Harnessing the Power of Math Keywords in the Elementary Classroom
When it comes to math word problems, keywords can be a valuable tool in a math teacher’s toolbox. However, they can also hinder student understanding of word problems. In this blog post, we’ll review some strategies for using math keywords with your students. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of using math keywords with your students.
What are math keywords?
Math keywords are words in math word problems that provide clues for which operation to use. Students look for these words, which help them decide whether to add, subtract, multiply, or divide. Math keywords are not 100% reliable (more on that below), nor should they be the sole strategy students use to determine which operation to use. However, they can be one strategy of many that help students when solving word problems.
Here are common math keywords used in elementary math:
Addition:
altogether
plus
join
greater
increase
both
add
more than
sum
combined
total
in all
Subtraction:
subtract
left
minus
decrease
how many more
difference
less than
take away
fewer than
remain
lost
Multiplication:
multiply
by
double
times
product
in all
total
altogether
every
each
groups of
area
Division:
divide
each
half
per
split
same
fraction
per
separated
shared
evenly
average
percent
quotient
cut up
Pros and Cons of Teaching Math Keywords
Like any math strategy, there are definite pros and cons of using math keywords in the classroom. They can be useful for students who just don’t get other strategies for solving math word problems, including students who need a very systematic approach to problem-solving.
However, math keywords should not be the only tool available to students when solving math word problems. Keywords are not always accurate. Math word problems can be worded in a way that is deceiving for students who depend on math keywords to pick a math operation. Students need to learn to look at the entire context of the word problem to use math keywords.
Math keywords should be paired with other problem-solving strategies so that students are using strategies beyond just looking for keywords.
Tips for Using Math Keywords
If you decide that you’d like to use math keywords with your students, here are some tips:
Use a highlighter.
I suggest using a different color for each operation - for example: pink for addition, yellow for subtraction, green for multiplication, and blue for division. Students look for the keywords in math problems and highlight them in the appropriate color to help them remember the operations.
2. Pair them with additional word problem-solving strategies.
Math keywords are best used alongside other strategies. Teach students additional problem-solving strategies to use. For example, the CUBES math strategy uses keywords as one step of the problem-solving process. If you’re unfamiliar with CUBES, I suggest giving it a google and checking it out.
3. Use visual aids.
Visual aids can really help students remember keywords. And they’re great for students who have trouble memorizing. And it just so happens, I have two free math keywords resources that can help with this!
First is a free math keywords flip book! This reference can be kept in student desks and used throughout the school year. It comes with both a blank version for students to fill in and a pre-filled version to use as a ready-to-go math resource. This resource is only available to my email subscribers, but you can click on the picture below to join my list and get it.
I also have another freebie for you - free math keyword posters! These are available for free download in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. You can click on the picture below to get them.
What do you think? Are math keywords a strategy you will or do use with your students? Let me know!
