Today, we're talking about what math anxiety looks like in students AND adults. This is a great episode to send to a student's parent, or even to a colleague who might be struggling with this. This is very timely as we head into the spring testing season - but even if you find this episode during a different time of year, we're always testing - so this topic will always be important. Read more about math anxiety here (blog post linked to other resources). If you'd like to talk more about this in...
Apr 06, 2022•14 min•Season 2Ep. 28
In this episode, I'm sharing my story and history with math anxiety. I'm also sharing the definition of math anxiety, and why it's so important for us to be able to identify it as teachers. This is very timely as we head into the spring testing season - but even if you find this episode during a different time of year, we're always testing - so this topic will always be important. If you'd like to talk more about this, DM me on Instagram at MathWithMinis. You're also more than welcome to join ou...
Mar 21, 2022•14 min•Season 2Ep. 27
If you've stumbled across this episode because you need free math worksheets FAST, check out this other episode. If you're really in a hurry, head straight to the show notes where you can get the links you need to my favorite websites. Today's Takeaways Leaving reviews on paid resources on TeachersPayTeachers can help you earn credits! You can do this from your phone ( tutorial here ), or on your computer ( another tutorial here ) Check out Kate's Math Lessons, One for the Books, and Hidesy Clip...
Feb 28, 2022•14 min•Season 2Ep. 26
Imagine if you opened every math lesson by having your students draw a picture. Do you think that your math instruction might be more effective and engaging if you did that? We definitely think so! I n this episode, Caroline from Doodles and Digits shares ways to make math more visual for students. Thankfully, you don't have to be an artist to mix art and math in the classroom . Today's Takeaways Everyone benefits from a multi-sensory learning approach When you make math more visual, it makes mo...
Feb 22, 2022•30 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Today, we're talking all about tricks, hacks, and shortcuts. Jennifer Van Blair also shares how she uses the power of storytelling to help her students solve word problems, and how she's actually having her students write their own word problems! Today's Takeaways If you're going to use a trick, know why and how it works When students use a shortcut or tactic, ensure they understand what's happening Deep conceptual understanding, fun and engagement can all go together! Success with word problems...
Feb 14, 2022•37 min•Season 2Ep. 24
I can't think of a LESS appealing topic than classroom management. I mean, like, who wants to talk about that?! But, what if I told you that classroom management was a HUGE missing piece contributing to your students' learning? What if it's THE missing piece - and, all you have to do, is relinquish some control? By now, I'm sure some of you are raising your eyebrows at me, thinking, "How can I have a well-managed classroom if I'm not in control?" Well, I guess you'll just have to listen and find...
Jan 22, 2022•50 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Today, Marijo McBeth from STEAM With Miss M is sharing why you're not bad at math (and, why we should ALL really stop saying that ). She shares her thoughts on the magical, mystical math gene that so many of us love to refer to, and she shares some practical strategies to help all of us get better at math. And then therefore, better at teaching math. Today's Takeaways There's no "math gene;" everybody can get better at math! The secret ingredients to getting better at teaching (and, anything, re...
Jan 03, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Mona from the Honest Math Chat Podcast is dropping all kinds of knowledge bombs and tips in this episode! Get ready to learn how you can have every single student succeed with math in your classroom. Everything she shares is so simple, and she includes plenty of actionable tips that you can try with your class tomorrow. In this episode of the Learning to Love Math Podcast, she shares how building a student-centered community fosters a love for math and a culture of of mathematical thinking. Toda...
Dec 28, 2021•40 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this episode of the Learning to Love Math Podcast, I've interviewed Caroline Gamble from Boldly Inspired Curriculum. She's an algebra teacher who's passionate about helping students persevere through problems and apply what they're learning in the real world. Today's Takeaways Sometimes, the students just aren't ready to "get it" yet It's OK to fail (whether you're the student, or the teacher! ) The best learning happens when we reflect on, and learn from, our failures We really "do math" eve...
