As we work to help our students become problem solvers and mathematical thinkers we must find ways to allow children to share their thinking and listen to each other. The book,
Classroom Discussions:Using Math Talk to Help Students Learn, by Chapin, Carpenter, and Anderson is a great resource for any teacher, not only those who teach math. The authors provide suggestions on 5 "teacher moves" that promote discourse in the classroom: revoicing, restating, prompt for further participation, wait time and justification.
The
Math Solutions website has some videos of teachers sharing their experiences using math talk. I hope to post some videos of teachers in our division with their thoughts and comments.
Please share your strategies for getting students to talk about a topic, and for getting other students to listen.
