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.
Ali F. –
Awesome resource for getting students to THINK rather than mimic! The book is super well laid out. LOTS of great info without feeling overwhelming. I suggest you read his first book first, which is more about the WHY and the HOW TO of BTC with a few tasks to get you started.
Nancy Murphy –
Waited for this one! Love using the thinking classroom in my fifth grade class. Gets the scholars collaborating and sharing their thinking while building their understanding and knowledge
Amber –
I am not a teacher of grades K-5 but this book was extremely useful since part 1 about updates or clarifications to BTC practices. I had some minor issues after the original book and all of those were addressed in part 1 of this book.
Busy Lady –
It is extremely helpful to teach math in a whole new way that is fun and gets kids thinking. They learn to work with peers to find answers and learn critical thinking skills while having fun.
Dinna Spradlin –
I read Building Thinking Classrooms two years ago and it revolutionized my teaching style. This companion book is just as wonderful. I teach high school math, and even though this book is written for K-5, I’ve already found many ways I will use the tasks and information given.