3 Act Tasks By Graham Fletcher
It all begins with an idea.
Photo from Building Fact Fluency
What Are 3-Act Tasks?
3-Act Tasks, developed by Graham Fletcher, are an engaging and inquiry-driven approach to teaching mathematics. This method transforms math lessons into compelling, real-world stories, encouraging students to think critically, solve problems, and communicate their reasoning. The tasks are structured in three stages, mirroring the narrative arc of a story:
Act 1 (The Hook): Introduces a real-world scenario, often through a video or image, to spark curiosity and invite students to ask questions.
Act 2 (The Plot Development): Students gather information, test ideas, and apply mathematical thinking to solve the problem.
Act 3 (The Resolution): Reveals the solution, allowing students to compare strategies, discuss results, and reflect on their learning.
This structure makes math relatable and engaging by framing problems as part of a larger story. For early years learners, 3-Act Tasks leverage students’ natural curiosity and creativity to build foundational math skills in an enjoyable and meaningful way.
Example
Imagine a classroom scenario where you present a video or image of a carton with 12 eggs. You explain to the students that these eggs need to be shared fairly among four family members. This simple yet relatable context creates a story that engages students in problem-solving.
Video from Gfletchy
Act Task 1: Provoke students’ thinking and curiosity. What do you see, think, and wonder?
Image from Gfletchy
Act Task 2: How many eggs were in the carton to start?
How many eggs didn’t break?
Image from Gfletchy
Act Task 3: Reveal the answer and have a open conversation.
How Does This Support Students’ Learning?
Encourages Inquiry and Curiosity:
Act 1 sparks curiosity, prompting students to ask questions and take ownership of their learning journey.Develops Problem-Solving Skills:
Act 2 provides a hands-on opportunity to experiment with strategies, fostering critical thinking and mathematical reasoning.Builds Communication Skills:
Act 3 encourages students to articulate their thinking, share solutions, and listen to others, enhancing their ability to explain and justify their ideas.Connects Math to Real Life:
The relatable scenarios help students see the relevance of math in everyday situations, reducing anxiety and making learning enjoyable.Supports Collaboration and Inclusion:
The tasks' open-ended nature allows all students to participate, regardless of their prior knowledge or skill level.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Educators
Choose a Scenario:
Select a real-world problem or scenario that is relatable for young learners, such as sharing eggs, cookies, or toys.
Prepare Materials:
Gather visual aids (videos or images) and manipulatives (e.g., counters, blocks, or toy food) to make the task tangible.
Present Act 1:
Show the scenario and ask open-ended questions to spark curiosity and engagement. Record students’ observations and questions on the board.
Facilitate Act 2:
Provide tools for students to explore and solve the problem.
Walk around the room, asking guiding questions like:
“What strategy are you using?”
“How do you know it’s fair?”
Conclude with Act 3:
Reveal the solution and compare it with students’ ideas.
Encourage a discussion about different strategies and what students learned from the task.
Reflect and Extend:
Ask students to think about how they could apply what they learned to other situations, such as sharing toys or dividing snacks.
Encourage them to create their own problems for classmates to solve.
By incorporating 3-Act Tasks into early years mathematics, educators can create a playful, inquiry-based environment that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration, while connecting math to the real-world experiences of young learners. For more examples and inspiration, explore Graham Fletcher’s 3-Act Tasks.