A Vocabulary Game For The Math Classroom

We all know that learning vocabulary in math for many students is like learning a foreign language due to the three levels of words.  They are either words that have a general meaning such as "hello" or "What's up?" or they might have both a specific and general meaning such as product or the math only meaning like Torus.

We all have that one section in the book where students have to change algebraic expressions to words and vice versa.  Most of the time we rely on those worksheets or some similar activity but what if we could incorporate games.

I got this game from the  Sadlier school blog but I had to modify them since they were made for English classes.

1.  Vocabulary Yatzee - requires students to be divided up in to groups of three to five students.  Give each group five dice to roll.  Each player has three chances to get the best dice they can.  Students have a list of math words they will use during this game.

Two of a kind are worth the total sum of the top three dice.  If they roll two dice, they must use two of the vocabulary words in a sentence.  Example might be something like addition and subtraction are related to each other.

Three of a kind are worth the sum of the top four dice.  If they roll three dice, they need to use three vocabulary words in a sentence.

Four of a kind are worth 25 points and requires students to use four vocabulary words in a sentence.

Full house is worth 30 points.  The student must compare a vocabulary word to another vocabulary words while contrasting it with a different word.  An example might be plus means the same as add but minus means the opposite.

Small straight is worth 35 points. The student must compare a vocabulary word with two others and contrasts it with a different vocabulary word.

Large straight is worth 40 points.  The student must compare a vocabulary word with two others and contract it with two different vocabulary words.

Yahtzee or 5 of a kind is worth 50 points.  A student is required to use five words in a sentence which must make sense and have the proper context.

Students have one minute after rolling the dice to come up with the sentence or the comparisons.  If they cannot, they must forfeit their turn and it moves to the next player.  This gives students, especially ELL students, a chance to become more proficient with the language of mathematics in a safe environment.  This is a good step to use before having students begin discussions.  Tomorrow, I have something on increasing mathematical discussion in class.

Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.