Help students decode STAAR math questions with confidence!

These STAAR Math Language Decoder Posters help students understand the vocabulary and wording commonly used on STAAR math problems. Each poster translates testing language into student-friendly thinking so students know exactly what a question is asking them to do.

Perfect for building a math language wall and supporting problem-solving all year long.

What’s Included

✔ 42 Math Language Decoder Posters
✔ Designed for Grades 3–5
✔ Clear STAAR wording translations
✔ Student-friendly explanations
✔ Visual examples for modeling thinking

Each poster includes:

• STAAR wording
• Student translation
• Student thinking prompt
• Example

Topics Included

Students learn to decode language like:

Determine
Represent
Compare
Order
Estimate
Expanded Form
Value of a Digit
Product
Quotient
Model
Explain Your Answer
Show Your Work
Solve
Difference
Sum
Total
Altogether
How Many More
How Many Fewer
Equation
Equal
Expression
Factor
Multiple
Numerator
Denominator
Equivalent
Simplify
Area
Perimeter
Volume
Convert
Interpret
Pattern
Identify
Select
Justify
Analyze
Relationship
Value
Unknown
Data

Perfect For

• STAAR math preparation
• Math vocabulary support
• Classroom math walls
• Small group instruction
• Intervention and reteaching
• Supporting multilingual learners

Why Teachers Love These Posters

Students often struggle with understanding the language of math questions, not the math itself. These posters help students translate test language into clear problem-solving actions.

Example translations students learn:

Determine → Find the answer
How many more → Subtract to compare
Altogether → Add the groups

Teacher Tip

Display these posters as a Math Language Wall so students can refer to them during problem-solving and independent practice.