Let's Talk Math: Encouraging Children to Explore Ideas

Let's Talk Math shows elementary teachers how everyday language can be used as an effective tool for describing mathematical experiences. By encouraging students to explore ideas, discuss processes, and reflect upon experiences, teachers can assess the ways students interpret mathematical concepts and identify areas of confusion and inaccuracy.

Part One of Let's Talk Math examines the effectiveness of language in the math classroom and its implications for classroom planning and organization. Part Two outlines forty group activities that encourage students to talk and write mathematically in areas related to number, space, and measurement. Activities are illustrated by examples of students' work and anecdotal references from teachers who have successfully trialled theLet's Talk Math model.