Ever notice how some students can solve maths problems like pros, but when it’s time to explain how they did it, they suddenly get tongue-tied? It’s a common hurdle for many!
Even the most capable of students can find themselves stumbling over words, unable to articulate their reasoning clearly.
My name is Katie, the teacher creator behind Cáit’s Classroom and I’m here to help you support these students through effectively developing their maths vocabulary. Maths vocab is not just about memorising terms—it’s the key to unlocking mathematical proficiency. It’s what helps students grasp concepts more effectively and talk about maths with ease.
At Cáit’s Classroom, we’ve got you covered with lesson plans that feature essential vocabulary lists, complete with easy-to-understand definitions. I’m excited to share a few tried-and-true methods below for making sure that this vocabulary sticks with your students.
Working Walls
Making maths vocabulary memorable is all about connecting it to real-life situations. Think meaningful working walls filled with relevant terms based on your weekly/fortnightly topic, acting as visual reminders of key concepts. Encourage students to interact with these displays daily to help them internalise vocabulary with ease.
For example, students could tackle an open-ended, real-world question on speed, distance, and time by adding a sticky note to the wall that includes at least one mention of key maths vocab. Bonus points for allowing students to create their own visuals for display, adding a more personal touch to the learning environment and making the working wall a dynamic and engaging resource for all.
Vocabulary Lists & Graphic Notes
Encouraging students to maintain personal vocabulary lists as part of their maths journal adds another layer of reinforcement. These lists serve as personalised dictionaries, where students can jot down new terms alongside their meanings and examples, fostering deeper understanding and retention.
Enhancing these lists with graphic (visual) notes can really boost their effectiveness by providing visual cues and context. Graphic notes involve using a combination of words and images to represent information. In doing so, children can connect abstract maths concepts with concrete images, making vocabulary more memorable and understandable.
Maths Vocabulary Games
Take well-loved language learning games and give them a maths makeover to make learning vocabulary engaging and enjoyable! For example, the classroom classic Bingo can be transformed by creating bingo cards filled with maths vocabulary instead of numbers. For a low-prep version, have children draw their own on mini-whiteboards. Call out definitions or examples and have students mark the corresponding vocabulary word on their cards.
Another fun option is adapting the game “I Spy”, where students can spy maths-related items in the classroom or school environment and use mathematical vocabulary to identify them. These games are lively ways to boost retention of maths vocab and serve as excellent warm up games before getting down to business during the main activity.
As I’ve said before, teaching maths vocabulary is not just about memorising definitions; it’s about empowering students to become proficient mathematical communicators, a key aspect of the new Primary Mathematics Curriculum (2023). When teachers prioritise maths vocabulary instruction in meaningful, creative and fun ways, students are enabled to grasp concepts more effectively and explain their mathematical reasoning with increasing ease.
Be sure to visit Cáit’s Classroom on Mash.ie where we believe in the power of vocabulary to unlock mathematical understanding. Check out our curriculum-aligned lesson plans featuring key vocabulary lists and student friendly definitions and join our mailing list for freebies, tips and tricks related to teaching maths to 3rd-6th class.
