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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!
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.
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.
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.
Teaching and assessing your students’ math vocabulary understanding and retention is crucial for several reasons:
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.
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.
Movement-based learning, or kinesthetic learning, helps many students master new math and literacy concepts. Kinesthetic learning strategies offer many benefits including:
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.
This hundred number grid is one of our most popular and versatile materials! Master number identification, counting, one-to-one correspondence, addition, subtraction, and more.
Use this mat to identify multiples of ten through one hundred. Practice adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing by ten, as well as one-to-one correspondence, rounding, and more.
This mat is a big number line from 1 to 20. It includes each word and allows for practice with odd/even numbers, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fact families, arrays, and more.
Students can improve their number and word recognition by hopping on this mat. This mat features number words, numerals, and corresponding symbols for 1 through 10.
Our Place Value Hops help students learn to read large numbers, understand operations in base-ten, write numbers in expanded form, and become familiar with decimals.
This material lists the name of several mathematical operations and pictures their corresponding symbols, allowing students to get familiar with reading and using them.
My First Shapes Hop depicts and lists the name of basic shapes. Young students can learn to identify shapes, read and spell shape names, count sides, and classify shapes.
This mat lists the name and number of sides for eight different shapes, along with a picture of each! Identify, classify, and spell the names of introductory geometric shapes.
Use this mat to learn about volume, three-dimensional shapes, and other measurement-related terms including pi, height, radius, side, and base.
Use this mat to learn all the ways to describe triangles. Help students become familiar with angles, sides, symmetry, perimeter, area, congruency, and other geometry concepts.
Use this mat to learn all the ways to describe and name quadrilaterals. Identify congruent lines, parallel lines, lines of symmetry, and angles.
This mat lists and depicts eight different types of angles. Students can learn to identify and spell the names of various angle-types while moving on this mat!
The money hop depicts US currency as images, in writing, and in numerals and symbols. Learn the basics of money, from pennies and cents to $100 bills.
This large mat is our go-to for all things fractions! Use this mat to introduce fractions and their relation to one whole. Identify numerators, denominators, unit fractions, reciprocal fractions, and more.
This large analog clockface is our go-to for all lessons on time! Students can practice hours, minutes, elapsed time, halves, quarters, angles, and skip counting by 5s.
Learn what ounces, cups, pints, quarts, and gallons are by moving on this mat! Students can practice common liquid conversions.
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!
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.
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:
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:
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:
Third graders expand their vocabulary greatly when introduced to multiplication, division, fractions, area, and perimeter. Some third grade math terms include:
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:
Fifth graders learn more advanced vocabulary as they are introduced to the coordinate plane and exponents. Fifth grade math terms include:
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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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.
To teach math vocabulary effectively, use a combination of strategies:
Having a strong math vocabulary:
To build math vocabulary, educators should:
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.
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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