Over the last few years, number talks, also known as math talks, have become an important part of our math program within my district. The emphasis has been placed on students being able to "think" about math and be able to explain this thinking. For first grade, I can say that in a way, number talks have always been the emphasis. You need to talk through everything to help these young learners begin to develop number sense. The difference between what I have done in the past and what I do today, is that before I was doing most of the talking and explaining. Now, students are doing more of that.Number talks encourage all students to be active as a problem is presented. All students should be thinking about the problem and trying to mentally solve it. As students come up with the solution they indicate that they are ready by showing a thumbs up, which is held in front of their chest. After students have had some time to solve the problem students share how they came up with the solution. The teacher (or student) records the process on the board, clarifying as necessary, so that everyone can see how the problem was solved and the strategy that was used. The teacher continues to have other students share the different ways that they solved the problem. This allows students to see that there is more than one way to solve the problem. It gives them a better sense of how the numbers can be manipulated. Number talks are not meant to be a long lesson. They are short 8-10 minute talks that are intended to help students learn to manipulate numbers, learn more strategies, and build their overall fluency.
As I was visiting a website that was sent out by my district I came across a Number Talks Youtube video by Jo Boaler. It is a good video to help both teachers and parents understand how number talks work, not just how they are done, but the overall benefit and importance of the process and the effect.
Here is the link if you would like to check it out:
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