Math vocabulary activities such as games, puzzles and art, help children to assimilate math words in a natural way.
They’ll hear the names of shapes, and terms such as, “more than” and “less than”, as they participate in the activities. Also, learning math vocabulary in a everyday setting is more meaningful and fun and makes new words more memorable. Children get to wiggle, talk and be creative in the process.
Also, take advantage of the many children’s books that incorporate the language of math. Learning math words is no different from learning the names of foods or animals.
Check out the vocabulary building games and activities below.
Build a Wall (or Train) Vocabulary Game
Materials:
- A tub of wooden blocks in a variety of shapes
To Play:
- Ten or so children sit in a circle on the carpet (fewer students can play too).
- The first child picks a block and places it on the carpet. She/he says, “My block is a red rectangle shape.” Prompt questions and/or descriptive words if the child needs help.
- The second child then picks a block that is different from the last block chosen.
- He/she describes it, then places it next to the last block. “My block is round like a can and is blue.” Here the teacher could introduce new vocabulary. ” Joe’s can shape is called a cylinder.”
- The game continues until a wall is made and all the children have had a turn.
- Extend with, “Did all the shapes on the carpet get used? Invite students to describe any that didn’t.
Math Vocabulary is Everywhere
There are many opportunities throughout the day to teach math vocabulary to kindergarten and preschool children. Avoid saying, put the things in the tub, and instead say, put the yellow hexagon blocks in the tub.
Instead of pass me the block, say pass me the thick, square block. Use ordinal language such as, Justin pick up the first block, Anne pick up the second block, and I will pick up the third block. Guide the children if they seem unsure of what to do.
Give children opportunities to use their math vocabulary during play time by having conversations with them, such as:
- How did you make your building?
- What kinds of blocks did you use to make your …?
- How are your sets of blocks different from Susan’s set of blocks?
- How are they the same?
Attribute blocks are terrific for building vocabulary.
Math vocabulary activities – puzzles
To increase your students’ math vocabulary, use words such as straight, curved, edge, inside, outside, above, below, beside when teaching basic puzzle skills.
Math vocabulary activities – literature, poetry, and songs
The language of math is abundant in children’s picture books, poems, and songs.
- Counting songs are plentiful
- Many stories sequence characters from largest to smallest, first to last, talk about day and night, seasons or time
- Next time you choose books for your classroom, scan them first to find opportunities to teach math vocabulary.
Teach math vocabulary when demonstrating art activities
- Fold paper in to rectangles and triangles
- Cut straight or curved lines
- Paint thick and thin lines
- Make each line wider or narrower than the line before it
- Glue fewer squares on your picture and more circles