parenting problems and a few freebies too!

Hi, I’m Nicole.

Here at Creatingbutterflies we provide families with practical solutions to real life problems for everything parenting, scouting, dual language, and enjoying time outdoors. We are a family of 6 with 4 wonderful becoming bilingual children who loves scouting, camping, and hiking with their family. Mom is an educator and dad is a firefighter/paramedic.