ELL Math Vocabulary for Newcomers word search, scramble and crossword

ELL Math Vocabulary for Newcomers word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this math vocabulary puzzle set for my newcomer ELL students during our first math unit. The kids could do some math but had no idea what words like add, subtract, or equal meant in English when I gave them directions. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like add, plus, subtract, minus, equal, more, less, number, count, big, small, shape, circle, square, and triangle. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the basic math vocabulary finally stick for students who are new to English.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess or independent work. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether "add" and "plus" mean the same thing. The crossword I use for partners or as a warm-up before a lesson. I added a couple simple number, plus, and minus sign drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for K through 3rd grade, especially for English learners who need extra visual support. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers draw a math symbol and label it on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.