We've got them up and thinking, what's next?...

Monica Lang, Princess Anne High School

September 2023

Wow! Just... wow! It has been incredible seeing teachers all over the division dive in with BTC! So many classrooms are full of students engaged in thinking and building connections, and it's only the first week of school. We saw students using their own strategies drawing images, making tables, finding patterns, and even algebra to solve NCT problems like these. It is evident that kids really do want to think. When the initial stakes are low enough, and the task has the potential to use multiple strategies, our kids dove in at EVERY level!

What's next?
How do you keep the thinking momentum going as you start your curricular tasks?
What supports do you need from your peers & coaches?

Consider using one of Peter Liljedahl's models for a Curricular Thinking Tasks

Thin-Slicing @TaylorDA01

a sequenced problem set, or prompts with the purpose of self-guiding in groups (example lesson)

Mild-Medium-Spicy @openmiddle

brings in student choice with problems that are meant to be explored

Thick-Slicing (@Dan Meyer's 3-Act Model)

1. Set the Stage: determine what students know

2. The Information: engaging students in productive struggle of learning with hints and support

3. The Reveal: analyzing the solution and reflecting on learning

You can also search for Curricular Tasks (or share one you have made) in this spreadsheet. Here are a few things to remember when giving a thinking task. If you want your students to do more mathematical thinking, and haven't jumped in to BTC yet, ask yourself: what is holding you back?

Email ANY coach and we can help get you started!

Page updated

Report abuse