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.