Dec 20, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this episode of the Learning to Love Math Podcast, I've interviewed Lauren Daughty from Managing Middle Math (follow her store on TeachersPayTeachers here!) . She's passionate about creating real world, authentic learning experiences around math for middle school grade students. Even if you've only ever taught upper elementary kids in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades, you'll learn SO MUCH from her! Today's Takeaways Start small; ask a teacher down the hall for help Community partners WANT to work with...
Dec 13, 2021•57 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Today's episode is a little bit different. Instead of sharing a math teaching strategy, I'm sharing why you're already a math person - and how you can help yourself (and your students!) believe this, too. Today's Takeaways You already ARE a math person, e ven if you don't feel like it yet You can get better at math if you work at it You will enjoy teaching math more once you feel like you "get it" Your students will enjoy LEARNING math more once you enjoy teaching it Resources for You Free Math ...
Dec 06, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In the last episode, I shared some strategies to help you build math fact fluency in your students. Definitely go back and check out Episode 16 if you haven't already! And if you're brand new to math fact fluency, check out episode 15, where I dive in to exactly what math fact fluency is, and why it's so important. In this episode, I'm sharing why I believe that every upper elementary students needs to use a math fact fluency tracker. Hint: it's about SO MUCH MORE than facts! I also share about ...
Nov 29, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Now that you know what math fact fluency is from Episode 15, let's dive into how we can actually instill math fact fluency in our students. In this episode, you'll learn all about my framework for math fact fluency, along with some ideas for activities and tools to use in each phase of this process. I also mention some resources I have in my store (both free and paid) that will help your students improve in their math fact fluency. And then, finally, MASTER their math facts so you can move on to...
Nov 22, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Sure, we talk about math fact fluency all the time as teachers. But, what the heck IS math fact fluency, anyway?! In this episode, I'm sharing what math fact fluency is, the four steps to achieving math fact fluency, and why math fact fluency is so important. I'd love to hear YOUR thoughts on what math fluency is, and how it differs from math fact fluency! Join the conversation on Instagram by clicking here. Today's Takeaways: Math fact fluency is NOT the same as math fluency ( though they're bo...
Nov 15, 2021•20 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this episode, I'm sharing about the best manipulatives for multiplication in the classroom. I'm a HUGE fan of having students explore concepts with manipulatives before they even solve problems. This really helps them to build conceptual understanding - ESPECIALLY when they're learning a more abstract concept, like place value ( check Episode 13 to learn the best ways to teach place value! ). Main Takeaways from Today's Episode: Use manipulatives! This makes abstract concepts more concrete fo...
Nov 08, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this episode, I'm sharing my best ways for teaching place value to 3rd grade, 4th grade and 5th grade students. I even shared some tips for using manipulatives to teach place value. Main Takeaways from Today's Episode: Use manipulatives! This makes abstract concepts more concrete for your students. Use money as a manipulative , specifically. I have a video on YouTube that walks teachers through how to do this. Practice over and over again, and in a variety of ways Mentioned Resources Click he...
Sep 20, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Today's episode is a little bit different. At the time I'm recording this, there's still a pandemic. But there's also an epidemic of teacher burnout and demoralization. Your complaints are real and valid. The call for self-care shouldn't be weaponized against you. And if you are at the point where you need a break, counseling, or even a different career? I support you. Even though you know you don't need anyone's support to live the life you want and need to live. If you haven't already, join ou...
Sep 16, 2021•16 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this episode, we're talking all about the behaviorism theory. We weight the benefits, drawbacks, and what behaviorism looks like in practice in the upper elementary math classroom. Main Takeaways from Today's Episode: Behaviorism is the theory that a student's environment affects their ability to learn PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports) is a result of behaviorism in schools We need to offer an inviting environment, as well as opportunities to foster intrinsic motivation I'm ...
