Mathematics Vocabulary: What Do Words Have to Do With It?
This workshop is part of the four-day institute Building Structure, Fluency, and Mathematical Reasoning lead by prominent researchers in math instruction. Create a personalized learning experience by attending a single session or the full institute.
Mathematics vocabulary can be challenging for students, especially those with mathematics difficulty, because so many terms carry multiple meanings both across subjects and within math itself. Yet research consistently shows that strong math vocabulary is tightly linked to stronger math performance, making it essential for helping students communicate their thinking, make sense of word problems, and engage confidently with new content. This session invites teachers to dig into the complexity of math language, explore different types of vocabulary, and understand why using precise terms (like numerator instead of “top number”) truly matters. Educators will learn how to identify high‑impact words using a database of critical math terms, and learn five practical instructional routines designed to make vocabulary instruction more powerful and engaging. Through hands‑on practice, collaborative planning, and ready‑to‑use digital resources, teachers will leave equipped to strengthen students’ mathematical language and elevate classroom discourse.
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain why mathematics vocabulary knowledge supports understanding of mathematics concepts
- Explain how to prioritize terms for instruction
- Identify and learn practices for teaching and reviewing mathematics vocabulary
- Plan ways to implement and apply content learned in your instructional setting (e.g., classroom, small group, coaching)
Presenter: Elizabeth Stevens, PhD
Grades: 3-8
