Direct Instruction: Math Vocabulary
Overview
Knowing the language of math is critical because students must use this language to understand math concepts and determine calculations needed. In combination with other problem-solving, comprehension, and metacognitive strategies, teaching students the words that indicate number representations and types of Operations is critical to students understanding the underlying concepts of math language.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
Starting on 0:20, watch how this third grade teacher helps identify keywords with her students to solve a word problem. By unpacking these keywords, students are able to access key information to the math problem and, in doing so, build their vocabulary skills.
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Videos are chosen as examples of strategies in action. These choices are not endorsements of the products or evidence of use of research to develop the feature.
Learn how Math Shake allows learners to practice identifying key words to convert a word problem into an equation. This app also provides additional support by emphasizing important words when learners are stuck.
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Instructional Approaches Strategies
Providing math tasks with high cognitive demand conveys high expectations for all students by challenging them to engage in higher-order thinking.
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Teaching students to recognize common problem structures helps them transfer solution methods from familiar to unfamiliar problems.
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Math centers support learner interests and promote the development of more complex math skills and social interactions.
Through short but regular mindfulness activities, students develop their awareness and ability to focus.
Instruction in multiple formats allows students to activate different cognitive skills to understand and remember the steps they are to take in their math work.
Using multiple methods of assessment can help educators gain a comprehensive understanding of learner progress across a wide range of skills and content.
When teachers connect math to the students' world, students see how math is relevant and applicable to their daily lives.
A strengths-based approach is one where educators intentionally identify, communicate, and harness students' assets, across many aspects of the whole child, in order to empower them to flourish.
Untimed tests provide students the opportunity to flexibly and productively work with numbers, further developing their problem-solving abilities.
Writing that encourages students to articulate their understanding of math concepts or explain math ideas helps deepen students' mathematical understanding.
