Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6-12

First Edition
Peter Liljedahl - Simon Fraser University
Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6-12
September 2025 | 560 pages | Corwin
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eBook
ISBN: 9798348846404
Available from January 0001
Paperback
ISBN: 9781071877210
Available from October 2025

Description

Practical and proven math tasks to maximize student thinking and learning

Building upon the blockbuster success of Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Peter Liljedahl has joined forces with co-author Kyle Webb to bring the Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) framework to life in this new book, Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6-12.

But this book is so much more than simply a collection of good thinking tasks. It delves deeper into the implementation of the 14 practices from the BTC framework by updating the practices with the newest research, and focusing on the practice through the lens of rich math tasks that address specific mathematical learning outcomes or standards. Across the 20 non-curricular tasks and 30 curricular tasks used as models, this book:

  • Helps you choose tasks to fit your particular math standards, goals, and the competencies you want your students to build
  • Walks you through all the steps and scripts to launch, facilitate, and consolidate each task
  • Shares examples of possible student solutions along with hints you might offer to help their thinking along
  • Offers tasks for consolidation, example notes to my future forgetful self, and mild, medium, and spicy check-your-understanding questions (CYUs) for every thin sliced sequences of curricular tasks
  • Imparts reflections from the authors on each task

The book closes with specific guidance on how to find more tasks or craft your own non-curricular and curricular tasks, along with answers to educators’ frequently asked questions. It includes access to a companion website that includes downloadables and a task template for creating your own tasks.

Whether you are new to BTC or a seasoned user, Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6-12 will help teachers, coaches, and specialists transform traditional math classrooms into dynamic and thought-provoking learning spaces. Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5 is also available to create district-wide thinking classrooms!

Contents

Introduction

Introduction

Part 1: In Review and In the New

Part 1: In Review and In the New

Chapter 1: What Kinds of Tasks to Use

Chapter 1: What Kinds of Tasks to Use

Chapter 2: How, When, and Where to Give Tasks

Chapter 2: How, When, and Where to Give Tasks

Chapter 3: How to Build and Utilize Student Autonomy

Chapter 3: How to Build and Utilize Student Autonomy

Chapter 4: How to Use Hints and Extensions to Maintain Flow

Chapter 4: How to Use Hints and Extensions to Maintain Flow

Chapter 5: How to Consolidate the Task(s)

Chapter 5: How to Consolidate the Task(s)

Chapter 6: How to Have Students Make Meaningful Notes

Chapter 6: How to Have Students Make Meaningful Notes

Chapter 7: How to Have Students do Check-Your-Understanding Questions

Chapter 7: How to Have Students do Check-Your-Understanding Questions

Chapter 8: How to Use Tasks as the Context to Improve Student Competencies

Chapter 8: How to Use Tasks as the Context to Improve Student Competencies

Chapter 9: What Does a Lesson Look Like in a Thinking Classroom?

Chapter 9: What Does a Lesson Look Like in a Thinking Classroom?

Part 2: Non-Curricular Tasks

Part 2: Non-Curricular Tasks

Part 3: Curricular Tasks

Part 3: Curricular Tasks

Part 4: From Page to Practice

Part 4: From Page to Practice

Epilogue

Epilogue

References

References

Description

Practical and proven math tasks to maximize student thinking and learning

Building upon the blockbuster success of Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Peter Liljedahl has joined forces with co-author Kyle Webb to bring the Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) framework to life in this new book, Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6-12.

But this book is so much more than simply a collection of good thinking tasks. It delves deeper into the implementation of the 14 practices from the BTC framework by updating the practices with the newest research, and focusing on the practice through the lens of rich math tasks that address specific mathematical learning outcomes or standards. Across the 20 non-curricular tasks and 30 curricular tasks used as models, this book:

  • Helps you choose tasks to fit your particular math standards, goals, and the competencies you want your students to build
  • Walks you through all the steps and scripts to launch, facilitate, and consolidate each task
  • Shares examples of possible student solutions along with hints you might offer to help their thinking along
  • Offers tasks for consolidation, example notes to my future forgetful self, and mild, medium, and spicy check-your-understanding questions (CYUs) for every thin sliced sequences of curricular tasks
  • Imparts reflections from the authors on each task

The book closes with specific guidance on how to find more tasks or craft your own non-curricular and curricular tasks, along with answers to educators’ frequently asked questions. It includes access to a companion website that includes downloadables and a task template for creating your own tasks.

Whether you are new to BTC or a seasoned user, Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6-12 will help teachers, coaches, and specialists transform traditional math classrooms into dynamic and thought-provoking learning spaces. Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5 is also available to create district-wide thinking classrooms!

