Need some ideas for math vocabulary!

[Lisa von Sprecken]

I'm looking for a creative (and better) way to make sure my students are keeping up with the new math vocabulary they learn throughout the course.  I have tried having them keep a vocabulary section of their notebooks with the word, definition and example.  I collect these on test days.  I have found that most students are doing all their vocabulary the night before a test, when really they should be preparing for the test.  Does anyone use a method that they like to keep students on track with vocabulary in their math class?

[Kim Lightle]

Hi Lisa - Hope you get some ideas from the community but I did want to share some of the MSP2 resources that might help you. First of all we have a webinar called Reading Mathematics is Different. We also have some resources guides that might give you ideas (scroll to the bottom of the page). You can also do some searches in the MSP2 digital library. I used the key words - math vocabulary - and got a few resources that I thought sounded quite helpful. Kim

[Gail Hoskins]

I'd suggest you investigate Math Word Walls.

You can do google search but here is one document about them.

http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/studentsupport/ese/PDF/MathWordWall.pdf

Perhaps you can make contributing great examples to the Word Wall be a component of student's required work.

Gail

[Lisa von Sprecken]

Brilliant!  Thank you so much!  Very helpful.  Lisa

[Angela Walker]

Hi Lisa,

 

I create PPT or Smartboard presentations that look like flashcards and run them like a kiosk at the beginning of class once every 2 weeks (or as often as needed). Students come in and do a silent review. As the kiosk plays, students try to guess the word(s) associated with each definition (I also do a variation where I only show an illustration to represent a word). The students may not speak aloud, but they can certainly celebrate a correct answer by giving themselves a pat on the back, a silent finger snap, a silent high five to a neighbor, or a silent dance in their seats. The key to success is keeping the review short, give humorous hints (I put these in parentheses underneath the proper definition), and let the students have fun congratulating themselves. I teach middle school and this method is effective for most students. Of course, it doesn't replace studying, but it certainly keeps the key terms fresh in their minds. Have fun with it and it can be a great tool!   ~Angie

[Patricia Rogers]

This is a great idea, Angela...I really like the idea of it being silent and personal...the next time I see these words I can see if I remember more of them than last time, but it's not for a grade---just mine own understanding.  Thanks for sharing!

Patricia Rogers

Angela Walker said:

Hi Lisa,

 

I create PPT or Smartboard presentations that look like flashcards and run them like a kiosk at the beginning of class once every 2 weeks (or as often as needed). Students come in and do a silent review. As the kiosk plays, students try to guess the word(s) associated with each definition (I also do a variation where I only show an illustration to represent a word). The students may not speak aloud, but they can certainly celebrate a correct answer by giving themselves a pat on the back, a silent finger snap, a silent high five to a neighbor, or a silent dance in their seats. The key to success is keeping the review short, give humorous hints (I put these in parentheses underneath the proper definition), and let the students have fun congratulating themselves. I teach middle school and this method is effective for most students. Of course, it doesn't replace studying, but it certainly keeps the key terms fresh in their minds. Have fun with it and it can be a great tool!   ~Angie

[Robin Nehila]

Ooooh to add on to that idea, I would pass out blank BINGO type cards, have the kids write in the words from their notes or the word wall, and then play the definitions on PPT or Smartboard. Can even make it silent BINGO...get a full card for a grade or something like that.  

Patricia Rogers said:

This is a great idea, Angela...I really like the idea of it being silent and personal...the next time I see these words I can see if I remember more of them than last time, but it's not for a grade---just mine own understanding.  Thanks for sharing!

Patricia Rogers

Angela Walker said:

Hi Lisa,

 

I create PPT or Smartboard presentations that look like flashcards and run them like a kiosk at the beginning of class once every 2 weeks (or as often as needed). Students come in and do a silent review. As the kiosk plays, students try to guess the word(s) associated with each definition (I also do a variation where I only show an illustration to represent a word). The students may not speak aloud, but they can certainly celebrate a correct answer by giving themselves a pat on the back, a silent finger snap, a silent high five to a neighbor, or a silent dance in their seats. The key to success is keeping the review short, give humorous hints (I put these in parentheses underneath the proper definition), and let the students have fun congratulating themselves. I teach middle school and this method is effective for most students. Of course, it doesn't replace studying, but it certainly keeps the key terms fresh in their minds. Have fun with it and it can be a great tool!   ~Angie

[Reggi Mainero]

To add on to Robin's idea...I've had much success using word sorts. This can be done at their seats in a group or as a class (more CR management required).  Design a template in word using a table.  For example 2 columns with 4 rows and expan it to use the entire page.  Put words in one box, the definition or example in another box.  Of course laminating is ideal to cut down on future prep, but whether laminated or not, cut them out.  Better yet, this is a great task for parent or student helpers.You'll need a set for each group if done at their seat.  Have them line them up and glue or tape onto a large piece of poster board or construction paper.  You can use this as a word wall too. If done as a class, share one card per student and turn them loose to find the holder of their word/definition.  Once found, they can glue/tape onto poster.  Posters can be taped up in different parts of the classroom sorted by a specific category.

 

For middles schoolers, I have taught students the strategy of using flash cards for studying.  They can use these self-made index cards (card stock, paper, etc) to play concentration.

 

Jeopardy...lots of resources out there if you Google something like "reviewing using jeopardy"

 

Hope that helps.  Thanks for asking the question.  It was great to read all the interesting ideas.