Mathematical Times
Monthly Newsletter
Monthly Focus: The Big 8
The Backbone of Understanding
SMP 1 and 6 are the overarching habits of a productive Math thinker.
SMP 2 and 3 focus on reasoning and explaining.
SMP 4 and 5 focus on modeling and using tools.
SMP 7 and 8 focus on seeing structure and generalizing.
Below you will find each standard and some questions to guide Math conversation.
SMP 1: Make sense of problem solving and persevere in solving them
How could you start this problem?
Does your plan make sense? Why or why not?
How can you check this?
SMP 2: Reason abstractly and quantitatively
How can you represent the problem with symbols and numbers?
Create a representation of this problem.
SMP 3: Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others
How can you prove that your answer is correct?
What math language will help you prove your answer?
What is wrong with _____'s answer?
What questions do you have for _____?
SMP 4: Model with mathematics
What do you already know about solving this problem?
What connections do you see?
Why do the results make sense?
Is this working or do you need to change your model?
SMP 5: Use appropriate tools strategically
Which tool/manipulative would be best for this problem?
What other resources could help you solve this problem?
SMP 6: Attend to precision
Explain what you did to solve the problem?
What labels could you use?
Did you use the most efficient way to solve the problem?
SMP 7: Look for and make use of strucutre
What do you know about _____ that you can apply to this problem?
What patterns do you see?
SMP 8: Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning
Can you find a shortcut to solve the problem? How would your shortcut make the problem easier?
How could this problem help you solve another problem?