"What's your communication goal today?" That was the main theme in Mr. Ketchem's third grade class today.  In Mr. Ketchem's third-grade classroom, learning isn't centered on getting the right answer; it's about understanding why your answer is correct and how you got there. These past couple weeks, Ketchem's third graders have been focused on improving their communication skills, and after observing them in their recent math task, their hard work is paying off.

In the task, they had to solve a challenging place value math problem and then explain their strategy to their classmates. To the average person, this might not seem like a big deal, but for young learners, explaining their thought process can be a scary challenge.

At first, there was a mix of excitement and wariness. Some students wanted to be the first to share, while others were perfectly happy just watching. But with some encouragement from Mr. Ketchem and some classmates, everyone was ready to share.

As the students presented their strategies, the classroom was filled with a buzz of engagement. They listened attentively to each other, asked clarifying questions, and offered constructive feedback. One student would ask each presenter, "Well, how did you get that?" It was a testament to the supportive and collaborative atmosphere that Mr. Ketchem has cultivated. It was obvious these third graders were comfortable being authentically themselves. 

One student shared how they solved the problem by creating boxes and putting items in the box. Their explanation was clear and concise and their classmates understood their reasoning. Another student, struggled at first to put their thoughts into words, but with the help of Mr. Ketchem and their partner, they were able to explain their strategy successfully. At the end, the student seemed to have a hard time summing up his thinking and Mr. Ketchem let him know, "I think you got it kiddo! Great job!"

The experience was not only beneficial for the students' math skills but also for their overall communication abilities. They learned the importance of listening carefully, asking questions, and providing constructive feedback. They also gained confidence in their ability to express themselves clearly and effectively. In addition, as the students presented, Mr. Ketchem would remind the students what their communication goal was and how far they've come.

Mr. Ketchem is proud of his students' progress. "Communication is a fundamental skill that will serve them well throughout their lives," he says. "By focusing on clear communication in our classroom, we are helping them to become not only successful learners but also confident and well-rounded individuals." One poster in Mr. Ketchem's room really stuck out to me and the culture he has created with his students: "Math Community-group of people together: Collaboration, Solve Problems, Maths, Smarter, Make Mistakes."