5 Fun Math Vocabulary Card Games
Vocabulary is essential in teaching middle school math. Not only is vocabulary important for standardized tests, but also important when students are practicing problem solving on their own or with their peers.
Posting vocabulary cards in your classroom and referring to them often is a simple way for students to see how words are important in math. If you don’t have any vocabulary cards, grab some here.
Incorporating vocabulary into your math class is a passion of mine that I have a previous post all about 15 Ideas for Increasing Vocabulary.
Here are more fun ways to use vocabulary cards in math class.
Memory Game
Have students work in groups to create a memory game using vocabulary cards from a unit, for test prep, or at the end of the year. Have students copy words on index cards and their matching definition on separate cards. After writing the cards, lay the cards face down to play the classic game of matching. This works well with at least 15 words.
Bingo
This is another fun and simple way to practice math vocabulary definitions. Give students a 5 x 5 grid to fill in 24 words and a free space in the middle. Use at least 50 vocabulary word cards. Randomly pull a vocabulary card and read the definition only. See how many students can get Bingo! Use water bottle stickers, a piece of candy, or extra credit points for prizes.
Charades
Have students play in small groups with a stack of vocabulary cards. As students choose a word at random they have to act out the word without talking. This might be tricky and could also be done pictionary style!
Taboo
Give this fun classic word game a twist with math vocabulary. In teams of two, students will take turns trying to get their teammates to say a word without using the words listed in the definitioon.
Trashketball
Another game that can be broken up into teams. Students will get a turn to say the definition of a vocabulary word. If they get the definition correct they can have a chance to score a point for their team by throwing a scrunched-up piece of paper into a trash can.
All of the above games are a fun way to review vocabulary before standardized testing, at the end of the unit, or the end of the year. What is your favorite way to use vocabulary cards? Comment below, I would love to hear your ideas!
