People have said on the forums that there are lots of gestures out there for math, but I'm having trouble finding them and/or being creative. Perhaps I am trying to create too many gestures for the vocab words?
Can anyone recommend resources for this? Any pre-algebra/algebra help would be greatly appreciated!!

Here are some that I need help with:
Numerical expression
Algebraic Equation
Coefficient
Variable
Positive Number
Negative Number (any ideas on teaching and using integers would be appreciated--I've always taught the above level group and now have lower groups)

Here are some ideas I've come up with for the first unit in each grade:
exponent- multiplication sign repeated by banging arms together several times (since you multiply the factor together some # of times)
factors-with each hand grab a "#" out of the air and then bring them into a X sign
term-point out a finger level to the ground; then I can tap 2 "terms" together (one on each hand) followed by an = sign to make an equation

I've turned them into my own powerpix using images from google images and a nice layout with the word, definition, and gesture written out. Now I just have to prepare a bulletin board in my room.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!! I've attached what I've gotten so far with what I've found on the internet (THANKS) and what I've thought of myself.

Please feel free to use and provide feedback!

I posted this on another page but thought I would include it here.

This may help. It is the Texas Math Sign Language Dictionary.

It is not just math signs (for the lower grades). It is even organized by grade level. Hope it helps!

www.tsdvideo.org/index.php?letter=a

Thanks...I checked out the videos on that site. While they might work for deaf people, I'm not sure they'll work for my classroom. For example, coefficient is the letters C O E F.
So, I'm still looking for the ones I've listed above as well as any help with teaching integers and gestures for that area.
Also, I've made powerpix for a lot of the vocab.
Do people make gestures for the steps in solving problems as well (like to add integers with like signs, add and keep the sign; to add integers with unlike signs, subtract and keep the sign with the larger absolute value.)

Thank you!!!!

rnc,

I am in the same boat teaching Pre-Algebra and am making up gestures as I go.

The only one on your list I have an idea for is coefficient:
1. Take your left hand and pull your thumb away from your palm to create a v (for variable!).
2. Then bring your right hand (in a fist) over next to the v. This is the coefficient.
From the kids view, they will see the coefficient out front of the variable.

With integers, I find it best to tie problems to a real life topic so the kids think about what answer makes sense.
-money (negative numbers are how much you owe)
-above/below sea level
-above/below ground
Whenever they miss a problem, I'll put it in terms of one of these and usually produce an a-ha moment. =)

As far as gestures for the integer rules, I feel they might end up being too similar to one another, and get confusing. It might be better to use some sort of rhythm/chant to teach each rule and then rehearse it.