I found that including language skills in math class added a positive new dimension to my lessons. For example, I asked students to write a short essay explain how to solve certain problems but without wrting out math equations. This required students to explain in writing what their thinking process is. I also do the same by asking students to verbally explain what to do to solve a problem on the board while another student performs those actions at the board. Combing writing, speaking, listening, and tactile actions has made for a more interesting math class.