Beyond Doing Mathematics: Engaging Talented Students in Mathematically Creative Writing

With recent increased attention to engaging students in written mathematical communication, the Elementary Mathematical Writing Task Force has recommended specific types of and purposes for mathematical writing with the ultimate goals of communicating and reasoning: Exploratory, Informative/Explanatory, Argumentative, and Mathematically Creative. While it is recommended that all students engage in all types of writing, the mathematically creative type has specific implications for mathematically talented students. Justification for and ways to engage talented students in mathematically creative writing are presented and address the following questions: What is mathematical creativity? How can mathematically creative writing help meet the needs of talented students? And, what are the characteristics of a learning environment that fosters mathematical creativity and written communication?