Aug 23, 2021•16 min•Season 1Ep. 11
On the last episode of the Learning to Love Math Podcast, I shared all about the gradual release of responsibility (more widely known as 'I Do, We Do, You Do.'). In this episode, we're talking all about scaffolding, and how 3rd-5th grade teachers can use it to help students in their upper elementary classrooms. I also share some ways I mix it up with the scaffolding model, and why it's not always best to use math vocabulary when introducing a new concept. Main Takeaways from Today's Episode: Stu...
Aug 16, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 10
On the last episode of the Learning to Love Math Podcast, I shared all about the 5E model for teaching and learning, and how that relates to Math Workshop. Today, we talk about a different theory for teaching and learning: the gradual release of responsibility. This theory is more widely known as 'I Do, We Do, You Do.' And in today's episode, I'm breaking down what all of that means, and how it looks in the upper elementary math block. Main Takeaways from Today's Episode: The gradual responsibil...
Aug 09, 2021•14 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Episode Summary In our last episode, I shared some awesome websites that have all kinds of free worksheets for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers. In today's episode, we're talking all about the 5E model for teaching and learning, and how that relates to Math Workshop. I'm also reminding you of the upcoming Effectively Engaged Math Education Conference , put on by That One Cheerful Classroom . I'm so excited to present at this conference, and I feel honored to share a virtual stage with these dedi...
Jul 19, 2021•11 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Episode Summary In our last episode, I shared the best apps and websites for teaching math virtually and/or during tech time, if you use technology with your math centers. In today's episode, I'm sharing all of the secret sites I've bookmarked to find free math worksheets! I also share all about the Effectively Engaged Math Education Conference , put on by That One Cheerful Classroom . I'm so excited to be presenting at this conference - because I really admire the other folks presenting alongsi...
Jul 12, 2021•12 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Today, I'm sharing all of my favorite math apps, websites, and online resources. These are great for distance learning, online teaching, hybrid instruction, or to use with your students during tech time. If you're doing Math Workshop for the first time, or if you're just new to guided math in general, you'll definitely want to check out my free guided math group planning guide. Want to check out Prodigy? I seriously love it so much. My students use it all the time, and it's absolutely free. If y...
May 24, 2021•19 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode of the Learning to Love Math Podcast, I'm explaining how to get started with math workshop. If you're doing Math Workshop for the first time, or if you're just new to guided math in general, you'll definitely want to check out my free guided math group planning guide. This blog post would also be helpful , as it's a pretty comprehensive guide to math workshop and guided math groups. What's your experience with Math Workshop? Share your thoughts in our free Facebook group ....
May 17, 2021•22 min
In this episode of the Learning to Love Math Podcast, I'm explaining the difference between Math Workshop, and Guided Math. I've definitely used them interchangeably in the recent past, and I realize this may confuse some people - so I wanted to clear the air about it. If you're doing Math Workshop for the first time, or if you're just new to guided math in general, you'll definitely want to check out my free guided math group planning guide. This blog post would also be helpful , as it's a pret...
May 10, 2021•14 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode of the Learning to Love Math Podcast, I'm sharing why I think speed when recalling your math facts is so important. I also share some games, tips and tricks for helping your students get quicker with their facts, without making them hate it. I have some resources in my TeachersPayTeachers store for this. If you're interested in those, follow and check out my TpT store, Math With Minis . What do you think about speed of recall when it comes to math facts? Share your thoughts in ou...
May 03, 2021•19 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this episode of the Learning to Love Math Podcast, I'm sharing why your students need to memorize their math facts. Math fact fluency is something I'm really passionate about, and you can see this from my TPT store and blog, Math With Minis . What do you think? Is math fact memorization important? Share your thoughts in our free Facebook group. Want a FREE math maze for your guided math groups or centers? You can download your freebie here....
Apr 26, 2021•16 min
A lot has changed in two years. In this pilot episode of the Learning to Love Math Podcast , I'll share my story and my way behind the brand Math With Minis . You'll learn who I am, why I'm SO passionate about math facts, and why I'm on a mission to help upper elementary teachers who hate math. Want a FREE math maze for your guided math groups or centers? You can download your freebie here....
Apr 23, 2021•26 min
