Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl

Although written for mathematics classrooms, this book offers instructional practices that extend far beyond math. Peter Liljedahl challenges many of the traditional structures found in classrooms and provides research-based strategies that encourage students to think, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning.

Teachers and instructional coaches will appreciate that the book doesn't just explain why students should do more of the thinking—it provides practical routines that can be implemented immediately. Many of the ideas, including collaborative problem solving, purposeful tasks, and student discourse, can be adapted across grade levels and content areas.

While every chapter offers valuable insights, coaches may find the sections on thinking tasks, productive struggle, and creating a classroom culture that values student reasoning especially beneficial for supporting teachers as they refine instructional practices.

Topics included in the book:

• Creating a thinking classroom

• Thinking tasks that promote reasoning

• Student discourse and collaboration

• Productive struggle

• Classroom culture that supports risk-taking

• Formative assessment through observation and discussion

• Student engagement and ownership

Why would a teacher want to read this?

This resource is filled with practical strategies that help move classrooms from teacher-centered instruction to student-centered learning. Teachers will walk away with concrete ideas they can implement immediately to increase engagement, encourage meaningful conversations, and develop students' confidence as problem solvers. Instructional coaches will also find this book to be an excellent resource for facilitating professional learning and supporting teachers as they refine instructional practices.