Math Vocabulary

A common feature in many classrooms, math word walls are often underutilized and serve as little more than a decorative display. When used well a word wall can be a powerful tool that develops math vocabulary, promotes independence, and supports reading and writing in mathematics. Similarly, providing students with a personal math vocabulary book ensures that they have access to the language they need to further develop math writing skills no matter where they are seated in the classroom. Similar to a personal dictionary, these books allow for differentiation as students can add the words they need to their own book and have them readily available at all times. Upper grade students can also add their own definitions of words.

6 Ways to Promote Effective Use of Math Vocabulary Resources

1. Introduce Vocabulary
Introduce new math vocabulary, as appropriate, during lessons. Post new vocabulary on the word wall as it is introduced, rather than putting it all up at the beginning of a unit. As each word is placed on the word wall, discuss and agree upon a class definition and have a student write it on a blank card to be displayed alongside the word. Be sure to also discuss where students can find these words in their personal math vocabulary book.

2. Model, Model, Model
Displaying words at the beginning of the year and expecting students to use them without showing them how is setting your word wall up for failure. Refer to the word wall and vocabulary book often so that students get into the habit of doing the same. Model how to use these resources during math writing sessions. The more you use these resources, the more your students will do the same.

3. Make the Word Wall Interactive
Make your math word wall interactive by posting vocabulary cards in a pocket chart. This allows you to easily remove cards for use in vocabulary games or for students to go to the wall, remove a word, use it at their desk, and return it. It also makes it easier for you to dismantle the wall at the end of each unit which will save you time and make it more likely that you will update it regularly.

4. Set Clear Expectations
Let students know early in the year that you expect to see precise use of vocabulary words in their math writing. To begin with you may have to prompt students to make use of available resources. “Your goal for today is to use at least three words from page 6 of your math vocabulary book in your written explanation." 

5. Less is More
To prevent your math word wall from becoming too crowded and difficult to use, display vocabulary for the current unit of study only. Remove words once a unit is completed and retire them to the math center. Students can use cards from previous units to play memory games such as Concentration where they match a word to a definition, Go Fish (“Do you have “a six sided figure?” ”Yes, I have a hexagon.”), or any other games that provide opportunities to review vocabulary.

6. Make Word Wall Activities a Regular Routine 
When used as a regular, predictable part of classroom routines word wall activities can play an important role in the development of students' math vocabulary. Setting aside ten minutes on a regular, ongoing basis for word wall activities will make students more aware of posted vocabulary and therefore more likely to independently use available resources during math writing activities.  See below for possible activities.

a) The Word Wall Game: The objective of this game is for students to find words on the word wall, or in their vocabulary book, using clues given by the teacher, or another student. Students write the numerals 1-10 in their notebooks or on a dry erase board. The clue giver describes the 10 words and students write down what they think each word is. 

Sample 5th grade clues: "I am thinking of a word that..."

• means the opposite of ..... /means the same as …

• describes the rules for performing operations in expressions with more than one operation.

• describes a mass equivalent to 1,000 grams.

Use this game when you have a spare few minutes between lessons, or as you are walking to and from lunch and have students say the words rather than write them. You will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly students begin to incorporate these words into their math writing.

b) Tic-Tac-Toe: Draw a large grid on chart paper and tape a vocabulary card in each square. Divide students into teams. Teams take turns choosing a word and defining it. If the team defines the word correctly, remove the card and place an X or an O in the square. Leave the card on the board if the team answers incorrectly. Continue play until one team has three in a row.