017. Powerful Math Routines to Start Your Year

Some routines can shape the way students think, talk, and engage with math. In today’s conversation, we’ll explore powerful routines that lay the foundation for deep understanding, flexible thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. 

These routines can be introduced at the start of the year or added in later, but no matter when you begin, they offer meaningful ways to build essential math habits and strengthen classroom culture.

Hello, Meaning-Makers! 

Have you ever read something, had a conversation with a fellow teacher, or stumbled upon a post on social media that made you think, “I have to try this in my classroom next year”? Today’s episode, focusing on powerful math routines to start your school year, aims to inspire just that! We’ll explore a variety of research-backed routines designed to captivate your students, deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts, and streamline your classroom management.  Whether you’re a veteran teacher or new to math instruction, these routines will help you set the tone for a successful, enriching year in math!

Why Math Routines Matter at the Start of the Year

Let’s start by unpacking why math routines matter at the start of the year. Routines establish a foundation of consistency and structure which are key ingredients for fostering an environment where students feel safe to express their ideas, collaborate, and take initiative. This groundwork helps students engage fully in their mathematics learning from day one. 

Second, well-chosen routines help cultivate a deep understanding of math concepts early on. It’s not about students simply going through the motions; it’s about them grasping the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of their learning, and routines can play a huge role in that development. 

Additionally, when routines are in place, you spend less time on repetitive instructions and more on enriching student interactions. An early emphasis on diverse routines also keeps students intrigued, eager to learn, and open to thinking and communicating about math in different ways. 

Let’s explore these powerful tools one by one, understanding how each can be implemented and the distinct advantages they bring to your educational environment.

Build Mental Math and Flexible Thinking With Number Talks

We’ll begin with Number Talks. This routine centers around making students comfortable with numbers and confident in their ability to manipulate them mentally. 

How to use Number Talks

Here’s how it unfolds: Start a Number Talk session by presenting a math problem, such as ’12 + 5′. Encourage students to solve it mentally with no pencils, no paper, just their minds at work. After they’ve tackled the problem, invite them to share their strategies. 

You’ll hear a variety of methods; every approach is valid and valued. This sharing phase fosters flexibility in thinking and promotes an understanding that multiple methods can solve a problem. 

And it’s important to mention that we’re not merely seeking the ‘right’ answer; hearing diverse solutions helps students navigate and remember mathematical concepts more effectively, particularly as they work through and understand misconceptions. 

Number Talks bolster mental calculation skills, increase fluency and flexibility, while also enhancing students’ ability to articulate their thought processes. All of this contributes to a classroom culture rich in open dialogue and critical thinking about mathematics.

Cultivate Communication and Collaboration With Think-Pair-Share

Next on our list is Think-Pair-Share. Think-Pair-Share introduces students to the power of collaborative thinking and communication. 

How to Use Think-Pair-Share in Math Class

Here’s how it works: Pose a math problem and give students a moment to think through their solutions independently. Then, have them pair up with a classmate to discuss their thoughts and strategies. Finally, invite pairs to share their insights with the entire class (or invite them to ‘square’ with another pair). 

This structure supports individual reflection while also fostering a collaborative learning environment. It also provides students with a smaller audience to ‘try out’ their thinking before they share out with the whole class. 

To ease communication challenges, you can provide sentence stems, helping students articulate their thoughts without stress. This not only aids in their communication but also serves as a model for constructive peer interactions. 

The benefits will go a long way to enhance communication skills, promote peer learning, and build a classroom culture where collaboration and active participation are valued. By encouraging thoughtful dialogue and cooperative problem-solving, this routine fosters the belief that learning is a shared journey!

Spark Curiosity and Student Inquiry With Notice and Wonder

Now let’s delve into the ‘Notice and Wonder’ routine, a tool to spark curiosity and nurture critical thinking. This routine is particularly powerful because it encourages students to observe actively and question intuitively. 

Encouraging Inquiry Through Simple Prompts

Begin by presenting an image, a new concept, or problem and asking two simple questions: ‘What do you notice?’ and ‘What do you wonder?’ This encourages students to make observations and pose questions, driving their own learning and fostering a classroom environment of inquiry. 

