English for FunMaths words in English for kids
Tap a word or question to hear it. These are the exact words and questions the game uses in Math Island.
Tap to hear
Words that mean the same thing
- "Plus" and "and" both mean adding: "two plus three" or "two and three".
- "Take away" and "minus" both mean subtracting. Young children usually hear "take away" first.
- "Altogether" asks for the total; "left" asks what remains after taking away.
- "Fewer" is used for things you count (fewer apples). Many people also say "less", and children will hear both.
Maths talk at home
- At snack time: "You have three grapes. I take away one. How many are left?"
- Line up toys and ask "What comes after five?"
- Use two hands to make five and ten: "Three and two make five."
Practise with Math Island
Math Island has 24 missions on five islands: counting, number order, more or less, making five and ten, and first adding and taking away. The first island, Counting Beach, is free and already includes adding and taking away with fruit.
Free printable
Print-ready A4 sheets for "Maths words in English for kids": a chart for the wall, cut-out flashcards and a worksheet with two short exercises. Free to print and share with your class.
Questions
Should my child learn maths in English before Vietnamese?
No need to choose. The ideas are the same; the games simply give the English words for them. Many children enjoy saying a sum in both languages.
What numbers does Math Island use?
Counting goes up to 20; adding and taking away stay within ten.
More topics
Numbers 1 to 20 in English
Hear and say every number from one to twenty, with tips for the tricky ones.
The English alphabet: letter names A to Z
Hear the name of every letter from A to Z, with a picture word for each.
Shapes in English for kids
Ten shape names, from circle to hexagon, with a side-counting tip.
Colours in English for kids
Six colour names and the one rule that matters: the colour comes first.