Teacher Language Matters

As I listened to examples of number talks in the math classroom, this stands out, teacher language matters.

“I think I heard you say.”

“How did you know you should have…..”

“Where do you think your mistake came from?”

“So you are saying…”

“How did you figure that out?”

“Do we see it another way?”

“How do we see this one?”

The teacher’s language conveys that effort, thinking processes  and grappling with the ideas are what matters. Students have the freedom to explore the ideas.  Relational equity develops as each student’s contribution is valued and analysed in an effort to come to a common conclusion.

And there is more … students see that math is a beautiful, creative and connected subject.