Mathematical Talk: The Heartbeat of Classroom Thinking (with Amy How)

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Author

Kieran Mackle
October 13, 2025

Mathematical Talk: The Heartbeat of Classroom Thinking (with Amy How)

Good Morning!

This week’s episode dives into one of the most fascinating aspects of classroom practice: mathematical talk.

I spoke with Amy How about what it really means to make talk the centrepiece of learning. We explored how well-structured dialogue helps students reason, how teachers can distinguish deep talk from surface-level chatter, and how to create the psychological safety needed for students to take intellectual risks.

If you’ve ever struggled to strike the balance between structure and freedom in mathematical discussion, Amy offers a range of practical strategies and a grounded perspective that will stay with you long after the episode ends.

Mathematical Talk: The Heartbeat of Classroom Thinking (with Amy How) by Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Episode 249: In this episode of Thinking Deeply About Primary Education, I’m joined by Amy How to explore one of the most powerful yet misunderstood elements of classroom practice: mathematical talk.

creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/kieran-mackle/episodes/Mathematical-Talk-The-Heartbeat-of-Classroom-Thinking-with-Amy-How-e39bo25/a-ac70o0t

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Visual Summary

Mathematical Talk in 6 Minutes 30 seconds

Challenge and Depth in Primary Mathematics

Looking to strengthen challenge and depth in primary mathematics without increasing workload? Join us in Coventry or Greater Manchester this autumn.

This practical workshop is designed to turn routine tasks into rich thinking by increasing cognitive demand in simple, workable ways.

We will develop:

  • in-the-moment habits that keep every student thinking,

  • responsive prompts to sustain challenge and guide students towards generalisation

  • sequences that move from representation to reasoning to proof,

  • ready-to-use materials and routines that help replace worksheet tiers with intellectual rigour and purposeful challenge.

Don't miss out on the chance to expand your mathematical horizons! Click for tickets…

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That’s it for this week. I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions — drop a comment wherever you listen, or just hit reply to this email.

Until next time, thanks for listening.