Friday's Number Talk was different than usual. Instead of independent problem solving, pairs made sense of a single subtraction equation using as many strategies as possible. Working collaboratively before sharing whole-group requires a double dose of mathematical communication.
According to Kathy Richardson, the Program Director of Math Perspectives Teacher Development Center, "The power in the Number Talks comes from inspiring each child to think and make sense of the mathematics they are presented. They are never trying to figure out what the teacher wants. Rather they are totally engaged in their own sense making process. Too much of school as experienced by children is learning what they are supposed to be learning. But a Number Talk is an opportunity for children to learn that they can figure things out for themselves in the way that makes sense to them."
"Diversity assures resilience."
-Fritjof Capra
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