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Math PK-2 > Strategies > Direct Instruction: Math Vocabulary

Direct Instruction: Math Vocabulary

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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 and metacognitive strategies, teaching students the words that indicate quantities and types of Operations is critical to students understanding the underlying concepts of math language, as often this vocabulary is not familiar to early math learners.

Use It in the Classroom

  • Since word problems involve comprehending and constructing a problem model, teachers can model how to highlight or circle mathematical words that prompt addition or subtraction. While still focusing on conceptual understanding, they can also brainstorm with their students all of the potential words that tell them to add or subtract. These can be displayed as class word walls, supporting Working Memory and developing Language Skills.

    • Design It into Your Product

    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.

  • To support learners in identifying important information from word problems, products can provide screengrab examples where learners can watch as key words are coded and irrelevant information is crossed out. Products then can provide digital tools learners can use to highlight and cross out on their own for practice.
    • View References

    Resources

    Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
    Examples

    10 Tips to Teaching Word Problems

    Teacher suggestions for teaching word problems

    Examples

    Addition and Subtraction Posters

    Sample lesson activities and posters with key words

    Examples

    Key Words Unlock Word Problems

    Lesson plan on unlocking math word problems

    Examples

    Word Problem Solving Equations

    A video on teaching key words for word problems

    Research

    Math Interventions

    Subtopic that includes research and evaluations on various interventions to improve children's math skills on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Physical Fitness
    Safety
    Sleep
    Socioeconomic Status
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Cognition
    Attention
    Inhibition
    Long-term Memory
    Short-term Memory
    Speed of Processing
    Working Memory
    Numeracy and Mathematics
    Language Skills
    Mathematical Flexibility
    Operations

    More Instructional Approaches Strategies

    Math Centers

    Math centers with math games, manipulatives, and activities support learner interests and promote the development of more complex math skills and social interactions.

    Direct Instruction: Problem-solving Strategies

    Discussing strategies for solving mathematics problems after initially letting students attempt to problem solve on their own helps them understand how to organize their mathematical thinking and intentionally tackle problems.

    Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA)

    CRA is a sequential instructional approach during which students move from working with concrete materials to creating representational drawings to using abstract symbols.

    Guided Inquiry

    In guided inquiry, teachers help students use their own language for constructing knowledge by active listening and questioning.

    Multimodal Instruction

    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.

    Untimed Tests

    Untimed tests provide students the opportunity to flexibly and productively work with numbers, further developing their problem-solving abilities.

    Family Engagement

    Students are more likely to come to school when families feel like a valued part of the community.

    Real-world Math

    When teachers connect math to the students' world, students see how math is relevant and applicable to their daily lives.

    Mindfulness Activities

    Through short but regular mindfulness activities, students develop their awareness and ability to focus.

    Three-phase Lesson Format

    Three-phase lesson format is a problem-solving structure to promote meaningful math learning by activating prior knowledge, letting students explore mathematical thinking, and promoting a math community of learners.

    Non-intensive HNE Intervention Program

    A parent evening meeting about how to support numeracy at home with one follow-up meeting with each family has shown strong results for students' math development.

    Direct Instruction: Number Identification Instruction

    In explicit number naming, the structure of the number name labels the number in Place Value order and clearly states the quantity.

    Direct Instruction: Problem Structures

    Teaching students to recognize common problem structures helps them transfer solution methods from familiar to unfamiliar problems.

    Direct Instruction: Patterning

    Thinking of and about patterns encourages learners to look for and understand the rules and relationships that are critical components of mathematical reasoning.

    Strengths-based Approach

    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.

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