Minds on Mathematics: Using Math Workshop to Develop Deep Understanding in Grades 4-8

by Wendy Ward Hoffer

Overview

“Here, at last, is a book for teachers who have understood and implemented readers’ and writers’ workshops, but have struggled to create a manageable math workshop.” —Ellin Oliver Keene

Why is it that so many of our students don’t get math? Wendy Ward Hoffer argues that all learners are capable of deep understanding—but first we must create classrooms where teachers serve as coaches, students engage as a community of learners, and everybody works toward “getting it” together. Minds on Mathematics shows you how.

Wendy explains the core elements of math workshop and then provides detailed strategies for implementing the workshop model.  Effective routines and abundant examples are provided for each component of the workshop, including

• planning openers that “hook” learners with engaging tasks
• using minilessons to model thinking and problem solving
• managing work time for both group and independent learning
• creating classroom routines that support conferring
• ensuring deep understanding with sharing and reflecting opportunities.

Minds on Mathematics shows how to make the workshop model come to life in your math classroom! It proves that when we provide math learning experiences that support students to become critical thinkers and problem solvers, to stretch and think in new ways, and then invite them to communicate their ideas to others, we inspire them to “get” math like never before.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780325044347
Publisher:	Heinemann
Publication date:	09/12/2012
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Wendy Ward Hoffer is the author of the new Phenomenal Teaching, as well as Cultivating STEM Identities, Minds on Mathematics and Science as Thinking, all published by Heinemann. She is also the author of Developing Literate Mathematicians. Wendy serves as Senior Director of Content Development and Publications for the Denver-based Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC) and travels nationally to provide professional learning to teachers at all levels. Wendy is passionate about promoting rich thinking in all content areas, especially math and science. Wendy received an MA in Science Education from Stanford University and earned National Board Certification while teaching middle school math and science.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction xiii

1 Minds-on Math Workshop 1

2 Tools 18

3 Tasks 32

4 Community 47

5 Discourse 67

6 Opening 86

7 Minilessons 102

8 Work Time 116

9 Conferring 138

10 Sharing and Reflection 153

Conclusion 169

Appendix A Thinking Strategies for Mathematicians 171

Appendix B Resources 173

Bibliography 181