About the Book
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!
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Part 1: In Review and In the New
Chapter 1: What Kinds of Tasks to Use
Chapter 2: How, When, and Where to Give Tasks
Chapter 3: How to Build and Utilize Student Autonomy
Chapter 4: How to Use Hints and Extensions to Maintain Flow
Chapter 5: How to Consolidate the Task(s)
Chapter 6: How to Have Students Make Meaningful Notes
Chapter 7: How to Have Students do Check-Your-Understanding Questions
Chapter 8: How to Use Tasks as the Context to Improve Student Competencies
Chapter 9: What Does a Lesson Look Like in a Thinking Classroom?
Part 2: Non-Curricular Tasks
Part 3: Curricular Tasks
Part 4: From Page to Practice
Epilogue
References
About the Author :
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.
Review :
A great resource to encourage the most important goal of all—students doing the mathematical thinking!
If you love Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics but want more examples of tasks you can use with your middle and high school students, this is the book you’ve been waiting for. It goes deeply into fifty tasks, how to launch them, the task sequence, how to consolidate them, what student notes might look like, check-your-understanding questions you can use, as well as notes from Peter Liljedahl and Kyle Webb. It’s a wonderful compliment to the main BTC book.
Peter Liljedahl’s work continues to be a game-changer in mathematics education. With co-author Kyle Webb, this expansion of Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics to include manipulatives and technology isn’t just a welcome addition, it’s an equity move that empowers students to express their thinking and be recognized as capable, insightful problem-solvers.
This book doesn’t just help you choose better tasks—it helps you create better math experiences. For students with math trauma, that’s the first step towards rebuilding confidence, curiosity, and trust in the classroom!
Peter Liljedahl and Kyle Webb deliver what middle and high school math teachers are craving: tangible ways to make complex topics accessible, stimulate deep thinking and discussions, and supercharge learning for each student. These tried-and-true tasks, along with updated BTC practices for both die-hards and newcomers alike. They not only provide teachers with something awesome to try right away, but also valuable skills to design their own thinking tasks.
Always practical and rooted in real classrooms, this follow-up builds on the original book Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics with research updates and thinking tasks already tried with students. Each task is fully supported—from launch to consolidation to check-your-understanding questions. More than a resource, this is a transformative guide that centers access and equips you for the flow, challenge, and joy of getting students thinking.
This is a game changer for grades 6 to 12 teachers and students! Blending the latest research with fifty ready-to-use lessons, it supports engagement, thinking, and deep learning of curricular outcomes, and it shows you how to design your own. A must-read for anyone building thinking classrooms—practical tools, deep thinking, and joyful learning all in one book.
I cannot stress enough how incredibly useful this book is in supporting my work with students and teachers. The wide array of rich tasks gives me lots of options and allows me to focus my attention on planning and preparing the learning experiences rather than creating or searching for highly engaging thinking tasks. This is a must-have resource for all middle and high-school math teachers and providers of professional development.
Peter Liljedahl has once again given us a book that is as practical as it is transformative. With his trademark clarity and vision, he shows secondary math teachers how to create classrooms where all students can engage deeply and meaningfully in mathematics. A must-read for anyone committed to reimagining math teaching in ways that promote student thinking and engagement.
This masterpiece serves as an invaluable resource for grades 6–12 mathematics educators everywhere. Its updated research and rich tasks will empower both beginning and seasoned teachers with making a thinking classroom an immediate reality.
Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom: Grades 6–12 by Liljedahl and Webb is an indispensable resource. It offers fresh insights and practical ideas, seamlessly building on Building Thinking Classrooms. With 50 detailed tasks, the book highlights the importance of details in fostering deep, collaborative mathematical thinking. A must-have for educators committed to truly engaging students.
Liljedahl and Webb have crafted a resource packed both with detailed tasks and clear explanations of Building Thinking Classroom practices that tackle teachers’ common questions and point to subtle and significant nuances to enrich all students’ learning experiences. This book is an essential tool to return to again and again.
Peter Liljedahl and Kyle Webb do an amazing job providing updates to the original practices and concrete examples teachers have been asking for. The full lessons are an invaluable resource for teachers as we try tasks and tweak or build our own. This book is a fantastic resource for any educator on their BTC journey!
