ABSTRACT
Although it is important to use the correct terminology in mathematics, students may have developed their own simplified language to describe shapes. Therefore, they should initially be allowed to use their own language, as this encourages student participation in the lesson. It is then helpful to link students’ language to the correct terminology. For example, when you introduce a triangle you could say ‘This shape, which is like a “Dairylea” cheese, is called a . . . ’ and let students supply the word ‘triangle’.
