Number Talks

Number talks are short discussions among a teacher and students about how to solve a particular mental math problem. The focus is not on the correct answer, but on all the possible methods of finding an answer. Students are provided with opportunities to explain their method and reflect on the thought process of their peers.

• The purpose of Number Talks is to provide students with opportunities to develop strong number sense and mathematical reasoning. Number sense helps students understand the underlying concepts of the operations.

• Students who have strong number sense can solve problems in more than one way and check that their answers make sense.

• Almost all of the Standards for Mathematical Practice are utilized when engaging in a Number Talk.

Ruth Parker and Cathy Humphreys have developed and revised the following Number Talk routine. Number Talks should be done as consistently and routinely as possible, in order to achieve maximum number sense development.

1. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Ask students to put all paper and pencils away. Then, ask students to put a closed fist on their chest. Write the problem (horizontally) on the board or project the picture where all students can see it.

2. Wait while students think about the problem (2-3 minutes of wait time is preferred). When students have an answer, ask them to put a thumbs up on their chest.

3. Ask students to keep their thumb up if they're willing to share an answer. Remind students not to agree or disagree with answers that are offered. For this step, only record answers on the board and continue to ask for different answers. Student names do not need to be recorded.

4. Ask students to put their thumbs up again if they're willing to share how they got their answer. Provide wait time before calling on a student.

5. Call on volunteer students only and ask which answer they are defending. Record the student's thinking exactly (even if a student is making a mistake or defending an incorrect answer). After recording, provide the class with wait time. Ask if anyone has questions or comments for the student's process.

6. Ask if anyone solved the problem differently. Provide wait time.

7. After collecting several different strategies, ask students to look across the strategies for wonderings or noticings. Provide wait time and facilitate a class discussion.

8. Thank students and end the Number Talk at the end of the 15 minutes.