During these restful summer days, I have been reflecting on how the math classroom is both similar and different from the other subjects taught throughout the day. When school starts, how do teachers purposefully set the stage to build a math community for learning?
Back to School 101 is to foster a classroom environment of respect and inclusiveness. All voices matter. It needs to be a risk-free zone, where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and trying something new. It is a growth mindset culture.
Now let's zero in on the math community. In a student-centered classroom, the goal is for the students to learn from each other. Hence, math discussions are at the heart of a math lesson. In order to have productive math discussions, math talk expectations need to be established. This is the essence of building a math community.
So what are the expectations for a math discussion? Like other subjects, respecting each other's ideas and sharing ideas are key. Students may think that sharing the "right" answer is a math expectation, but that is so not true. All answers are welcome and all voices need to be heard.
If I had to list the expectations that I want to specifically highlight in my math class as school starts, they would focus on the following:
- All answers are welcome.
- It is essential to hear all voices.
- Use prompts to support student conversations.
- Use hand signals to strengthen the math discussion.
- Use math vocabulary.
- Be open to new strategies.
- Mistakes are a tool to help us learn.
Over the next couple weeks, as I prepare to build my math community, I will share posts highlighting ideas on how to make these math discussion expectations come alive in the classroom - building a math community.
Meanwhile, what are some of your "must have" goals in building a math community? Share your ideas. We all learn from each other.
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