Number Talks

M-8

Session Description

Math Talks provide students with an opportunity for deeper understanding through communication. Students are able to articulate and defend their ideas and analyze the reasoning of others. 
Math Talks can also:
  • Reveal understanding and misunderstanding.
  • Support robust learning by boosting memory.
  • Support deeper reasoning.
  • Support language development.
  • Support development of social skills.

Learner Outcomes

By the end of the sessions participants will know / be able to: 
  1. Help students make sense of mathematics.
  2. Facilitate a 5-10 minute number talk.
  3. Have a beginning plan for logistics of implementing number talks as an everyday practice.

Early Release Number Talk k-1

Warm-Up 

Take a moment to read this article by Marilyn Burns to determine the top 10 ways to enhance your student's math learning! After reading the article, we are going to partner you up to complete a TAG! 

 

Activity 1: Experience a Number Talk

The presenters are going to act as facilitators for a kindergarten number talk.  You will be presented with a math problem and should mentally solve the problem.  Hold their fist over the heart and hold one thumb up when you have one way to find the answer. Hold up additional fingers as you find additional ways.   

Activity 2: Teacher Role

We are going to watch a video demonstrating a number talk in a third grade classroom (focusing more on teacher role). After you watch the video each group will role the QR Conversation Cube to discuss elements of the clip. After the discussion each group will be responsible for sharing out the following questions: 
  • Group 1: How are students using number relationships to solve the problems?
  • Group 2: How would you describe the classroom community and environment?
  • Group 3: Which strategies demonstrate accuracy, efficiency, and flexibility?
  • Group 4: How are students’ strategies similar to or different from your strategy?

Activity 3: Student Role

We are going to watch a video demonstrating a number talk in a kinder classroom (focusing more on student role).
After you watch the video each group will spin the wheel to discuss elements of the clip. After the discussion each group will be responsible for sharing our the following questions: 

  • Group 1: How are the students engaged?
  • Group 2: What tools/strategies are used to build fluency?
  • Group 3: How are the students showing their understanding? 
  • Group 4: How are the students able to explain their understanding?


 
Activity 4: Your Turn!
Conduct your own math talk with members of your group using the strategies learned from session. 


Reflection



Think! What are your ahas, amens, and fears about number talks? Also, can you think of any other ideas/strategies to incorporate into your number talks!

Pair! Discuss those with your group.

Share! Post your thoughts/ideas on the padlet link. 

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