Elementary Math Vocabulary

Language is a very powerful tool and should be used to foster the learning of mathematics. Communicating about mathematical ideas is a way for students to articulate, clarify, organize, and consolidate their thinking. Communication makes mathematical thinking observable and therefore facilitates further development of that thought. It encourages students to reflect on their own knowledge and their own ways of solving problems.

Communication can consist not only of conversations between student and teacher or one student and another student but also of students listening to a number of peers and joining group discussions in order to clarify, question, and extend conjectures. The discourse should not be a goal in itself but rather should be focused on making sense of mathematical ideas and using them effectively in modeling solving problems.

From

Principles and Standards

for School Mathematics, NCTM

The elementary mathematics vocabulary list has been revised to include recent changes in the Mathematics TEKS. Verbs from these TEKS were also added as recommended by Margaret Kilgo. Words that are new to this list are indicated in a bold, italicized font. The intent of this vocabulary list is for these words to be used in the context of the classroom.

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