The InterACTIVE Kids’ Math Dictionary

WHY IS MATHEMATICAL VOCABULARY SO VITAL?

• Much of mathematics today is language-dependent. Math is a time for speaking, reading, and listening time not just computation.
• Strong mathematical vocabulary increases children’s confidence in sharing their mathematical ideas.
• Fluency in math vocabulary helps children make connections between math and the real world, represent their ideas, explain their thinking, and justify their responses.

The ELED 6335 course at the University of Houston launched this interactive math dictionary for kids in the summer of 2024 with terms related to number and operations. We intend to add to the dictionary in subsequent semesters.

HOW IS THIS MATH DICTIONARY MEANT TO BE USED?

The InterACTIVE Kids’ Math Dictionary is more than just a list of terms and stuffy definitions. For each math term, the authors creatively demonstrate a) a clear definition of the term in formal mathematical language, b) a “kid speak” definition, c) at least one example of the term “in action” through a linked math lesson or game, a photograph, or a video demonstration of the term being used in a math context.  Kids can click on links to propel their learning forward as they build conceptual understanding, not just memorization, of math terms.