Vocabulary

I've always felt that mathematics is one part language and one part science. Geometry is no exception to the rule. Vocabulary plays an essential role in geometry. Students can easily get confused if they aren't up-to-date with the vocabulary. Concepts in geometry usually build on previously learned vocabulary. Trying to teach students about 3 space is difficult if they do not first understand the number line and coordinate plane. By using vocabulary at higher level than all students understand, it can make learning extremely difficult for students (as we read in the van Heile text). By using vocabulary at a lower lever than is appropriate, students won't be able to properly discuss geometric topics. Teachers must toe a fine line with making the vocabulary sufficiently challenging yet accessible for all students.