Number Talks: Whole Number Computation

Number Talks

1. A five- to fifteen-minute classroom conversation around purposefully crafted problems that are solved mentally.
2. The best part of a teacher’s day.

Number Talks: Whole Number Computation is a dynamic multimedia resource created in response to the requests of teachers--those who want to implement number talks but are unsure of how to begin and those with experience who want more guidance in crafting purposeful problems.

It supports teachers in understanding:

• what a classroom number talk is
• how to follow students’ thinking and pose the right questions to build understanding
• how to prepare for and design purposeful number talks
• how to develop grade-level-specific strategies for the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

A Framework for Collaborative Learning

While Number Talks: Whole Number Computation may be used as an independent resource, it is also structured to provide a framework for collaborative learning groups or to provide professional development opportunities through grade-level teams, individual schools, or districts. Chapter 9 was designed to serve as a facilitator’s resource.

Streaming Video and Reproducibles Included

Number Talks also includes streaming video clips that provide a visual platform for teachers to reflect on their current practices and target essential understandings from their readings. The video clips feature number talks filmed in actual elementary classrooms, plus seven bonus videos highlighting interviews with the author and teachers. Clips range from five to ten minutes in length with a total viewing time of approximately two hours. The resource includes reference tables to help you quickly and easily locate the video clips by chapter and grade level.

More than 250 pages of user-friendly reproducible dot images and ten-frames (from Chapter 4) are also included for free with this resource.

Sherry Parrish is best described as a teacher of teachers. With over 35 years in the field of education, Sherry’s experiences as a classroom educator, university professor, and national and international speaker focus on teaching and learning mathematics through inquiry. A recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching, Dr. Parrish is an advocate of students constructing their own mathematical relationships. Sherry is the author of the AEP Distinguished Achievement award winning book, Number Talks: Whole Number Computation and the AEP Golden Lamp winner, Number Talks: Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages.