Educators often view literacy and mathematics as separate spheres of learning. However, recent research shows that the Science of Reading—structured, systematic, evidence-based approaches to literacy instruction—can significantly enhance students’ performance in mathematics as well.

Bridging Literacy and Numeracy

At first glance, reading and math may appear unrelated: one is verbal, the other numerical. Yet, mathematics relies heavily on language skills. Students must read and interpret complex word problems, decode instructions, and understand mathematical vocabulary like “sum,” “difference,” “product,” and “quotient.”

The Science of Reading provides students with explicit and systematic language instruction, improving their decoding, comprehension, and vocabulary—skills directly transferable to math.

Benefits of the Science of Reading for Math Learners

Here are several ways in which literacy strategies informed by the Science of Reading can benefit students’ mathematical thinking and achievement:

1. Improved Comprehension of Word Problems

Word problems demand both reading comprehension and mathematical reasoning. Students proficient in decoding and understanding texts are better equipped to extract relevant information, identify necessary operations, and solve problems effectively. By teaching explicit vocabulary and comprehension strategies, educators help students decode mathematical language, enhancing their problem-solving skills.

2. Enhanced Mathematical Vocabulary

Math has a language of its own. Explicit vocabulary instruction, a cornerstone of the Science of Reading, equips students with precise mathematical terms, enabling clearer thinking and more effective communication. When students thoroughly understand mathematical vocabulary, they’re less intimidated by complex problems and better prepared to approach mathematical challenges confidently.

3. Building Fluency for Faster Cognitive Processing

Reading fluency—the ability to read text smoothly, quickly, and accurately—has parallels in mathematics. Students who read fluently spend less cognitive energy decoding words, allowing them greater mental bandwidth for higher-order thinking and problem-solving. Similarly, fluency in reading translates to fluency in processing mathematical instructions, reducing cognitive load and increasing efficiency.

4. Developing Stronger Analytical Thinking

Structured reading instruction enhances critical thinking and analytical skills, vital to mathematics. Students learn to analyze texts, recognize patterns, infer meanings, and organize information logically. These analytical skills directly transfer to math, enabling students to interpret complex problems, reason systematically, and justify their mathematical thinking.

Practical Steps for Integrating Literacy and Math

Educators and librarians can leverage the Science of Reading to strengthen math skills by:

• Incorporating explicit vocabulary lessons that include mathematical terminology.
• Using literacy-based problem-solving strategies to help students dissect complex word problems.
• Encouraging discussions about mathematical reasoning, promoting clear and precise communication.
• Creating interdisciplinary lessons and reading lists that incorporate math-themed literature to reinforce concepts through stories and informational texts.

The Role of Librarians in Strengthening Math Skills

Librarians can greatly enhance students’ math achievement by carefully curating collections that integrate math with literacy. Books that incorporate mathematical concepts, highlight math vocabulary, or present engaging numerical challenges can spark curiosity and build mathematical confidence.

Additionally, librarians can partner with educators to host activities and learning circles that emphasize interdisciplinary literacy, bridging math and reading for holistic student success.

A Unified Approach for Student Achievement

The Science of Reading not only enhances students’ reading skills but also provides a robust foundation for mathematical proficiency. By explicitly teaching language, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency, educators empower students to confidently tackle numerical and verbal challenges alike.

Let’s embrace an integrated approach to literacy and numeracy, ensuring all students achieve their full academic potential—both in reading and mathematics.