Teach Cartesian Planes and Graphing Vocabulary 

Are your students beginning their cartesian planes and graphing unit? If so, you may have noticed there are many vocabulary words they need to learn! Not only do students need to know these words, but they must also identify them in a mathematical sense. This may be by a maths symbol, image, or a number sentence used to represent each term.

This resource includes 18 cartesian plane vocabulary cards, each with a definition and an image that matches the word.

Words included are:

• formula
• rule
• evaluate
• cartesian plane
• x-axis
• y-axis
• ordered pair
• graph
• plot
• point
• line
• x-coordinate
• y-coordinate
• origin
• variable
• quadrant
• coordinate
• intersect

How to Use Maths Vocabulary Cards

There are many different ways you can use vocabulary cards in your classroom! Here are a few of our favourites:

• Classroom Display / Word Wall –  Reserve a classroom display just for maths-related vocabulary and content. Change the words every unit so students always have access to the latest mathematical vocabulary. 
• Vocabulary Pictionary –  Play a game where students draw a picture of the vocabulary word for others to guess. 
• “Quiz, Quiz, Trade” – Give each student a vocabulary card. Students stand and find a partner, and then quiz each other about their words. They then trade and repeat with a new partner.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown arrow on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Longevity Tip: Print on cardboard for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Ready for more Cartesian Plane Resources?

Teach Starter has many more resources to help your students master cartesian planes. Here are a few of our favourites!

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Cartesian Plane Mystery Pictures

Practise graphing on the Cartesian plane with this set of differentiated mystery pictures.

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Cartesian Plane Coordinates Matching Activity

Practise identifying coordinates and describing the process for graphing with a year 6 matching activity.

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Input-Output Tables and Graphing Task Cards

Practise reading input-output tables and plotting points in the first quadrant with this set of task cards.