Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6-12

Practical and proven math tasks to maximize student thinking and learning

Building upon the blockbuster success of Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Peter Liljedahl has joined forces with co-author Kyle Webb to bring the Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) framework to life in this new book, Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6-12.

But this book is so much more than simply a collection of good thinking tasks. It delves deeper into the implementation of the 14 practices from the BTC framework by updating the practices with the newest research, and focusing on the practice through the lens of rich math tasks that address specific mathematical learning outcomes or standards. Across the 20 non-curricular tasks and 30 curricular tasks used as models, this book:

• Helps you choose tasks to fit your particular math standards, goals, and the competencies you want your students to build
• Walks you through all the steps and scripts to launch, facilitate, and consolidate each task
• Shares examples of possible student solutions along with hints you might offer to help their thinking along
• Offers tasks for consolidation, example notes to my future forgetful self, and mild, medium, and spicy check-your-understanding questions (CYUs) for every thin sliced sequences of curricular tasks
• Imparts reflections from the authors on each task

The book closes with specific guidance on how to find more tasks or craft your own non-curricular and curricular tasks, along with answers to educators frequently asked questions. It includes access to a companion website that includes downloadables and a task template for creating your own tasks.

Whether you are new to BTC or a seasoned user, Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6-12 will help teachers, coaches, and specialists transform traditional math classrooms into dynamic and thought-provoking learning spaces. Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5 is also available to create district-wide thinking classrooms!

Dr. Peter Liljedahl (he/him) is a Professor of Mathematics Education in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University, author of the best-selling book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K-12): 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning, and co-author of the best-selling book, Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom (Grades K-5). Peter is a former high school mathematics teacher who has kept his research interests and activities close to the classroom. With a passion for fostering deep mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills, Peter has dedicated his career to reshaping classroom environments. His work emphasizes thinking, collaborative learning, and problem solving, leading to more effective and meaningful mathematics education experiences for students of all ages. Through his research-based innovative teaching methods, Peter continues to inspire educators worldwide to create dynamic and thought-provoking learning spaces. He consults regularly with teachers, schools, school districts, and ministries and departments of education on issues of teaching and learning, problem solving, assessment, numeracy, and building thinking classrooms. Peter has authored or co-authored 13 books, 45 book chapters, and 45 research articles on a wide range of topics including creativity in mathematics, the role of beliefs in the teaching and learning mathematics, and building thinking classrooms. He is the recipient of the Cmolik Prize for the Enhancement of Public Education (2017), The Margaret Sinclair Memorial Award Recognizing Innovation and Excellence in Mathematics Education (2018), and the Læringsprisen for Changing the way we think about Education in Denmark (2022). 

For information about consulting on Building Thinking Classrooms, go to https://www.buildingthinkingclassrooms.com/consulting

Kyle Webb (he/him) is a teacher, learning consultant, and professional development leader based in White City, Saskatchewan, Canada. Never satisfied with the status quo, Kyle’s passion is improving learning experiences for all students. With experience teaching grades 6 through 12, and in his roles as a teacher coach and school division numeracy consultant, Kyle works to transform classrooms. He has spearheaded the successful implementation of Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) and modern assessment practices, and he has directly supported hundreds of teachers in implementing BTC through modeling, co-teaching, and collaborative planning. Working alongside teachers, he empowers them to refine their pedagogical approaches and foster environments where all students can thrive. Beyond direct classroom support, Kyle regularly leads Building Thinking Classrooms workshops, professional development sessions, and hosts and produces the Think Thank Thunk podcast, allowing him to share insights on teaching and extend the global reach of BTC practices. Kyle′s commitment to improving teaching and learning within classrooms continues to shape the future of learning in Saskatchewan, across Canada, and beyond.