Math Vocabulary Words Elementary Students Should Know

vocabulary for math
Find out which elementary math vocabulary words are the most important for kids. Plus, movement-based activities to teach them effectively.

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As if numbers weren’t confusing enough, many young students also get caught up in the language used in their math problems. Math vocabulary plays a critical role in student mathematical success, yet many elementary students struggle with understanding and using key terms. 

So, what are the most important elementary math vocabulary words? What are some math vocabulary activities that educators can incorporate into class time? Are there any particular strategies for teaching math terms to young students? Math & Movement is here to answer these questions and share kinesthetic teaching methods you may not have considered before!

FREE WORD LIST

Ready to get started with math vocabulary lessons right now?

Download our free PDF, which includes over 600 math vocabulary words for grades K-5. The list is organized by grade level and concept area! Use it as a teaching reference or as a handout to students.

Understanding Math Vocabulary Plays a Vital Role in Student Success

In 2022, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) found that fourth grade mathematics scores declined across all regions of the country and in 43 states and jurisdictions since 2019. Nationally, 26% of fourth graders were performing below a “basic” achievement level across all states and jurisdictions. The NAEP defines a “basic” achievement level as partial mastery of the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for proficient academic performance at grade-level. In other words, more than a quarter of fourth grade students were performing below grade-level in math.

Comparatively, in 2022, fourth grade reading scores declined across all regions of the country and in 30 states and jurisdictions since 2019. Nationally, 37% of fourth graders performed below the basic achievement level in reading – the largest percentage since the 2005 assessment. So, over one-third of the nation’s fourth grade students were performing below grade-level in reading.

We know that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on learning and student achievement. When NAEP’s 2022 assessment scores are compared to the 2019 scores, the extent of learning loss is made apparent. Today, educators are still finding ways to remedy unfinished learning or help students master concepts and skills they never had the opportunity to study or practice.

Math vocabulary words are where the two subjects – math and reading – come together. Considering recent fourth grade performance in these two subject areas, vocabulary words for math is not an area of learning elementary school educators should gloss over.

Learning Math Vocabulary Words is More Than Memorization

Mastering math vocabulary terms is more than just memorization; it involves reading comprehension. The first step to successfully solving a math problem is understanding what is being asked, especially in word problems. A 2011 study found that students need to know more than 90% of words in a text to understand it (Schmitt et al., 2011). Comprehending math vocabulary words not only helps students solve problems more effectively but also enhances their ability to communicate their understanding of concepts.

Elementary students can build a solid foundation of mathematical language that supports all future learning and problem-solving. From understanding basic concepts in early education to tackling more complex problems in higher grades, having a strong grasp on important math vocabulary words equips students with the tools they need for academic success.

My First Shapes Classroom, Math Vocabulary Words

Benefits of Teaching Math Vocabulary

Teaching and assessing your students’ math vocabulary understanding and retention is crucial for several reasons:

  • Decreased Performance Gap Among Students

    Knowing math vocabulary helps level the playing field among students by providing everyone with a common language. This ensures all students have the foundational knowledge to understand and solve problems effectively.

  • Improved Student Understanding of Math Lessons

    When students grasp math vocabulary, they can better follow instructions, understand problems, and articulate their solutions. This deeper understanding leads to more effective learning and problem-solving.

  • Higher Test Scores for Math Concepts

    Students with a solid grasp of math vocabulary are better prepared for state tests and classroom assessments. Familiarity with key terms and concepts contributes to higher scores and improved performance.

We know teaching math vocabulary is important. Now what? Educators can significantly improve students’ mathematical literacy and overall performance by focusing on key elementary math vocabulary words and employing engaging teaching strategies. These strategies do not need to be boring or time-consuming. Plus, math vocabulary activities can be tailored to different age groups and skill levels.

Math Vocabulary Activities and Teaching Strategies

Ensure that vocabulary instruction is clear and consistent. As with any lesson, repetition is key. Use the vocabulary terms in context, too. For instance, when talking about addends and sums, it is easier for students to visualize the terms with an addition problem written on the board. Or, while talking about inches and feet, having a ruler on hand is helpful.

One of the easiest ways to reinforce math vocabulary as an educator is to use the terms yourself. This can be as simple as saying, “What is the quotient?” instead of “What is the answer?” Students are more likely to understand what you and their math worksheets are talking about this way.

Using Movement to Teach Math Vocabulary Words

Movement-based learning, or kinesthetic learning, helps many students master new math and literacy concepts. Kinesthetic learning strategies offer many benefits including:

  • Boosted comprehension and retention of new information (which results in higher test scores!)
  • Increased student engagement (engaged students are less likely to be antsy or disruptive)
  • Improved problem-solving skills and creativity

Physical activity increases oxygen levels in the blood and blood flow to the brain. As a result, the brain gets more oxygen and can function at optimal levels for learning. Additionally, while the body is moving around, the brain produces a protein called BDNF, which improves the function of neurons and encourages their growth!

