This session will inform and empower early elementary teachers in using the structures and routines developed in Peter Liljedahl's book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics. Teachers might think that the problem solving, routines, and structures described in Building Thinking Classrooms work best in upper grades; however, participants will see how K-2 students can benefit tremendously from tackling rigorous problems on whiteboards in collaborative groups. Participants will see how students grow in their ability to problem solve, persevere, and apply math concepts and skills. Students also learn to share, to work well together, and to have productive mathematical discussions. Participants will experience the problem-solving process using the routines and structures described in the book, gain access to Building Thinking Classroom lessons created by teachers and math coaches, and learn how to begin using these lessons in their own classrooms.
