Our overall goal in math is for students to be able to apply their mathematical skills to solve real world problems. In order to do that, one of the most important things they must have is a strong knowledge of the vocabulary of math. Research has shown that “Mathematics presents challenging reading because this content area has more concepts per word, per sentence, and per paragraph than any other area” (Harmon, Hedrick, & Wood, 2005, p. 266). We see this often with the trouble so many students have in approaching word problems! Many teachers and parents wonder how to teach math vocabulary in a way that will be effective, that students will be able to correctly use mathematical terms and apply them to problem solving. Here are the methods I have found to work the best.
Use correct terminology frequently, naturally, and from the beginning
As with any vocabulary, the key is frequent exposure and usage in real context! In your own speaking model as much mathematical vocabulary you can in a natural way. In my post Math Rules Don’t Expire I talked about the importance of using correct mathematical terms from the beginning. One example I used was that even with our preschoolers we will use the term “vertices” instead of “corners” when talking about shapes. Why not? They don’t think anything of it and learn it just as easily. Similarly, we will stand around the “perimeter” of the rug.
With older kids, when introducing any topic think long term of vocabulary they will need later and use it from the beginning. Introducing multiplication? Use the words factors, multiples, and product right from the start. When building multiplication arrays with square tiles, let the kids see how a number times itself forms a square and tell them how they will later learn about square roots. Games provide a great way to naturally use mathematical vocabulary within context (see my Prime Climb post for a perfect example about how this game easily teaches the concept of prime numbers.)
Use Children’s Literature
One of the best ways to naturally teach math vocabulary is in the context of an engaging story. Marilyn Burns has a fantastic blog post on Using Children’s Literature To Teach Math.
I currently have a post for Math Read Alouds: Geometry and Measurement. I will be adding more posts in the near future on other favorite read aloud books for different math topics.
Free Printable Full Color Vocabulary Cards
The Granite School District in Salt Lake City, Utah has published not only math vocabulary lists by grade level but free printable full color vocabulary cards for all mathematical vocabulary words used in the Common Core Standards for grades K-8 plus secondary. The site also has lesson ideas and free printable templates for teachers or students to make their own vocabulary cards, word walls, analogies, and journal pages. Find this fabulous resource here.
Semantic Map and Word of the Day
A fun strategy I learned at a training was to have a math word of the day. Start with a semantic map or concept web where the teacher (or parent) writes the word and asks students what other words come to mind when they see it. Work together to put all the brainstormed words into categories.
Then challenge students to use the word in correct context as many times as possible- keep a tally! This can be done both at school and home. Homeschool parent/blogger Angie at Real Life at Home gives this example: “One day last week our word of the day was sum. All day I heard my kids saying things such as “the sum of my pretzels and your pretzels is 17” or “the sum of your computer time and my computer time is one hour.”
Vocabulary Journals
Have kids make a journal of important terms. They can write a word, explain its meaning in their own words , and illustrate. Avoid giving students definitions to copy because you want them thinking about the meaning and showing understanding. However, be sure you discuss the definitions students came up with, have different students share (and also share your own,) and then give them the opportunity to edit or add to their own definition to make sure they have all the important information.
The graphic organizers in the next section can be used for vocabulary journals.
Graphic Organizers
For younger kids or ESL students my favorite graphic organizer for any vocabulary is the VVWA. (Verbal and Visual Word Association) It is is recognized as being particularly effective with low achievers, at-risk students, and English language learners.
For older kids the Frayer Model is a great graphic organizer where kids will also list examples and non examples. (Link includes a free printable but I teach kids to draw their own)
Vocabulary Games
The classics I use most often to review and practice vocabulary are Bingo and Concentration. For Bingo students get Bingo boards with vocabulary words (actually if kids are above 2nd grade I usually give them blank Bingo boards and have them write the words themselves- more practice for them). I read a definition and they have to find the right word. For Concentration, students must match word card with a picture or definition (I have them make their own games with index cards so they are practicing writing the words and coming up with an appropriate picture or definition. Then they can take the games home to play with a family member.
When looking online for more ideas on how to teach math vocabulary using games, I found a lot of junk! Games that would only reinforce guessing or wrong ideas, games that didn’t really teach much at all. This was one of the few lists I found with ideas I would actually use.
10 Vocabulary Games For the Engaged Elementary Classroom. Includes free printable list of all 10 games.
Robert Marzano has published a book called Vocabulary Games for the Classroom to go with his work on Building Academic Vocabulary. I don’t personally have this book, though I have used the Building Academic Vocabulary book. The ratings are mixed with some teachers saying it’s very helpful and others saying the game ideas are common and not worth the money. Check it out for yourself at the link below.
Free Webinar!
If this is an area where you would like more training, Laura Candler is currently offering a free replay of her webinar Powerful Strategies for Building Math Vocabulary. She also offers the handouts for free download. (There is an option to purchase a PD version that comes with recordings, a printable PDF of the slides, and a PD certificate.)
For Further Reading
Need academic research on this topic or more strategies to use? Here are some recommended resources:
Building a Bridge to Academic Vocabulary in Mathematics
The Importance of Vocabulary Instruction in Everyday Mathematics. Research paper written from the perspective of a 6th grade teacher. Hementions that only 27 percent of his students report that their elementary teachers explicitly taught math vocabulary, but 82 percent said it would have been helpful.
Multilingual Programs Vocabulary Strategies (54 page document from Houston ISD) is particularly for English Language Learners but has information that would be helpful to any teacher.
If you are an ELL teacher the absolute best training I have ever had in language acquisition was Project Glad. It’s now called Be Glad and you can get all the information here. I did the in person training and it was well worth it, but they now offer online courses as well.