Contents

Introduction

Introduction

Part 1: In Review and In the New

Part 1: In Review and In the New

Chapter 1: What Kinds of Tasks to Use

Chapter 1: What Kinds of Tasks to Use

Chapter 2: How, When, and Where to Give Tasks

Chapter 2: How, When, and Where to Give Tasks

Chapter 3: How to Build and Utilize Student Autonomy

Chapter 3: How to Build and Utilize Student Autonomy

Chapter 4: How to Use Hints and Extensions to Maintain Flow

Chapter 4: How to Use Hints and Extensions to Maintain Flow

Chapter 5: How to Consolidate the Task(s)

Chapter 5: How to Consolidate the Task(s)

Chapter 6: How to Have Students Make Meaningful Notes

Chapter 6: How to Have Students Make Meaningful Notes

Chapter 7: How to Have Students do Check-Your-Understanding Questions

Chapter 7: How to Have Students do Check-Your-Understanding Questions

Chapter 8: How to Use Tasks as the Context to Improve Student Competencies

Chapter 8: How to Use Tasks as the Context to Improve Student Competencies

Chapter 9: What Does a Lesson Look Like in a Thinking Classroom?

Chapter 9: What Does a Lesson Look Like in a Thinking Classroom?

Part 2: Non-Curricular Tasks

Part 2: Non-Curricular Tasks

Part 3: Curricular Tasks

Part 3: Curricular Tasks

Part 4: From Page to Practice

Part 4: From Page to Practice

Epilogue

Epilogue

References

References

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Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6-12


September 2025 | 560 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Paperback 01/02/2026 9781071877210 $43.95
Lifetime 01/02/2026 9798348846404 $40.00

Practical and proven math tasks to maximize student thinking and learning

Building upon the blockbuster success of Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Peter Liljedahl has joined forces with co-author Kyle Webb to bring the Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) framework to life in this new book, Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6-12.

But this book is so much more than simply a collection of good thinking tasks. It delves deeper into the implementation of the 14 practices from the BTC framework by updating the practices with the newest research, and focusing on the practice through the lens of rich math tasks that address specific mathematical learning outcomes or standards. Across the 20 non-curricular tasks and 30 curricular tasks used as models, this book:

  • Helps you choose tasks to fit your particular math standards, goals, and the competencies you want your students to build
  • Walks you through all the steps and scripts to launch, facilitate, and consolidate each task
  • Shares examples of possible student solutions along with hints you might offer to help their thinking along
  • Offers tasks for consolidation, example notes to my future forgetful self, and mild, medium, and spicy check-your-understanding questions (CYUs) for every thin sliced sequences of curricular tasks
  • Imparts reflections from the authors on each task

The book closes with specific guidance on how to find more tasks or craft your own non-curricular and curricular tasks, along with answers to educators’ frequently asked questions. It includes access to a companion website that includes downloadables and a task template for creating your own tasks.

Whether you are new to BTC or a seasoned user, Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6-12 will help teachers, coaches, and specialists transform traditional math classrooms into dynamic and thought-provoking learning spaces. Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5 is also available to create district-wide thinking classrooms!


Table Of Contents:

  • Introduction
  • Part 1: In Review and In the New
  • Chapter 1: What Kinds of Tasks to Use
  • Chapter 2: How, When, and Where to Give Tasks
  • Chapter 3: How to Build and Utilize Student Autonomy
  • Chapter 4: How to Use Hints and Extensions to Maintain Flow
  • Chapter 5: How to Consolidate the Task(s)
  • Chapter 6: How to Have Students Make Meaningful Notes
  • Chapter 7: How to Have Students do Check-Your-Understanding Questions
  • Chapter 8: How to Use Tasks as the Context to Improve Student Competencies
  • Chapter 9: What Does a Lesson Look Like in a Thinking Classroom?
  • Part 2: Non-Curricular Tasks
  • Part 3: Curricular Tasks
  • Part 4: From Page to Practice
  • Epilogue
  • References

Recent Product Reviews:

A great resource to encourage the most important goal of all—students doing the mathematical thinking!
Jo Boaler, Stanford University
If you love Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics but want more examples of tasks you can use with your middle and high school students, this is the book you’ve been waiting for. It goes deeply into fifty tasks, how to launch them, the task sequence, how to consolidate them, what student notes might look like, check-your-understanding questions you can use, as well as notes from Peter Liljedahl and Kyle Webb. It’s a wonderful compliment to the main BTC book.
Robert Kaplinsky, Open Middle
Peter Liljedahl’s work continues to be a game-changer in mathematics education. With co-author Kyle Webb, this expansion of Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics to include manipulatives and technology isn’t just a welcome addition, it’s an equity move that empowers students to express their thinking and be recognized as capable, insightful problem-solvers.
Pamela Seda, Seda Educational Consulting, LLC
This book doesn’t just help you choose better tasks—it helps you create better math experiences. For students with math trauma, that’s the first step towards rebuilding confidence, curiosity, and trust in the classroom!
Vanessa “The Math Guru” Vakharia
Peter Liljedahl and Kyle Webb deliver what middle and high school math teachers are craving: tangible ways to make complex topics accessible, stimulate deep thinking and discussions, and supercharge learning for each student. These tried-and-true tasks, along with updated BTC practices for both die-hards and newcomers alike. They not only provide teachers with something awesome to try right away, but also valuable skills to design their own thinking tasks.
Jason To

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