Student Thinking, Engagement & Sensemaking

Number Talks
Short, routine discussions focused on mental math, strategy sharing, and reasoning. Can be used as warm-ups, lesson launches, or extended investigations.

3-Act Tasks
Real-world problem-solving experiences that promote curiosity and perseverance:

Numberless Word Problems (Brian Bushart)
Encourage students to make sense of problems before calculating, emphasizing reasoning over answer-getting (MP1).

Visual Patterns
Supports algebraic thinking, pattern recognition, and multiple representations.

What’s Going On in This Graph?
NY Times graphs, maps, and charts that invite students to notice, wonder, and discuss data.