English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers, generally focus on teaching their students the basics of the English language. Teachers can add academic value to these lessons by integrating mathematical concepts. While the steps needed to complete math are the same in any language, the terms used to express an understanding of math differ greatly. By combining language learning with math instruction, teachers can ensure that their pupils develop not just their language, but also their arithmetic skills through their ESL lessons.

Read and solve story problems. Story problems allow ESL students to practice their reading and math application skills simultaneously. These short, relevant stories make great reading practice and provide a convenient way to test comprehension. If the student is capable of correctly computing the math problem, then he clearly understands the written text.

Allow for small group math problem completion. When students work with their peers to complete math problems, they engage in meaningful conversation. By allowing students to work with other language learners to complete math problems, you give them a reason to engage in conversation and provide them with an end goal to work together toward reaching.

Study math vocabulary. ESL students learn vocabulary almost daily. Mix some math vocabulary in with the standard terms to increase the students' math ability while building their language skills. Create flash cards of these words to ensure student understanding.

Keep math journals. Provide students with spiral bound notebooks or theme books, and ask them to not only solve math problems but also write about how they solved them. Many standardized tests require students to write explanations of how they solved math problems, making this task good practice. Additionally, explaining how they reached a particular math conclusion allows students to practice their writing skills in a meaningful form.

Complete role plays that require math problem completion. Role plays engage your students in talking about math. Create a store scenario in which one student acts as a clerk and another the customer. As the students use their English skills to act out the scene, they will also use their math skills to solve the simple arithmetic necessary for a successful store transaction.

Check with the student regularly. Glencoe education publishing reports that ESL students commonly don't ask for help in math, as they don't want to draw attention to their confusion. To ensure that your math teaching efforts are successful, check with your students regularly.