Intentional Talk and Listening

“This book is essential to design math learning spaces where all children are seen, heard, and thrive. Detailed classroom vignettes showcase six structures for rich mathematical discussions that center diverse mathematical ideas, active listening, and collective contributions. Children’s mathematical brilliance is affirmed, shared and grown - Isn’t that what we all want? Thank you for bringing us this gift.”

―Julia M. Aguirre, Professor, Faculty Director of Teacher Certification Programs, University of Washington

“What a gift! Intentional Talk and Listening offers both a vision and practical guidance on how to plan for and facilitate rich mathematics discussions that treat children with the academic and social care and respect they deserve.”

―Kara Jackson, Professor of Mathematics Education, University of Washington - Seattle

“This book is a must read for any educator wanting to further their understanding of the power of classroom mathematical conversations. The descriptions of the different targeted discussion structures, all grounded in vivid classroom examples, emphasize the importance of valuing students’ ideas, and provide specific resources to implement them.”

―Marta Civil, Professor and Roy F. Graesser Chair, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

“Building and maintaining equitable and humanizing mathematics classrooms where every voice matters and where everyone is heard requires ongoing intentional work. In this important and well-written book, Elham Kazemi and Allison Hintz provide compelling examples and practical strategies to help teachers and students become powerful speakers and listeners.”

―Danny Bernard Martin, University of Illinois Chicago

“This is an important resource for all educators who aim to develop elementary students into mathematical reasoners.”

―Deborah Schifter, Consultant, Teacher Educator, Co-author, Interweaving Equitable Participation and Deep Mathematics: Building Community in the Elementary Classroom

“Through excerpts from classrooms, we get windows into how conversations about mathematics can be culturally responsive to students' lives, and we learn more about how to support students to listen intently to one another. The ideas in this book are actionable and powerful, which make the book a "must read" for all mathematics teachers.”

―Amanda Jansen, Professor, University of Delaware Author of Rough Draft Math: Revising to Learn

“With new vignettes and fresh insights that honor students’ voices and the rich knowledge they carry from their lives and communities, this book offers practical guidance for leading purposeful, inclusive math discussions that foster understanding, connection, and delight in mathematical thinking.”

―Cathery Yeh, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, Core Faculty in the Center for Asian American Studies, The University of Texas at Austin

“Kazemi and Hintz’s book supports teachers to honor children as sense-makers and to elicit and build on students’ mathematical ideas.”

―Susan Jo Russell, Consultant, Teacher Educator, Co-author, Interweaving Equitable Participation and Deep Mathematics: Building Community in the Elementary Classroom

“Intentional Talk and Listening presents images of what dynamic math discussions look and sound like, and it offers structures and pathways that support the facilitation of such discussions. In this edition, Kazemi and Hiltz affirm, expand, and deepen our understanding of what it means to place children's mathematical thinking at the center of the work so that students and teachers can learn with and from one another.”

―Karen Economopoulos, Investigations Center for Curriculum and Professional Development, TERC

“Intentional Talk and Listening is a timely resource that helps educators transform math classrooms through meaningful conversation. Elham and Allison effectively demonstrate how talk and listening can both deepen mathematical thinking and support inclusive participation. With strategies, tools and examples, this guide supports teachers in elevating student voices and building a dynamic learning community.”

―Dr. Jeffrey Shih, Professor, Mathematics Education, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Former Board member, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics