Offer generative formulaic expressions instead of rigid sentence starters¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The brief recommends replacing typical sentence starters, which "limit language choice for students" and act as "questions in disguise," with formulaic expressions that flexibly connect multiple ideas. Expressions such as "Starting from the point …" are temporary supports; students are not required to use them verbatim and naturally drop pieces. Broader expressions like "As x increases by … y changes by …" connect multiple mathematical objects and build linguistic autonomy.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Expressions must connect multiple ideas and have flexible rather than scripted uses

Constraints¶

• The brief frames typical sentence starters as offering little room beyond the script

Target Learners¶

• secondary English Learners

Target Learning Goals¶

• connecting mathematical ideas and engaging in disciplinary practices through language

Related Strategies¶

• Develop Concepts Before Vocabulary Preteaching
• Scaffold mathematical discussion with paraphrasing, restating, formulaic expressions, elaborating questions, and key vocabulary in context
• Sentence Frames And Starters
• Sentence Frames
• Scaffold Structure and Function
• Sentence Starters
• Accessible Syntax

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Haiwen Chu, Monique Evans. (2025). Rethinking Language in Mathematics for English Learners: Connecting Theory, Research, and Practice. National Research and Development Center to Improve Education for Secondary English Learners at WestEd. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED674747