Creating
a Math Word Wall to Support Writing About Mathematical Thinking
Sarah Picard
Many state math standards require students to not
only solve problems with accuracy, but also require students to
explain their problem solving process in writing. This can be
a challenge to students who are learning English as a second language
or for students who struggle with language processing. Creating
a Math Word Wall in the classroom can support children’s
writing about their mathematical thinking.
The match word wall is a bulletin board space that will contain
several math vocabulary words for the students to use in the math
writing. You will place new words on the word wall as you introduce
new terms to the class.
Start your word wall by clearing a bulletin board space in the
classroom. You will want the wall to be at least four feet long
by four feet wide. You may want to section off a small section
of the wall for each letter so that the words can be placed in
alphabetical order easily. See the example below.
| Aa |
Bb |
Cc |
Dd |
Ee |
| Ff |
Gg |
Hh |
Ii |
Jj |
| Kk |
Ll |
Mm |
Nn |
Oo |
| Pp |
Qq |
Rr |
Ss |
Tt |
| Uu |
Vv |
Ww |
Xx |
Yy |
| Zz |
|
|
|
|
Then, as you
introduce new math vocabulary, add the word on a small index card
to the wall. You will probably want to include a visual of the
term on the card as well. For example, you may draw one dot on
the one card and four dots on the four card. The square card may
have a small square drawn on it. These visuals will especially
help those who are learning English as a second language.
Some suggestions
for word to add to a first or second grade Math Word Wall are
listed below. Some words may be more appropriate for first grade
and others more appropriate for second grade. This may depend
on the math curriculum your district adopts.
Numbers
one
two
three
four
five
six
seven
eight
nine
ten
eleven
twelve
thirteen
twenty
thirty
forty
fifty
sixty
seventy
eighty
ninety
one hundred |
Addition
and Subtraction Vocabulary
added on
subtracted
equal or equals
plus
minus
Measurement
inch
foot
yard
mile
centimeter
meter
Shapes
square
circle
rectangle
hexagon
octagon
rhombus |
If you want
students to use this word wall as they write about their problem
solving, you will want to take the time to put the words up on
the wall in front of the students. You will also want to READ
the word wall periodically so students get used to locating words
quickly when they need them in their writing. Some teachers practice
reading the word wall quickly before lining up to go to lunch
or recess. They use a pointer to point to the words and read the
words on the wall in alphabetical order.
I’ve
found word walls to be a helpful learning aid for early grade
students, especially for ESL students. Give it a try and let me
know your results. |
