Incorporating writing in the content areas is a great avenue to increase higher level thinking skills in your students and allow you as the teacher to do a quick check for understanding. Having them write just a few sentences can really highlight what concepts students have mastered and which concepts need more attention. Imagine asking your students to write out the steps to a math problem or explaining in writing how they came to the answer or how they know it is correct. Allowing them to share what they wrote with each other is also a great way to encourage peer assistance; it seems there is always a kid or two who can explain things in a way that reaches the kids who struggle.
I recently found a blog called "Let's Play Math!" which is all about using games, reading, writing, and challenging activities in K-12 math. This entry deals specifically with writing in the math class http://letsplaymath.wordpress.com/2008/10/06/writing-to-learn-math-ii/#more-1869
The author gives math journal prompts, ideas for math poetry, essays, word plays, etc.
Happy writing!
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