Math Talk!

Mathematical Practice Standard #2 says: Reason Abstractly and Quantitatively. Basically this means that we can use math in a Contextualized or Decontextualized ways.

•  Contextualized= I can take numbers and put them into real world context

• Decontextualized= I can take numbers out of context and work mathematically with them

We want students to:

1. Create an understanding of the representation of the problem solved
2. Consider the units involved
3. Attend to the meaning of quantities
4. Use properties to help solve problems

I find that by helping students create a story problem from a detailed picture they are able to take numbers and put them into words/real world context. A great resource to help young learners understand and apply this strategy is the book called: 

Math Talk by Char Forsten & Torri Richards ($21.95 at Crystal Springs Books)

http://www.crystalspringsbooks.com/math-talk-prek-1.html?filter=SL550219

Using fanciful illustrations of nursery rhymes and thematic scenes, you will be able to:

• engage young children in fun but focused discussions; 
• inspire them to create and share their own math stories; 
• establish home-school connections so children can "talk math" with parents and siblings; 
• differentiate instruction and scaffold content for diverse learners.

 The book includes 16 full-color illustrations; these plus 4 bonus pieces are also available as Web downloads. Sure to capture young imaginations!