Building Thinking Classrooms 2025 Annual Conference

Thinking classrooms are learning classrooms, but how do we maximize student thinking during consolidation - the pivotal phase where individual ideas transform into collective understanding and concepts are generalized and connected? Student engagement in consolidation is critical for deep, sticky learning that persists beyond the lesson. In this dynamic session, we’ll explore structures and routines that boost engagement and help students notice patterns, listen actively, build on each others’ ideas, and take the lead in synthesizing their learning as a class. You’ll walk away with practical strategies and ready-to-use tools to transform your consolidation into a powerful catalyst for student-led learning and lasting comprehension.

Wondering how to integrate Peter Liljedahl’s BTC practices into your daily middle or secondary math lessons? This session explores how thin-slicing can structure curricular sequences and develop effective Consolidations, Notes, and Check Your Understanding questions. Participants will actively plan a sequence and learn how to extend it into unit planning, ensuring adaptability and responsive teaching. Designed for those familiar with thin-slicing and responsibility practices, this session is hands-on and application-focused.

This session will explore how to integrate McGraw Hill's Reveal Math curriculum with Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) strategies for K-5 learners. Participants will experience a modeled lesson and leave with a lesson plan template to help implement these approaches in their own classrooms, enhancing engagement and problem-solving for young students.