1. Building Mental Math and Reasoning
Number Talks
Building Mental Math and Reasoning

2. What is mental math?
With an elbow partner, talk about the question, “What is mental math?”
Why do we need to do “mental math?”

3. Targets I am learning how to explain what a Number Talk is.
I am learning why “Number Talks” are going to be an important part of my learning in fifth grade.
I am learning the rules of “Number Talks!”
I am practicing a “Number Talk!”

4. What do you think a ‘Number Talk’ is?
Talk with an elbow partner again and come up with an answer to the question, “What do you think a ‘Number Talk’ is?”
When do we talk about numbers?
Why is it important to talk about numbers?

5. What is a Number Talk? A number talk is: Short (5-15 minutes) On-going
Part of your daily routine
Practice with computation
Sometimes, but not always, structured as a short session alongside your math curriculum
A discussion about numbers and computation
A way to learn share ideas and learn about different ways to solve and think about problems

6. Why should we do “Number Talks” in fifth grade?
So many students and adults think that math is all about rules and procedures. We memorize those rules and procedures without understanding the relationships and meanings of numbers.
Todays technology and information age requires students and adults to develop a deeper understanding of mathematics. We have to be able to reason about quantitative information, possess number sense, and check for the reasonableness of solutions and answers.
Number Talks will help other students and adults understand and learn about different ways of thinking and solving problems.

7. Why Number Talks? Making sense of mathematics (DEEPER UNDERSTANDING)!
Developing efficient computation strategies
Communicating mathematically
Reasoning and proving solutions

8. For example:
Solve: = ______

9. Format for Number Talks
Teacher presents the problem.
Students use mental math to figure out the answer.
1-2 minutes to figure come up with an answer.
Use hand signals to let your teacher know you are ready.
Students share their answers.
ALL answers/ideas will be recorded.
Students share their thinking.
The class agrees on the “real” answer for the problem.
Repeat for additional problems.

10. Some questions that your teacher might ask:
How did you think about that?
How did you figure it out?
What did you do next?
Why did you do that? Tell me more.
Who would like to share their thinking?
Did someone else solve it in a different way?
Who else started the problem this way?
Who else used this strategy to solve the problem?
What strategies do you see being used?
Which strategies seem to be efficient, quick or simple?
3 x 14, 3 x 114, 3 x 1014, 7 + 8, ,
5+7
21+39
62+76
32+28 = 33+27
41+36=44+32

11. Rules Respect all answers, no matter how off they are!
Celebrate correct and incorrect answers!
You need to feel comfortable with making errors and know that mistakes are celebrated and will help us learn and grow.
Be a class community!
We are a family and need to treat each other with care and respect!
Teacher is the facilitator ONLY!
Give 100% of your effort during Math Talks.
Discuss nothing other than math.
Ask questions if you don’t understand.
When you know the answer, continue to think of new ways to solve the problem.
Teacher will be looking for different strategies and ways of thinking about problems. Be prepared, just in case a classmate shares your same idea! 
Listen attentively to all ideas and be ready to repeat what was said or explain someone else’s thinking.
Most important rule: absolutely under no circumstances allowed to raise your hands – no calling out! We will use hand signals!

12. Hand Signals We will all start with our fist on our chest.
Thumbs up on our chest if we have the answer
One answer = thumb and one finger
Two answers or solutions = thumb and two fingers
Closed fist: Don’t have answer yet, but have a strategy
Still thinking, almost there…

13. Number Talk Sentence Starters…
I agree with you because…
I disagree with you because…
Can you explain how…
So I hear you saying that…
Your strategy reminds me of…
My strategy was to…
To add on to what ____________ was saying…
I wonder…
How did you…
What would happen if…

14. You tell me: What did we learn today? Why is it important?
I am learning how to explain what a Number Talk is.
I am learning why “Number Talks” are going to be an important part of my learning in fifth grade.
I am learning the rules of “Number Talks!”
I am practicing a “Number Talk!”
Why is it important?
How will we use it?
How will we know if we are successful?

15. Let’s Try it!