Communicating Mathematics
Mathematics is think, solving problem, and searching for order. The symbolism so closely associated with mathematics is only a means of recording and expressing mathematics and communicating these ideas to others. Children need to view written work in mathematics from this perspective. In the same sense, children need to learn other modes of mathematical expression, including oral and written reports, drawings, graphs, and charts. Each day should include discussion or writing about the mathematical thinking that is going on in the classroom. No better way exists for wrestling an idea than to attempt to articulate it to others. Mathematical expression, therefore, is part of the process and not an end in itself.