In fact, many elementary students prefer to learn through movement, their tactile senses, and hands-on experiences. Encouraging students to move during lessons can be the key to effective classroom management. Movement-based strategies are also incredibly beneficial when teaching ELL math vocabulary. Young children love to move around, and they can do so even while learning vocabulary for math!

Math & Movement harnesses a child’s natural inclination for activity and turns it into enthusiasm for acquiring mathematics and literacy skills. Many of our kinesthetic education products, including heavy-duty floor mats for hopping on, can be used to teach math vocabulary, along with other concepts in your school’s curriculum!

Check out some of our materials and how to use them for math vocabulary lessons below. Click on any product to learn more – most are available as your choice of either a floor mat or sticker.

Math Vocabulary Wall

Another way to reinforce vocabulary is by creating a dedicated math word wall in your classroom. Display important terms, definitions, and related symbols. Update the wall regularly to reflect your current math lessons. Seeing the words in the classroom all the time will help improve word recognition in your students!

Math Vocabulary PDF

We’re sharing a comprehensive math vocabulary words PDF to help you determine the most important words to teach. This list is sorted by grade levels and concept categories. Print it out to have as a reference for vocabulary instruction. Enter your email in the box below and click the button to receive the PDF!

Not sure where to start? We’ve outlined general elementary math vocabulary goals below for grades K-5.

Vocabulary Words for Kindergarten

At the kindergarten level, the focus is on basic math concepts and foundational vocabulary. Check out our list of Kindergarten math terms below, sorted by concept categories:

Numbers
  • Number words zero through one hundred
  • Ordinal Numbers
  • Hundreds
  • Tens
Operations
  • Add
  • Count
  • Difference
  • How Many
  • Subtract
  • Take Away
Comparing
  • Equal
  • Greater Than
  • Larger
  • Less Than
  • Same
  • Smaller
Measurement and Data
  • Classify
  • Heavy
  • Height
  • Length
  • Light
  • Long
  • Pattern
  • Short
  • Weight
Geometry
  • Above
  • Behind
  • Below
  • Circle
  • Cone
  • Corner
  • Cube
  • Curve
  • Cylinder
  • Flat
  • Hexagon
  • Next to
  • Rectangle
  • Side
  • Solid
  • Sphere
  • Square
  • Triangle
Money
  • Dime
  • Dollar
  • Nickel
  • Penny
  • Quarter
Time
  • Day
  • Month
  • Week

Vocabulary Words for First Grade

First graders build on their basic math vocabulary with more specific terms related to numbers and shapes. First grade math terms include but are not limited to:

Numbers and Operations
  • Addend
  • Addition
  • Doubles
  • False
  • Half
  • Minus Sign
  • Number Line
  • Number Sentence
  • Ones
  • Order
  • Part
  • Plus Sign
  • Subtraction
  • Total
  • True
  • Unequal
  • Whole
  • Zero
Measurement and Data
  • Bar Graph
  • Column
  • Data
  • Measure
  • Row
  • Tally Mark
Geometry
  • Cube
  • Cylinder
  • Fourths
  • Halves
  • Hexagon
  • Pentagon
  • Quarters
  • Rectangle
  • Rhombus
  • Square
  • Three-Dimensional Shape
  • Trapezoid
  • Triangle
  • Whole
Money
  • Cent
  • Value
Time
  • Analog Clock
  • Date
  • Digital Clock
  • Half Hour
  • Hour
  • Minute

Vocabulary Words for Second Grade

In second grade, students continue to develop their number sense and build on what they have already learned. Some second grade math vocabulary words include:

Numbers and Operations
  • Number words zero through one thousand
  • Array
  • Even
  • Numeral
  • Odd
  • Repeated Addition
  • Sum
  • Thousands
  • Unknowns
  • Whole Numbers
Measurement and Data
  • Bar Graph
  • Centimeters (cm)
  • Estimate
  • Feet/Foot (ft)
  • Inches (in)
  • Line Plot
  • Meters (m)
  • Ruler
  • Survey
  • Yard (yd)
  • Yardstick
Geometry
  • Fourth of
  • Half of
  • Non-Polygon
  • Polygon
  • Quadrilateral
  • Thirds
Time
  • a.m.
  • Clockwise
  • Counterclockwise
  • Half Past
  • Midnight
  • Noon
  • p.m.
  • Quarter Past
  • Quarter to

Vocabulary Words for Third Grade

Third graders expand their vocabulary greatly when introduced to multiplication, division, fractions, area, and perimeter. Some third grade math terms include:

Numbers and Operations
  • Base-Ten
  • Divide
  • Dividend
  • Divisor
  • Dozen
  • Expanded Form
  • Factor
  • Multiply
  • Order of Operations
  • Place Value
  • Product
  • Quotient
  • Rounding
  • Skip Count
Measurement and Data
  • Area
  • Cup (c)
  • Frequency Table
  • Gallon (gal)
  • Grams (g)
  • Half Inch
  • Kilograms (kg)
  • Length
  • Liquid Volume
  • Liters (l)
  • Mass
  • Miles
  • Ounces (oz)
  • Perimeter
  • Pint (pt)
  • Pounds (lbs)
  • Quart (qt)
  • Quarter Inch
  • Square Unit
  • Venn Diagram
  • Width
Geometry
  • Decagon
  • Endpoint
  • Heptagon
  • Intersecting Lines
  • Line
  • Nonagon
  • Octogon
  • Parallel Lines
  • Parallelogram
  • Perpendicular Lines
  • Point
  • Ray
  • Vertices
Time
  • Elapsed Time
  • Time Interval
Fractions
  • Denominator
  • Equivalent Fractions
  • Fraction greater than one
  • Fraction less than one
  • Numerator
  • Unit Fraction

Vocabulary Words for Fourth Grade

Fourth graders expand even further on the new operations, measurement units, fractional numbers, and geometric concepts they were introduced to in third grade. Fourth grade math terms include:

Numbers and Operations
  • Number words zero through one million
  • Common Factor
  • Common Multiple
  • Decimal
  • Hundredths
  • Percent
  • Prime Number
  • Remainder
  • Tenths
Measurement and Data
  • Conversion Factor
  • Mile
  • Milliliter
  • Millimeter
  • Protractor
Geometry
  • Acute
  • Angle
  • Complementary
  • Congruent
  • Degree
  • Diagonal
  • Line of Symmetry
  • Obtuse
  • Right Angle
  • Supplementary
Fractions
  • Common Denominator
  • Common Numerator
  • Improper Fraction
  • Like Denominators
  • Mixed Number
  • Simplest Form
  • Unlike Denominators

Vocabulary Words for Fifth Grade

Fifth graders learn more advanced vocabulary as they are introduced to the coordinate plane and exponents. Fifth grade math terms include:

Numbers and Operations
  • Average
  • Base of an exponent
  • Cubed
  • Exponent
  • Integers
  • Perfect Cube
  • Perfect Square
  • Power
  • Power of Ten
  • Square Number
  • Thousandth
  • Variable
Coordinate Plane
  • Axis
  • Coordinate Grid
  • Coordinates
  • Ordered Pairs
  • Origin
  • X-Axis
  • X-Coordinate
  • Y-Axis
  • Y-Coordinate
Geometry
  • Base of a solid figure
  • Cubic Unit

Now you know some of the most important math vocabulary words and how beneficial movement-based learning strategies can be for young students. Math & Movement has the kinesthetic learning tools to boost math comprehension and student engagement. Math and reading class no longer has to be stationary and stagnant. Every lesson can become active, energetic, and fun!

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Elementary Math Vocabulary FAQs

What is math vocabulary?

Math vocabulary terms are specific words and phrases used to describe mathematical concepts, operations, and relationships. Understanding these terms helps students understand lessons and communicate problem-solving processes.

How do I teach math vocabulary?

To teach math vocabulary effectively, use a combination of strategies:

  • Visual Aids. Utilize posters and flashcards. Create a vocabulary word wall on one of your bulletin boards. Define the vocabulary term while a problem is written on the board. Math & Movement’s large and colorful mats and stickers work to engage visual learners as well!
  • Active Use. Encourage students to use new vocabulary in sentences and discussions. And be sure to use the terms yourself as the teacher!
  • Interactive Activities. Incorporate games like math vocabulary crossword puzzles and word searches.
  • Add Movement. Physical activity boosts blood flow and oxygen levels in the brain, allowing it to function in the prime state for learning! Incorporating active math movements and cross-body movements into lessons can make a huge difference.

Why is math vocabulary important?

Having a strong math vocabulary:

  • facilitates understanding. Students grasp and articulate mathematical concepts.
  • improves communication. Students can effectively talk about lessons and problems.
  • boosts problem-solving skills. Students can understand what a question is asking and accurately solve it.
  • enhances academic achievement. Students can perform better in math and improve their test scores.

How do educators build math vocabulary in students?

To build math vocabulary, educators should:

  • introduce key terms early. Start with basic terms and progressively introduce more complex ones.
  • use repetition. Regularly review terms through various activities.
  • use contextual learning strategies. Have students apply vocabulary in real life while solving math problems.
  • provide resources. Offer vocabulary lists (like our PDF!), worksheets, and visual aids.

How can I make math vocabulary more interactive?

Try incorporating movement-based and play-based learning strategies. Allowing students to move around and interact with one another creates a much more engaging math or literacy lesson. Math & Movement has all the resources educators need to get started with kinesthetic learning, including a huge product inventory of floor mats and stickers that students can interact with physically! Reinforce math vocabulary and other foundational concepts while getting your students on their feet.

FREE WORD LIST

Get Started with Math Vocabulary Lessons Now

Download our free PDF, which includes over 600 math vocabulary words for grades K-5. The list is organized by grade level and concept area! Use it as a teaching reference or as a handout to students.

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