Math Language Routine 4: Say My Name

Speaker: “Say My Name” gamifies mathematical vocabulary by having students collaborate to connect a mathematical term, symbol, or picture to its description. Here’s how it’s done:

Pair or group your students, then provide each pair with cards that have mathematical terms, symbols, or pictures on them. 

Students can take turns choosing a card but shouldn’t look at it. The goal is for students to describe what’s on the card, while the student who chose it guesses the term, symbol, or picture.

Students should avoid using the exact words or symbols on the card. The goal is to practice describing definitions or giving clues that are mathematically accurate with their peers. Just make sure to have the correct descriptions handy in case students need to check themselves.

Now go ahead and give “Say My Name” a try!