Are you looking to use a new math term and not sure your students will understand it? When teaching maths, it is important to use the correct terminology for each operation. This can help students to understand and learn maths more easily. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common maths terms for each operation. We will also provide examples of how the math term can be used in real-world situations and some activities you can do to teach students different math vocabulary!
Need an answer quickly? Download my FREE Operation posters, including different terms for each operation; Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division.
Every year, students load their tests on Essential Assessment and within minutes one child has their hand up. “What does sum mean?” “What does altogether mean?”. I beleive it is important to introduce students to “real” Maths words right from the start. When I am teaching Addition with little learners, we use plus, add, together” as well as the real term “addition”. But not all teachers do.
So when students start being introduced to different names for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, they always get confused. Maths terms can be very confusing for children, especially when they are just starting to learn about them.
Let’s discuss some of the most common maths terms for each operation.
Other Names for Addition
– Sum
– Plus
– Add
– All together
– Combined
– Join
– Increase
– In all
Example: The sum of 5 and 3 is 8.
Other Names for Subtraction
– Take away
– Minus
– Take
– Subtract
– Deduct
– Difference
– Decrease
Example: 5 minus 3 is 2.
Other Names for Multiplication
– Times
– Multiply by
– Of
– Product
– Equal groups
– Per
Example: 3 times 4 is 12.
Other Names for Division
– Divide by
– Shared between
– Quotient
– How many times
– Shared equally
– Out of
Example: If I divide 10 by 2, the quotient is 5.
How to Teach New Vocabulary – Ideas and Activities
Teaching maths vocabulary to students can be a difficult task. However, there are some things you can do to make it easier for them to learn a new math term. Here are some tips:
– Use real-world examples: When you are introducing new maths terms to students, it is important to use examples that they can relate to. This will help them to understand the concept better. For example, when teaching the term ‘divide’, you could use an example of sharing sweets between friends.
– Use visuals: Using visuals is a great way to help students learn new maths vocabulary. Create an anchor chart with the different maths terms and their definitions. Alternatively, you could use pictures or objects to represent the different concepts.
– Repeat, repeat, repeat: It is important to keep repeating the new maths vocabulary throughout your lessons. This will help students remember the concept and become second nature to them.
– Scavenger Hunt: Put words and their definitions around the room. Students match up the correct word to correct definition.
– Group Brainstorm: In small groups, create a poster of different words to do with the math topic you are learning. Have students write their understanding of the terms.
– Play Odd One Out: Have a list of words on a Powerpoint presentation. Which word is the odd one out? Students to explain.
– Play Guess My Word: Give the students clues and they have the guess the word you are thinking of.
– Hangman: A classic game which reviews maths terms in a fun way!
Teaching new maths vocabulary to students can be a daunting task. However, by using real-world examples, visuals and repeating the vocabulary throughout your lessons, you can make it easier for them. By introducing different maths terms to students from the start, you will help them to become more confident in their understanding of mathematical concepts.
Don’t forget to download my FREE Operation posters, including different terms for each operation; Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division.
Have these Math Posters on display all year round so your students can learn Math Terminology – the perfect way to immerse your class in math vocabulary. The perfect way for to help your students prep for Naplan too!
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