Number talks are short lessons that build fluency and number sense that provide students with meaningful practice. Number talks should be brief but consistent, and they are most effective when they are part of your daily routine. The expectation in the primary grades is that they will use number structure and relationships when doing addition and subtraction.
I use number talks as a structured way for students to have math conversations. They are thinking, strategizing, asking questions, and visually conceptualizing mathematical concepts. Using number talks emphasizes the importance of using strategies when problem-solving, it’s a great way to warm-up up for the math lessons we will do throughout the year.
In my classroom, I have found a ton of value in using pictures during my number talks. Pictures give students a visual where they can subitize, problem solve and communicate about solving problems. As first graders, they don’t have as much experience explaining their mathematical reasoning and strategies. This is a newer experience for these younger learners, hesitancy is expected, but they will gain confidence with time. At the beginning of the year, you must be continuously modeling during number talks. When you provide concrete examples, it leads students to understand better how to share their strategies.
Are Number Talks That Important?
Yes, yes, and yes! I have had conversations with teachers throughout the years about the importance of number talks. Most teachers know the importance of using them but implementing number talks into their classrooms is stressful. But like with anything else, start, and it will get easier! I promise you will see the benefits in your student’s ability to conceptualize and problem solve.
Students begin to develop number sense and become strategic mathematicians, but they also gain confidence with their strategies. Number Talks also improve students’ computational strategies and mathematical reasoning abilities. When our students begin to think flexibly about numbers, it approves their problem-solving knowledge and understanding of complex mathematical concepts.
Number talks improve our student’s number sense which is the ability to understand numbers, quantities and to perform calculations mentally. Without a strong number sense foundation, students lack the ability to solve problems in multiple ways, and they can’t check their answers. The entire purpose of developing a strong number sense is to understand addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. If you don’t understand the concept behind what you are doing…are you actually learning? No, you are operating based on memorization. Number talks truly get students thinking about taking numbers apart and how to connect one number to another.
Number talks also give students autonomy in developing their strategy because we provide them with time to think and strategize without telling them how to do it. Your students might even surprise you with the creative approach they come up with. One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to math is that we explicitly teach the strategies. But, just like other areas of academics…we can talk about math. We can brainstorm and discuss as mathematicians do.
We must teach our students how to justify their reasoning and answer. Of course, we want them to have the correct answer, but we need them to communicate why that is the answer and if it actually makes sense.
One of the most valuable aspects of number talks is their ability to strengthen their mental math. They are asked to solve a problem without a pencil and paper, which gives them the chance to participate mentally. And continuous practice strengthens their abilities to problem solve and develop strategies that will help them progress into more profound mathematical concepts.
Do you use number talks in your classroom? I promise implementing them in your daily routine is truly beneficial. If you haven’t implemented number talks yet, check out my resources that can give you a jump start in feeling successful in teaching number talks!
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