Mathematics Tasks For The Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5

By (author) Liljedahl Peter; By (author) Giroux, Maegan
Description:

Practical and proven math tasks to maximize student thinking and learning

Building upon the blockbuster success of Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Peter Liljedahl has joined forces with co-author Maegan Giroux to bring the Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) framework to life in this new book, Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5.

But this book is so much more than simply a collection of good thinking tasks. It delves deeper into the implementation of the 14 practices from the BTC framework by updating the practices with the newest research, and focusing on the practice through the lens of rich math tasks that address specific mathematical learning outcomes or standards. Across the 20 non-curricular tasks and 30 curricular tasks used as models, this book:

• Helps you choose tasks to fit your particular math standards, goals, and the competencies you want your students to build
• Walks you through all the steps and scripts to launch, facilitate, and consolidate each task
• Shares examples of possible student solutions along with hints you might offer to help their thinking along
• Offers tasks for consolidation, example notes to my future forgetful self, and mild, medium, and spicy check-your-understanding questions (CYUs) for every thin sliced sequences of curricular tasks
• Imparts reflections from the authors on each task

The book closes with specific guidance on how to find more tasks or craft your own non-curricular and curricular tasks, along with answers to educators’ frequently asked questions. It includes access to a companion website that includes downloadables and a task template for creating your own tasks.

Whether you are new to BTC or a seasoned user, Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5 will help teachers, coaches, and specialists transform traditional math classrooms into dynamic and thought-provoking learning spaces.

Table of contents:
Introduction Part 1 In Review and In the New Chapter 1: What Kinds of Tasks to Use Chapter 2: How, When, and Where to Give Tasks Chapter 3: How to Build and Utilize Student Autonomy Chapter 4: How to Use Hints and Extensions to Maintain Flow Chapter 5: How to Consolidate the Task(s) Chapter 6: How to Have Students Make Meaningful Notes Chapter 7: How to Have Students do Check-Your-Understanding Questions Chapter 8: How to Use Tasks as the Context to Improve Student Competencies Chapter 9: What Does a Lesson Look Like in a Thinking Classroom? Part 2 Non-Curricular Tasks Part 3 Curricular Tasks Part 4: From Page to Practice Epilogue
Review quote:
BTC just got easier to do in your classroom! We have said for years and years that students need to be doing the thinking and talking in the math classroom. This book gives you the tools to actually do it! Whether you’ve read the original Building Thinking Classrooms book or not, this book gives you MORE . . . more tasks, more insights, more ideas. If you
want to get kids thinking, add this book to your collection.
Review quote:
Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K–5 doesn’t just offer tasks; it intentionally provides the fuel for transforming classrooms into dynamic critical thinking and collaboration hubs. From task selection to empowering student autonomy, this book equips educators with the tools and knowledge to create vibrant learning environments.
Review quote:
It was love at first sight when I read Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning. Though it might sound cheesy, it changed my life. While it was a transformational game changer in my classroom, it left me wanting more, especially in regard to the early elementar