The benefits of integrating Notice and Wonder into your teaching are substantial. It’s a way to really dial up students’ observational skills and their capacity for inquiry, which are foundational not just for math but for all academic disciplines. 

This routine also promotes a growth mindset; students learn to ask questions without fear of being wrong, which is crucial for developing resilience and adaptability in learning. Moreover, it prepares students to think critically about what they learn, encouraging them to make connections and seek deeper understanding.

Strengthen Reasoning and Justification With Which One Doesn’t Belong (WODB)

Lastly, we’re going to look at ‘Which One Doesn’t Belong?’ or WODB, a strategy that strengthens critical thinking and reasoning skills. This routine is especially effective in encouraging diverse thinking and deep understanding. 

Here’s how you can implement WODB in your classroom: Present your students with a set of four related images, numbers, or shapes, each uniquely different in some way. The challenge for the students is to pick which one they think doesn’t belong and—this is the crucial part—explain why. 

The beauty of WODB is that there is no single correct answer. Each choice can be justified with logical reasoning, which pushes students to think outside the box and develop strong argumentation skills. 

What this routine does really well is encourage students to think deeply and articulate their reasoning clearly. By regularly using WODB in your classroom, you encourage an environment where debate and discussion are welcome, and where every student’s perspective is valued. This not only enriches their learning experience but also fosters a culture of respectful discourse and critical analysis. 

Set the Stage for Success by Introducing Routines Gradually

I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that introducing new routines into the classroom, especially more than one, requires careful consideration. 

We all know that the beginning of the school year can be overwhelming, not just with math routines but with all the new experiences students encounter. So in order to ensure success, research and best practices suggest a gradual, phased introduction of new routines.

Best Practices for Rolling Out Math Routines

Start by selecting just a couple of routines to introduce at the beginning. It’s important to allow students to become comfortable and proficient with these initial routines before adding more into the mix. It won’t be productive to layer on something new before your students are ready – your students will be frustrated, and you will be, too! 

Careful pacing helps prevent overwhelm and fosters a deeper understanding and mastery of each routine. Begin with simpler versions of a routine and as your students’ understanding and skills develop, gradually introduce more complex aspects.

Modeling each routine is also key. Show your students how each routine works by demonstrating it yourself. For instance, if you’re starting with Think-Pair-Share, model it using a topic everyone can relate to, like discussing their favorite game or book. This low-stakes approach makes the routine feel more accessible and less daunting.

And speaking of low-stakes you can introduce almost all of these routines using questions, prompts, or scenarios that aren’t related to math content at all! In doing so, students can get comfortable with the format of the routine, and with collaborating and communicating, all without the pressure of content accuracy. 

By gradually phasing in these routines and using strategic modeling and low-stakes scenarios, you create a supportive learning environment. Your students will not only adapt more easily but will also be able to engage more deeply, enhancing their overall learning experience. 

It’s Never Too Late to Start Math Routines

As we wrap up today’s exploration of powerful math routines, remember, it’s never too late to integrate these strategies into your classroom. Whether you’re starting fresh at the beginning of the school year or looking to invigorate your teaching midyear, these routines are designed to be adaptable and impactful. 

If you are listening to this midyear and you find yourself inspired to implement these routines, don’t hesitate! It’s about building on what you already do well and extending new ways for your students to engage with math. Introduce each routine with clear explanations and support, allowing students to gradually familiarize themselves with the expectations. Remember, the goal is to enrich the learning environment and deepen students’ mathematical understanding, no matter when you start.

If you’re looking for examples of Number Talks or Which One Does Belong Routines, you can find an entire years worth of these prompts inside of our Meaningful Math program! If you’re not a member, just head over to MeaningfulMathCo.com to join! We’d love to have you and give you access to all of the incredible resources, workshops, and videos inside!

Thank you for joining us today, Meaning-Makers. We hope you leave this episode equipped with new ideas to make your math teaching more dynamic and student-centered. 

Implement these routines at your pace, observe the positive changes in your classroom, and continue to inspire curiosity and resilience in your students. Here’s to a year of growth and discovery in math, filled with moments of wonder and understanding.