I Notice, I Wonder is an open-ended prompt that gets students talking about math scenarios in a non-threatening, careful way. The resource above was developed by the Math Forum to help teachers bring this practice into their classroom.

Notice and Wonder Instructional Routine

Hand out or project a graph, image, description of a situation (no questions), table of data, etc.. Ask students to consider these two questions: What do you notice? What do you wonder?

Individual Time to Think

Give students some time to look at it on their own before talking with others. Students should write at least 2 things they notice and 2 things they wonder.

Brainstorm More in Pairs

If there is time, ask students to talk in pairs about what they notice (what stands out to them) and what they wonder (what questions they have)? Ask them to take notes on each other’s noticings and wonderings. Challenge them to think of at least one new question they didn’t have before.

Group Share

Bring students together for a large group conversation. Take notes in two columns. You might say, “You’re the brain and I’m the hand. Tell my hand what to write.” Take notes without evaluating.

Discuss, “What do you notice?”

Pause to let as many students as possible raise their hands. Call on students and record their noticings at the front of the room.

As you record students’ thoughts, thank or acknowledge each student equally. Record all student suggestions. Avoid correcting, praising, restating, clarifying, or asking questions. Avoid evaluating statements. They are the brain, you are the hand.

Ask students, “What are you wondering?”

Pause to let as many students as possible raise their hands. Call on students and record their wonderings at the front of the room. Write questions down without answering them.

Ask students, “Is there anything up here that you are wondering about? Anything you need clarified? Do you have a question about something someone noticed or wondered?” If you or the students have questions about any items, ask the students who shared them to clarify them further.

Here’s a great video on Notice Wonder by Annie Fetter of the Math Forum titled, “Ever Wonder What They’d Notice? (if only someone would ask)”: