Within classes I am constantly looking for new ways to encourage students to develop their Mathematical vocabulary and communication strategies. Here are just a couple of the ones I have tried.

Word of the Week

Each week teachers identify key mathematical words that their students need to be working on. These are communicated to the class and written on a poster which is displayed clearly at the front of the classroom.

Students are encouraged to show evidence of using these words correctly in either verbal or written explanations or conversations throughout the week. Students that are "caught" using them well are entered into a prize draw, with weekly certificates and prizes handed out at assemblies.

>Download the Word of the Week PowerPoint here

>Download the Word of the Week Poster here

>Download the Word of the Week Certificate here

Explanation of the Week

Some teachers found the "Word of the Week" led to students randomly shouting out key words just to get entered into the prize draw. The "Explanation of the Week" competition was therefore developed, with students encouraged to come up with the best mathematical explanations that they could in class, with spot prizes and certificates.

>Download the Explanation of the Week PowerPoint here

>Download the Explanation of the Week Poster here

>Download the Explanation of the Week Certificate here