Spark Curiosity with “How Many?” a Visual Math Talk

How Many? Math Talk is an inclusive math talk routine that invites students to explore an image and answer open-ended questions like “What do you notice?” and “How many?” This 10-15 minute whole-group activity uses visual math images to spark curiosity, conversation, and mathematical thinking for learners of all abilities.

Benefits of How Many? Math Talk

1. Gets kids talking about math: Encourages students to share their ideas and reasoning.
2. Highlights math in everyday objects: Helps students recognize math in their surroundings.
3. Builds math connections: Visuals allow students to connect abstract concepts to real-world examples.
4. Inclusive for all students: Accommodates learners of different abilities and backgrounds.
5. Boosts math confidence: Students feel empowered by sharing their thinking.
6. Sparks curiosity: The open-ended nature encourages exploration and wonder.

How to Facilitate a How Many? Math Talk

1. Show the image: Display an image of everyday objects, patterns, or a collection of items. We’ve created some free How Many? Slides for you to download HERE.
2. Ask open-ended questions: Prompt students with “What do you notice?” and “How many?” Let them count anything they see.
3. Think Time + hand signals: Pause and give students Think Time. Have students use hand signals when they’re ready to share.
4. Partner or small group sharing: Students discuss their ideas with a partner or in small groups.
5. Math Talk Sentence Frames: Support student discussion by going over sentence frames. Here’s why I use a Math Talk Poster.
6. Whole group sharing: Invite students to share their answers with the class.
7. Document responses: Record student responses on a whiteboard or chart paper, including their names to show their thinking is valued.

Want to grab some free How Many? Slides to use in your classroom. Click here to download some Free Visual Square Fact Array How Many? Slides.

Here’s a quick training video on how to do the How Many? Math Talk in your classroom:

@mathhappyhour

How Many? Is a fun, yet simple visual math routine that is accessible to all levels of learners. How to play: 1️⃣ Show an image 2️⃣ Ask students, “How Many?” And “How did you count them?” 3️⃣ Keep it open-ended and let students share what the noticed and counted You will be amazed at the type of math thinking that comes from this short math routine. #mathroutine #mathtalks #visualmath #mathisfun

♬ original sound – MathHappyHour

Tips and Extensions for How Many? Math Talk

• Keep it open-ended: Avoid giving too much guidance or structure.
• Ask follow-up questions: If a student says, “Seven pink cupcakes,” ask, “How did you count them?”
• Annotate student thinking: If appropriate, represent their ideas using equations or diagrams. Notice these classroom samples below.

These classroom samples demonstrate how all students can participate and feel successful with this math talk. Some responses will seem simple (like 1 box), while others will be very complex, but either way, all students feel confident sharing. The Lego How Many? above got students calculating how to solve 8×12 and this was in a third-grade classroom! You will also notice I write down ALL answers, even incorrect ones. This shows students you value all thinking and ideas and that mistakes aren’t bad (we want to learn and grow from them.

Additional Questions to Ask:

• How do you see math represented in this picture?
• Can you estimate how many ___ are in this image?
• What numbers describe this picture?

Teacher Moves:

• Show the image.
• Give students think time.
• Ask questions to elicit thinking and explanations.
• Document student thinking.
• Connect visual thinking to abstract equations.

Student Moves:

• Analyze the image.
• Use hand signals to communicate readiness.
• Share observations with a partner.
• Present answers and explanations to the class.
• Listen to peers’ thinking and build on their ideas.

By incorporating How Many? Math Talk into your routine, you’ll create an inclusive math talk environment where all students feel confident sharing their ideas. This routine helps learners see math everywhere and deepens their understanding of mathematical concepts.

Before you go, be sure to download your Free How Many? Slides.