Building Thinking Classrooms 2025 Annual Conference

Discover how one Title 1 elementary school is transforming their third-grade math instruction by combining Building Thinking Classroom practices with Mathematical Practice Standards preparation. Through strategic use of vertical non-permanent surfaces and structured coaching support, we are creating a systematic approach to developing mathematical thinking while preparing students for Smarter Balanced Assessment success.

Have you wondered how building thinking classrooms can be implemented in Calculus, specifically in post-secondary classrooms? This session will focus on ways to increase student engagement and deep thinking about mathematics through the teaching of calculus. Participants will experience part of a thinking task via guided discovery to build a conceptual understanding followed by a discussion of how students can build procedural fluency through practice. If you teach calculus in college or high school, this session is for you!

Explore how to close 3 Act Tasks in your thinking classroom! These rich tasks offer multiple opportunities to formatively assess learning outcomes before you begin thin-slicing your curriculum concepts. Discover why leveraging the divergent thinking that emerges is essential for transferring knowledge from the group to each individual’s understanding. Come join us as we engage in a 3 Act Task followed by hands-on practice Selecting, Sequencing, and Seeding. Work in teams to craft an intentional closing that ensures all students have equitable access to grade-level outcomes.

This session explores how integrating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) can transform classrooms into inclusive, collaborative communities. By redesigning rubrics to foster accountability in group learning and utilizing strategies like community circles to build trust and openness, educators can create spaces where self-awareness and empathy drive both academic achievement and personal growth. Together, we’ll explore practical approaches to building trust and connection while addressing challenges such as disengagement, behavioral issues, and resistance to collaboration. Participants will leave with effective strategies for designing rubrics that support accountability and SEL, creating thriving, inclusive learning environments.

How do we incorporate manipulatives into the Thinking Classroom? How can we build thinking tasks based on manipulatives? We know that manipulatives help build conceptual understanding for all students, but how do we build manipulative based thinking tasks that provide entry points and high ceilings? Come experience manipulative based thinking tasks and collaborate to create one!