So, we talked about number talks, what they are and why they are important. And, if you haven’t read my latest post on number talks, check it out! But, how do you use them in your classroom? One of the best parts about number talks is utilizing them as they fit into your specific classroom needs. Number talks aren’t a one-time lesson; but instead, they are a way to establish a consistent math routine into your every day. Number talks allow for discussion where students can share and justify their answers. They allow for students to be flexible in their thinking and reasoning. It is a time where we take a step back from the teaching role and enable students to be a bit more in charge of their learning.
In my classroom, this is the time where I present my students with a math problem and ask them to solve it mentally. I want my students to share their answers, of course, but I want to dig through their thought processes and the strategies that were used to obtain the answer. It is important to remember that number talks are not just about the correct answer but instead the route your students took to find the right answer. Number talks must be intentional. Of course, success with number talks isn’t going to happen overnight. It is why they should become a part of a daily routine.
Implementing Number Talks
But, let’s talk about how we go about implementing number talks. One of the best parts of number talks is they require very little prep or materials. It all depends on what works in your classroom. I know teachers who only use dry erase boards but personally, I project these up on my screen. I have three bundles of pre-planned number talks that you can grab and add to your number talk library so that you are ready to go with no extra planning. They are on Google and Seesaw, but you can also download them from Google to Powerpoint to use them in person. Again, my favorite part of number talks is you do what works for you.
Alright, so you have your math problem ready to go. What’s next?
1. I gather my students around the carpet and display the problem. I use this on a screen so that all my students can see the problem.
2. At the beginning of the year, I will typically read the problem out loud, and as the year goes on, I give them time to read the problem independently. I make sure to provide enough time for everyone to read the problem, and I ask that my students give a cue to indicate they are finished. You can have them maintain eye contact or do a thumbs up. It’s essential to make sure it’s a silent cue, so you give other students time to finish up without feeling pressured.
3. When everyone has indicated they are done, I ask my students to turn to a person next to them to share their answers and strategies. I am huge on classroom community, and this is an excellent way to foster peer relationships. I walk around, listen to their answers, and pay attention to what types of strategies were used.
4. After a few minutes of sharing with a partner, I will call on a few students to share their answers, strategies, and the process they used to find the answer. It is soooo important to remember that your students need to show respect to their peers when sharing answers. This is not about finding the correct answer. And, it is ok to have the wrong answer because this is why we do number talks to help each other find strategies and solutions that work. If your students do not feel comfortable sharing their thought processes in front of the class, then I can promise you that number talks will not benefit your students.
5. Once the student or students have shared their answers, I allow for an opportunity to agree or disagree with the strategies used. We used this time as an open discussion, and after we had talked through the provided strategies, I allow for students to share other working strategies.
A feeling of success with number talks takes time. Most of your students do not have prior experience doing this type of mental math, so lots of modeling and patience are essential. And, as the year progresses, you will be amazed at the benefits number talks play in the development of number sense.
This is one of my most favorite parts of the day, and I love putting my students in charge of their learning. It makes me incredibly proud to watch my students take the initiative in their education. And, they come up with strategies that I wouldn’t have thought of.
Number talks are simple, and short-lasting only about 10 minutes per day, but boy, are they crucial. My students partake in powerful mathematical conversations, but they also learn to value one another on a deeper level. It plays a vital role in establishing our strong classroom community. I value difference, growth, and respect in my classrooms, and number talks are just another way to work on those critical skills. I promise number talks might seem intimidating at first but try them today. You won’t regret it. And, you’ll even ask yourself why you didn’t do it sooner. Let me know if you use them in your classrooms.
