This book study explores Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom by Peter Liljedahl and co-authors — a practical companion to the widely adopted Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) framework. Participants will dive into the design, selection, and facilitation of rich mathematical tasks that intentionally promote student thinking, problem-solving, and deep conceptual understanding.
Across this study, educators will examine non-curricular and curricular tasks, explore thin-sliced sequences, and engage with strategies for launching, supporting, and consolidating thinking in ways that align with the 14 BTC practices. Participants will analyze sample student approaches, practice using scripts and teacher moves, and build a bank of tasks tailored to their classroom goals, curriculum, and the Kansas Math Standards.
Session Goals:
By the end of this book study, participants will be able to:
- Understand the role of tasks within the BTC framework
- Select and adapt rich tasks aligned to specific learning goals
- Facilitate thinking tasks effectively
- Implement thin-sliced sequences of tasks
- Support student consolidation and metacognition
- Craft and curate a bank of thinking tasks
- Apply learning to real classroom practice
Who Should Join:
This study is ideal for educators of all levels who have previously read Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning by Peter Liljedahl, attended a Building Thinking Classrooms workshop, or have implemented a Thinking Classroom. However, novice Thinking Classrooms teachers are also welcome! Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just beginning to explore new approaches to teaching, you’ll find actionable takeaways to enhance your instructional practices.
Format:
- Four sessions
- Group discussions, activities, and reflection
- Support for implementation in your classroom
Get ready to dig deeper into Thinking Classrooms, where students actively engage in deep, meaningful mathematics learning!
Participants of this workshop must purchase one of these books:
- If you teach K-5, purchase this book:
Liljedahl, P., & Giroux, M. (2024). Mathematics tasks for the thinking classroom, grades K–5. Corwin.
- If you teach 6-12, purchase this book:
Liljedahl, P., & Webb, K. (2024). Mathematics tasks for the thinking classroom, grades 6–12. Corwin.
Tentative Reading/Discussion Schedule:
Session 1: Tuesday, June 2, 9-11 am - Discuss Introduction, Ch 1, 2, Part 2 introductory pages
Session 2: Tuesday, June 9, 9-11 am - Discuss Ch 3, 4, Part 3 introductory pages
Session 3: Tuesday, June 16, 9-11 am - Discuss Ch 5, 6
Session 4: Tuesday, June 23, 9-11 am - Discuss Ch 7, 8, 9
Presenter: Jolene Goodheart Peterson
Credit: Hours (15), PD Points (15), College Credit (1)