Math Talk
From the desk of Leigh Ann . . .
I presented my kindergartners with an interesting math challenge this week. After dividing the young mathematicians into small groups, each team was presented with several problems to solve. Here was their first scenario:
You are now party planners with an important task. Each team of planners will be assigned a table with a different number of party guests. Your first task is to purchase 2 cupcakes for each guest at your table. The cupcakes are sold in boxes of 4. How many boxes will you need to buy, so that every guest can have 2 cupcakes? Will you have any cupcakes left over? Now, turn and talk.
The children quickly turned to their teammates and began to confer. Using their choice of tools (manipulatives, paper, pencils), they quickly created models and discussed strategies. At the ready signal, we reconvened and shared our thinking. The children listened intently as each team discussed their results and the processes they used to reach their solution. I heard these young mathematicians discussing operations, odd and even, doubles, and a variety of other concepts. I was thrilled to see and hear them share their knowledge!
Party Planners’ Tasks: Party Planners
Communication is an essential component of a balanced math classroom. In her latest book, Teaching Students to Communicate Mathematically, Laney Sammons tells us that content changes from grade to grade, but the processes and practices remain pretty much the same. To develop deeper understanding of the processes and “interact with math” as mathematicians, our children must learn how to communicate mathematically.
“Communication is an essential part of mathematics and mathematics education. It is a way of sharing ideas and clarifying understanding. Through communication, ideas become objects of reflection, refinement, discussion, and amendment. The communication process also helps build meaning and permanence for ideas.” – National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Laney’s latest book was designed to “provide educators with strategies for teaching students to express their mathematical thinking effectively.” She helps us to prepare and empower our students to talk and write about math competently – and through this process – deepen their mathematical understanding.
Would you like to get your hands on Teaching Students to Communicate Mathematically? Give ERG a call or email kaitlyn@myedresource.com
“Educators are helping students learn how to think critically, work collaboratively with their peers, access and accurately analyze relevant information, and solve problems effectively. Because the ability to communicate is crucial for these important life skills, creating classroom environments in which students regularly practice multiple forms of communication is imperative.” – Laney Sammons