Want students to understand--really understand--and retain the math they're learning? Focus on building your classroom community first.

In Thinking Together, veteran teachers Rozlynn Dance and Tessa Kaplan explore nine beliefs that lead to a powerful community of learners. When students are part of a classroom where they feel valued and included, they are more likely to take risks, ask questions, and grow exponentially as mathematicians.

Rozlynn and Tessa tell us, "We must create a kind, caring, trusting community of learners who feel comfortable tackling the unknown, taking risks, and making mistakes." This book doesn't pretend teaching is simple--instead, it celebrates the potential in the everyday messiness of learning together. Each chapter includes:

• opportunities to reflect on your practice through an exploration of beliefs such as "Mistakes are great!" and "It's not just about the answer"
• practical guidance for building your classroom community through student-centered strategies and classroom examples
• "When Things Don't Seem to be Working" sections for troubleshooting common challenges and adapting to teaching that doesn't go as planned.