Math Talks: Mental Math for Kindergarten

Learners will interact with both teacher and other students to talk about numbers. We will think critically about a variety of images to elicit math talk. Learners will be asked, "What do you notice? and "What do you wonder?"  Together we will share how many items we see in the image with emphasis on how each learner "sees" the number. Through sharing how learners see the numbers, we will draw out student thinking and represent ideas using addition and subtraction. Math images are strategically chosen each week to focus on making tens, counting on, doubles and counting by fives and tens. Strategies do not build on each other but rather provide multiple ways to think about numbers. Learners are welcome to join in for one session or stay for many sessions. 
Our class focuses on sharing math thinking in a safe space with an emphasis on building comfort with numbers. We will draw out student thinking to allow students to "see" the math, make connections and deepen their understanding of number. Studies show that memorization and drills don't work for all children. This class provides a different approach to building skills and confidence in mathematics. When learners understand numbers and how they work...they have the skills to solve math problems in a way that makes sense to them. Learners will leave class feeling confident about their new math thinking!

***Each session focuses on developing a specific strategy. Strategies do not build on the previous week. Although the following focus strategies will cycle every four weeks, each session is unique with new pictures and new content.***