Spiralling Math Language and Content Throughout the Year

The concept of “spiralling” refers to the practice of providing multiple opportunities for students to encounter and develop disciplinary language, concepts, and skills in increasingly sophisticated ways overtime. Teachers using spiralling practices should be responsive to students’ current stage of language development and understanding of concepts and skills, should build upon what has been previously taught, and should seek to deepen understandings of content, skills/practices, and the language needed to express them progressively throughout the curriculum. Rather than primarily focusing on vocabulary, spiralling disciplinary practices (argumentation, explanation, justifying responses, etc.) should be the main emphasis.