Who says language cannot be acquired while learning content?

⭐ Standards-aligned ESL resource for teaching circle vocabulary, Pi Day, and circumference with language scaffolds for newcomers.

Help your ESL newcomers and beginner English learners understand Pi Day and math vocabulary with this scaffolded reading and vocabulary resource designed specifically for secondary ELL students (grades 6–12).

This Pi Day ESL resource builds both math understanding and English language development through visual vocabulary, structured reading practice, speaking activities, and interactive tasks.

Students learn key concepts such as pi (π), circumference, diameter, radius, formulas, and decimals while practicing reading comprehension, speaking, and writing in English.

Perfect for March math lessons, Pi Day activities, newcomer ESL classes, or sheltered math instruction.

What’s Included

This Newcomer Text Unit includes multiple scaffolds to support language learners:

✔ Adapted Pi Day reading text
✔ Bilingual summary (English & Spanish)
✔ Visual glossary with math vocabulary
✔ Reading comprehension questions
✔ Speaking and writing practice prompts
✔ True/False reading check
✔ Vocabulary flashcards
✔ Vocabulary activities and word sorting
✔ Word knowledge self-assessment
✔ Interactive review game
✔ Teacher guidance and step-by-step lesson suggestions

The resource uses visuals, sentence starters, and structured activities to help newcomers move from word-level responses to complete sentences and discussions.

Skills Students Practice

• Math vocabulary development
• Reading comprehension
• Speaking in complete sentences
• Writing simple explanations
• Understanding circle geometry vocabulary
• Participating in partner discussions

Topics Covered

• Pi Day
• Pi (π) ≈ 3.14
• Circles and geometry vocabulary
• Circumference and diameter
• Irrational numbers
• Real-world math connections

Students also solve a real-world math problem about the circumference of a pizza, reinforcing both vocabulary and math concepts.

Perfect For

✔ ESL Newcomers
✔ Beginner ELLs
✔ Sheltered Math Classes
✔ Middle School Math
✔ High School ESL
✔ Pi Day Lessons (March 14)
✔ Math Vocabulary Support

Grade Levels

Grades 6–12

ESL / ELL Levels

WIDA 1–2

Standards AlignmentCommon Core Math Standards

7.G.B.4 — Area and Circumference of Circles
Students use formulas to calculate circumference and area of circles.

Mathematical Practices

• MP2 — Reason abstractly and quantitatively
• MP4 — Model with mathematics
• MP6 — Attend to precision

Students apply formulas and vocabulary to solve a real-world circumference problem.

ELA / Literacy Standards

CCSS.RI.6.1
Answer questions using information from a text.

CCSS.RI.6.4
Determine the meaning of academic vocabulary in context.

CCSS.SL.6.1
Engage in collaborative discussions.

WIDA ELD Standards

ELD Standard 1 — Social and Instructional Language

Students participate in structured discussion and speaking practice.

ELD Standard 3 — Language of Mathematics

Students learn and use academic math vocabulary including:

• radius
• diameter
• circumference
• decimal
• formula

⭐ Designed specifically for secondary newcomers and beginner English learners who need strong visual and language supports.