15 Fun Ideas for Increasing Math Vocabulary
Why is Math Vocabulary Important?
Math vocabulary is an important part of learning math in the middle school classroom. Students are better problem solvers and can understand concepts better when they know the vocabulary. Displaying a word wall with math vocabulary cards is one simple way to have students see the important words each day. I have three sets (6th, 7th & 8th grade) you can grab here in my TpT shop.
Here are ideas on how to increase math vocabulary without having students just writing the definitions in a notebook.
Math Vocabulary Ideas and Activities for Middle School Students
Make a Venn Diagram or Frayer Model Chart looking at the meaning of vocabulary words from a chapter.
Write a Text Conversation to a parent where a student explains the meaning of a word.
Create a Puppet Show explaining the meaning of a word
Create a Poster that advertises the power of a vocabulary word in math.
Create a Social Media Post from the perspective of a vocabulary word.
Write a Poem or Simple Song (Row, Row, Your Boat is a great start) that describes the meaning of a vocabulary word or words.
Write a Letter explaining the Importance of a Vocabulary Word in everyday life.
Create a Math Concept Map using as many vocabulary words as possible.
Make Word Art or Word Cloud using a program like wordart.com.
Create a vocabulary crossword puzzle.
Play whole class or small group game of Charades or Pictionary.
Create a comic strip using 5 vocabulary words from the current math chapter.
When doing math stations have a Vocabulary Station for students to do any of the above activities.
Use a Math Vocabulary Choice Board on a bulletin board or in students’ notebooks as a way for them to choose an activity to complete weekly, monthly, or at the end of a chapter.
My Favorite Vocabulary Activity: Whole Class Matching Game
I love having opportunities for students to get up and move out of their seats and this vocabulary-matching activity is just that.
Choose a handful of vocabulary words.
Write the words on index cards and each of the words’ meaning on a separate index card. You could also have students write out the words and meanings.
Then give half of your students the cards with the words and the other half with the word meanings.
Have students find their “match”.
Variations of the Matching Game
Tape the words and meanings to students’ backs as an extra challenge of working together. Allow students to only ask yes or no questions.
Have students complete the activity without talking.
As students become more familiar with using math vocabulary the better they will become at understanding math concepts. What are your favorite math vocabulary activities to use with middle schoolers? I would love to know!
