Why should we talk about math?!?

Talking about our ideas can help us learn… Talking through our thinking can also help us clarify our own thoughts. If we try to communicate clearly, our thinking may get better as a result of our efforts.

Talking allows us to share our thoughts… Thinking usually seems to go on inside a person’s head, but since we can’t see or hear what’s going on inside other people’s minds, we have to rely on talking to share our thinking with one another.

Talking helps us figure out what we do and do not understand… When you are asked to explain a concept to someone else, you may realize you aren’t sure what to do or say. Once you know what’s confusing for you, you can get the help you need by asking someone to talk with you about it.

We can learn by listening to each other’s ideas… Thinking together about math can help us all understand math better. We can all learn new ways of thinking about mathematics from listening to how others think.

Talking together prepares us for our future… One day, you will have a career where you’ll be asked to solve problems; they may not be math problems, but you will be asked to present your solutions in convincing ways. You can’t just say: “Trust me, the answer’s four. I can’t explain how I got it, you just have to believe me.” It is important that you are able to explain your thinking.

Classroom Discussion Rights You have the right to share your ideas You have the right to ask questions, respectfully You have the right to be treated fairly-- with kindness and respect

Classroom Discussion Expectations Treat others fairly-- with kindness and respect Participate in the discussion Speak loudly enough for others to hear Listen for understanding Repeat a speaker’s idea Respond to a speaker’s idea

Respectful Discourse RESPECTFUL DISCOURSE: Talk is respectful when each person’s ideas are taken seriously; no one is insulted or ignored. “I was just joking” will not be acceptable to excuse a disrespectful remark.

Equitable Participation EQUITABLE PARTICIPATION: Participation is equitable when each person has a fair chance to ask questions, make statements, and express his or her ideas.

All of these ideas are posted in our classroom for you to refer back to. We will be practicing these discussion ideas on a daily practice. Please be open minded and always try your best!