Math Talks - What's Missing?

Materials
Overview • Math Talk Visuals
Students will explain their thinking
in determining the missing numbers
from a series of addition and
subtraction equations.

Big Ideas
Operations

Directions
1. Choose a visual to display via projector or printed copy.
2. Give ample time for students to consider one or more ways to arrive at an answer.
3. Call on students or groups to explain how they arrived at their answer.
4. When recording student answers focus on the process, not the result.
5. Allow students to self-correct or provide further solutions based on other students
explanations.

Key Questions
• How did you get your answer?
• What number did you work out first?
• Did anyone get an answer a different way?
• What do you notice about the different approaches to the problem?

Supporting Learners Extensions and Variations

• Provide manipulatives as needed.
• If students are struggling to give an
answer ask them to explain how they
started thinking about the problem.
• Give students one missing value and
ask them to find the other.
• Ask students if it is possible to have
the missing values be the same
number.
• Can you see a pattern in the different
answers to the question?
• Use a series of three visuals in a single
math talk.
 Getting Started with Math Talks
What is a Math Talk
Math Talks are short daily activities that encourage students to use mental mathematics to solve basic
problems and explain their thinking.

Why use Math Talks

● To get students focusing on the process, and not just the solution
● Enhance flexibility in number fluency and problem solving
● Are accessible to all ranges of students in a class
● Teachers can gain a better sense of a student’s level of understanding
● They are fun!

Quick Start Guide

● Establish a set of guidelines (thinking time, hand signals, respectful questioning etc.) about how
the class will participate in the activity. This is important to make all students feel comfortable
participating and to have them focusing on the process instead of the solution or speed of solving.
● Show students the visual prompt, game screen or ‘question of the day’ and wait until most students
have at least one solution to share.
● Ask students to share their answers by explaining their process, use questioning examples below
to help them focus on how they arrived at the answer.
● Record all the student solutions on a whiteboard/paper with as much detail as possible.
● Allow students to question other students’ answers as well as modify their own within the
guidelines of the classroom rules.
● The math talk ends when the class has no more methods to share. The teacher need not give a
correct answer as the process is the focus, however noting and later addressing any conceptual
problems in encouraged.

Key Questions Tips

● How did you get your answer?
● Did anyone get the same answer a different way?
● Does anyone have a different answer?
● How did you get started?
● What do you notice?
● Is there any other information you would like?
● Make math talks a part of every math period
or morning meeting.
● Record student answers focusing on the
‘how’ not the result.
● Optionally have students discuss answers in
small groups and have a reporter share back
to the group.
What Number is Missing?

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