Think Thank Thunk

After a longer-than-planned break, Kyle, Maegan, and Dean are back! In this candid episode, the trio addresses their podcast hiatus and shares their excitement to reconnect with the community. Dean and Maegan dive into powerful stories from their first day back in the classroom, while Kyle reflects on his role in professional development and his passion for getting back into classrooms to learn from other teachers. They discuss how they get students into a state of flow, the importance of small wins, and their goals for the year, including improving assessment and fostering numerical flexibility. Tune in to hear about their on-the-ground experiences and get a preview of what’s to come this season.Links:The Thinking Desk: https://thethinkingdesk.com/BTC K-5 Task Book: Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5 by Peter Liljedahl and Maegan GirouxBTC 6-12 Task Book (Coming Oct 2025): Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6-12 by Peter Liljedahl and Kyle Webb

Tammy McMorrow, a dedicated first-grade teacher in Idaho with 31 years of experience, delves into the transformative power of Building Thinking Classrooms. She shares her journey since discovering this innovative method in 2021, detailing the remarkable growth in her young students as engaged mathematicians. The discussion covers the challenges of adapting practices for primary grades, the importance of trust, and inspiring student engagement. Listeners will also learn about Tammy's own podcast, where she highlights stories from her classroom.

Dr. Peter Liljedahl, an expert in Building Thinking Classrooms and author of the book of the same name, dives into transformative teaching strategies in math education. He discusses the exciting advancements from a recent BTC conference and the psychological impacts of task management with 'banners.' Peter reveals how Thinking Classrooms can close performance gaps and counteract math trauma, emphasizing student self-efficacy. He also shares innovative resources for educators to enhance teaching practices and foster a supportive, empathetic classroom environment.

The hosts share their journeys after a short break, discussing innovative classroom practices. Maegan focuses on enhancing math experiences for younger students while Dean highlights assessment strategies in high school. Kyle emphasizes professional development tied to real classroom challenges. They reflect on their inspiring time at the Building Thinking Classrooms conference, sharing insights from engaging lessons and incorporating cultural narratives. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on listener feedback and the future of the podcast.

In this episode, Kyle and Dean have a conversation with three of Dean's students about their experiences in his Thinking Classroom. Recorded just before the end of the last school year, the students share how this approach to learning math has transformed their perspectives and engagement. They discuss the social and collaborative benefits of Thinking Classrooms, how it has helped them overcome challenges, and the inclusive environment it fosters. Listen in to hear firsthand accounts of how the Thinking Classroom practices make significant impacts on our students' educational journeys. Enter to win a free set of Wipebook Flipcharts for your Thinking Classroom: ⁠www.wipebook.com/TTT⁠

In this episode, Maegan and Kyle are delighted to welcome Alicia Burdess (@BurdessAlicia), a coach and numeracy lead from Grand Prairie Catholic School District. Alicia shares her inspiring journey from aspiring sports doctor to a passionate math educator and leader. She discusses her deep love of Building Thinking Classrooms and how it transformed her teaching approach. Alicia passionately talks about the power of 'big, beautiful problems' in mathematics education and how they can engage students of all ages. She also shares insights from her experience running math camps and the joy of connecting math concepts with children's literature. Alicia also gives us a glimpse into her self-published children's book, 'The Dragon Curve,' and its magical approach to teaching fractals. Tune in for an episode filled with enthusiasm, innovative teaching strategies, and a celebration of joyful learning in math. Alicia's Problems Worth Solving in a Thinking Classroom. Books mentioned by Alicia in the episode: Too Many Pigs and One Big Bad Wolf: A Counting Story : Cali, Davide, Balducci, Marianna A Bike Like Sergio's: Boelts, Maribeth, Jones, Noah Z Enter to win a free set of Wipebook Flipcharts for your Thinking Classroom: ⁠www.wipebook.com/TTT⁠

Enter to win a free set of Wipebook Flipcharts for your Thinking Classroom: ⁠www.wipebook.com/TTT⁠ Join Kyle and Dean as they engage in a lively conversation with Peter Liljedahl and Maegan Giroux about the newest addition to the world of Building Thinking Classrooms: Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5. This book is specially crafted for K-5 educators and goes beyond being just a collection of tasks. It encapsulates years of research and classroom experience from the Thinking Classrooms approach, providing a comprehensive guide that combines effective pedagogy with engaging tasks to ignite student thinking. From the official release of the book to in-depth discussions about curricular and non-curricular tasks, perseverance levels, and the intricacies of crafting tasks that spark curiosity and encourage deep thinking, this episode is packed with insights. You'll hear firsthand how the book came to life, the philosophy that underpins it, and how it's set to make a difference in classrooms around the world. Tune in to hear more about this newly available resource and even more ideas on how to build your Thinking Classroom.

Enter to win a free set of Wipebook Flipcharts for your Thinking Classroom: ⁠www.wipebook.com/TTT⁠ In this episode, Kyle and Dean chat with Jerrold Wiebe (@Jerroldwiebe), a Numeracy & Mathematics Consultant and a part of the Building Thinking Classrooms Canadian team. A "legacy" teacher with over 35 years of experience in education, ranging from classroom teaching to district math lead, Jerrold shares his journey from being introduced to Building Thinking Classrooms and how it has revolutionized his approach to teaching and learning. We discuss the profound impact of Thinking Classrooms, highlighting stories of student transformation, the importance of fostering a culture of lifelong learning among educators, and the strategic shifts that educators can make to enhance student engagement and understanding. Jerrold's reflections on professional development, alongside his vibrant anecdotes, offer invaluable insights into fostering educational environments that challenge and inspire both students and teachers alike.

Enter to win a free set of Wipebook Flipcharts for your Thinking Classroom: ⁠www.wipebook.com/TTT⁠ In this episode, Kyle has a conversation with Judy Larson (@JudytaLarsen), Associate Professor at University of Fraser Valley and longtime Building Thinking Classrooms teacher. Deeply entrenched in math education and an unwavering advocate for innovative teaching, Judy shares her captivating journey alongside Peter Liljedahl. From the initial shock of abandoning traditional teaching to adopting Thinking Classroom practices, Judy recollects her transformative experiences both as a learner and an educator. We explore the roots of Building Thinking Classrooms, including practices like visibly random groups, vertical non-permanent surfaces, and the pivotal role of meaningful notes in shaping students' and teachers' approaches to learning. We also touch on the impact of social media in fostering a vibrant community of educators dedicated to revolutionizing math education. Tune in as we venture into discussions about decolonization, the dynamics of group work, and the perpetual evolution of Thinking Classrooms.

Trauma-Informed Practices and the Power of Thinking Classrooms Enter to win a free set of Wipebook Flipcharts for your Thinking Classroom: www.wipebook.com/TTT In this episode, we take you back to a pivotal conversation from 2022 between Kyle, Dean, and the Sophie Bresciani (@soph_bresciani), a champion of trauma-informed teaching and Thinking Classrooms. Sophie offers deep insights into creating classroom environments that are not only safe and supportive but also nurturing, paving the way for holistic student development. Exploring the unique blend of trauma-informed practices and Thinking Classrooms, we unpack how these strategies not only elevate learning outcomes but also attentively support the emotional and psychological well-being of students. This episode is a treasure trove of strategies for educators aiming to foster a safe and inclusive classroom culture that nurtures confidence and facilitates impressive academic growth among students. Whether you're an educator keen on integrating trauma-informed practices into your pedagogy or seeking dynamic ways to evolve your Thinking Classroom, this episode has something for you. Tune in to hear about the intersection of these two approaches and their profound impact on both students and teachers alike.