Celebrating the Brilliance of Every Student in Math

In most math classes, there’s so much untapped brilliance waiting to be noticed. Often, it’s the same few students who regularly participate and get labeled “good at math.” Meanwhile, students who aren’t as vocal can get overlooked. But here’s the truth—every student is brilliant!

When we listen closely to what students can do, we’re often amazed by their insights. These moments show us that every child is capable of deep mathematical thinking and they are all brilliant math students.

Focus on Thinking, Not Just Answers

When I used to teach math, I focused on whether my students got the correct answer or not. However, now I have learned that math isn’t only about getting the right answer. It’s about the thinking that leads students there. Now I focus on mathematical thinking rather than just answers. By doing this, I create a space where every student’s ideas are valued.

I don’t just emphasize right or wrong answers (a calculator could do that), but instead I focus on the the thinking they do. When I celebrate thinking, I give all kids the opportunity to feel like brilliant math students. Here’s how you can start to make that shift in your classroom:

Highlighting and Celebrating Student Thinking

Math Talks: Giving Every Student a Voice

Math Talks are a great way to get all students involved. Prompts like “How Many?” or “Which One Doesn’t Belong?” invite different strategies and ideas. They encourage everyone to join in and share their thinking.

If you’re struggling to see the brilliance in a quiet or less confident student, try using more visual prompts in your math block. Visual Math Talks are AMAZING for getting students to notice math all around them! Visual math talks give students a safe and fun way to participate and contribute to math talks.

During these types of math talks, I am always amazed at the type of math thinking that emerges. It gives me the opportunity to focus on what that student can contribute instead of where they are lacking. You might be surprised by their insights when they’re given a chance!

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Visual math talks have been a game changer in my third grade classroom and the kids get SO excited to do them. It is so fun to get students excited about doing math!

Embracing Mistakes: Turning Errors into Learning

We often want to protect students from feeling embarrassed when they give the wrong answer. This was so difficult for me when I first started. We have a natural desire to only write down answers that are correct, but it is so important to acknowledge thinking, even if the answer is wrong. If we try to correct it, or don’t include it because it is incorrect, we are sending the message that we only value correct answers. But by welcoming all answers—right or wrong—we send a clear message: mistakes help us learn.

When leading a Math Talk or Number Talk, acknowledge every answer. Ask students to explain their thinking, and let them change their mind if they realize something new. The goal is learning and understanding, not just getting the correct answer.

Acknowledging All Ideas

Writing down all student ideas, big or small, shows that every thought matters.

I recently heard Graham Fletcher talk about his 3-Act Tasks. He mentioned that sometimes students ask silly questions like, “Whose hairy arm is that?” At first, we might want to dismiss these kinds of questions. But when we acknowledge even the silly wonderings, we show students that their ideas count. If we dismiss them, they may not want to participate next time.

During Math Talks, try writing down every student’s contribution with their name. This simple act highlights their thinking and lets them know their ideas are important and they feel like brilliant math students.

Reframing How We Label Students

How we label students affects how we see their potential. Instead of thinking of students as “low” or “high” in math, try describing them as “early in their thinking” or “farther along.” This shift reminds us that all students are on a learning journey, each at their own pace.

As Graham Fletcher suggests, changing our language helps us focus on growth. We start to see every student’s brilliance, no matter where they are on the path.

Conclusion: Celebrate All of Your Brilliant Math Students

When we celebrate each child’s brilliance, we create a classroom where math is about discovery and growth. By valuing all student thinking, we show that every student has the potential to shine as a brilliant math student.

Let’s keep looking for and celebrating that brilliance—it’s there in every child!