Making Mistakes Matter: A Collaborative Error Analysis Routine to Deepen Mathematical Thinking and Grow Student Confidence

Mistakes matter! Explore how to implement a collaborative error analysis instructional routine that transforms authentic student errors into rich opportunities for discussion, reasoning, and reflection. Drawing from Building Thinking Classrooms strategies, this approach encourages teamwork, deepens understanding, and builds students’ confidence in communicating their mathematical thinking—all while fostering a culture where errors are valued as essential to learning. Walk away with practical tools, routines, and facilitation strategies to help your upper elementary learners embrace mistakes as catalysts for growth.