In this “where are they now” episode, we speak with Caitlyn Sloan, a high school math teacher from Georgia is back to update us on how she has managed since sharing struggles to bring a problem based approach to her support students. After sharing the changes she’s made in her approach, we then dig into her most recent focus for her math classroom: communication. How can we emphasize communication so we can build 21st century mathematicians? Listen in to hear some of the ideas and strategies! Th...
Mar 21, 2022•50 min•Ep. 173
In this episode, Kyle & Jon address a few common misconceptions from the Math Moment Maker community around teaching problem-based lessons and units. Stick around and you’ll hear how to find the right balance between what students know and what they need to learn in your lesson; when we should be assessing for learning; how to consolidate a problem-based lesson; and,how to manage the flow of the class when some students complete work quicker than others. You’ll learn: How to find the right b...
Mar 14, 2022•35 min•Ep. 172
Today you’ll hear from Yvette Lehman, an elementary educator from Windsor, Ontario. Yvette is a Primary and Junior Division Teacher Consultant for the Greater Essex County Board of Education and if the name seems familiar then you’re right, we have referenced Yvette’s work numerous times here on the podcast as she’s also a colleague of Kyle’s and a fantastic part of the Make Math Moments curriculum writing team! During this session from the 2021 Make Math Moments Virtual Summit, you’ll hear abou...
Mar 07, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 171
Today we speak with Janelle Fortmuller, a grade 5/6 teacher from Alberta. Janelle shares insights, key learnings she had around lesson design and planning in her math class. Janelle shares her transformation from a teacher who pre-taught all the strategies and algorithms to a confident, flexible teacher who engages her students in problem solving every day. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through problems...
Feb 28, 2022•47 min•Ep. 170
Today the tables have turned! In this episode Jon & Kyle switch over to the other side of the interview and are put on the hot seat! Jess Michalchuk, a Grade 7 educator from Foam Lake, Saskatchewan working towards a Masters of Education, interviews Jon & Kyle about memorable math moments from their teaching experience, their thoughts on leadership and innovation in mathematics and much more! Stick around and you’ll hear stories from Kyle and Jon’s classrooms, how they got started on chan...
Feb 21, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 169
In this compilation episode of the podcast in honour of Black History Month, Kyle & Jon highlight six educators of colour that have had a significant impact on their pedagogical practices as they continue their journey to craft a more culturally responsive classroom experience for all students. You’ll hear from Rafranz Davis speak about diversity, Lauren Baucom’s passion towards de-tracking; Mindfulness and identity in the classroom from Christina Lincoln-Moore; the importance of catalyzing ...
Feb 14, 2022•43 min•Ep. 168
In this episode, Kyle and Jon speak with James Tanton, Mathematician-at-Large for the Mathematical Association of America and Founder of the Global Math Project and Ted Coe, NWEA’s Director of Content Advocacy and Design. James and Ted hop on the show today to dig into the collective work of a group of mathematics education leaders involving one of the most important yet misunderstood concepts in mathematics: Proportional Relationships. Stick around as we dig into ideas around proportionality an...
Feb 07, 2022•59 min•Ep. 167
Today we speak with Garret Schneider, a middle school math teacher from Indiana. Like many of us, Garret is feeling a little bit like he’s a lone wolf as he continues to seek out ways to elevate his teaching practice while many colleagues continue independently on their own teaching journeys. In this Math Mentoring Moment Episode, we will dig into why this lone journey is getting Garret down and how he might be able to work towards developing a professional learning community where all members f...
Jan 31, 2022•59 min•Ep. 166
Today we speak with Aubrey McKelvey, a 7th & 8th grade teacher from Nashville Tennessee. Like many middle schoolers, Aubrey's students are tuning out and demanding the “fast food” version of math class. Her students want to skip understanding and go directly to the how . In this episode we’ll uncover the real issue behind this lack of engagement and help Aubrey with some next steps. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Commun...
Jan 24, 2022•45 min•Ep. 165
We speak with Philip Dituri from FiCycle.org about financial literacy: while so important in the real world, but is somehow rarely discussed or taught in schools. Philip shares how we can answer the common question “when will I ever need this in real life?” He shares how teachers can blend their existing curriculum with contextual lessons based in personal finance, and we discuss why we need to prepare students for life, not just tests. You’ll Learn: How we can answer When will I ever need this ...
Jan 17, 2022•55 min•Ep. 164
In this episode, Jon & Kyle take a deep dive into how we can make our existing curriculum resources be it a textbook or worksheets into curious lessons that students lean in to learn. Specifically, we’ll be talking about why Sparking Curiosity is such an important part of the Make Math Moments 3-Part Framework and some strategies for the types of problems you might choose to transform. You’ll learn: Why our existing resources need to change, but should not be thrown out; Why curiosity is suc...
Jan 10, 2022•51 min•Ep. 163
We speak with Po-Shen Loh from an American professor of mathematics at Carnegie Mellon University and the national coach of the United States' International Math Olympiad team. Po-Shen shares how he believes - whether teaching in person or online - that we can never take the attention of the student for granted. So how do we craft engaging lessons that can keep the attention of our students when we’re up against TikTok, Instagram, and other modern day distractions? Stick around and dive int...
Jan 03, 2022•51 min•Ep. 162
Kyle and Jon speak with Tyson Banker, a senior high school teacher from Calgary, Alberta. Like many of us teachers Tyson wonders how to change his assessment routines and structures without compromising his timelines and content standards. In this chat we share with Tyson some practical ideas that we’ve implemented in our classrooms that help with Tyson’s real struggle. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working thr...
Dec 27, 2021•54 min•Ep. 161
We chat with Nicole Whitty about the importance of big ideas and intentionality when leading your lessons. In this Math Mentoring Moment Episode we dig into how you can learn “who heard what” in your math lesson; why focusing on the intentionality of your problem based lesson will help make more connections during the consolidation of your lesson; and, what you can do when some kids are ‘getting it’ and others aren’t quite there yet. You’ll Learn: How you can learn “who heard what” in your math ...
Dec 20, 2021•47 min•Ep. 160
In this episode, Jon & Kyle share a reason your math lesson may be coming up short and how you can fix it. Jon & Kyle share their 4 pillars of classroom norms that shape the routines and learning in their math classes and how you can create your pillars! You’ll learn: Why your math lesson might be coming up short; How co-constructing your classroom learning pillars can help with classroom management; How to prevent unproductive classroom behaviour such as excessive cell phone use or gene...
Dec 13, 2021•33 min•Ep. 159
We speak with Lenny VerMaas from Lincoln Nebraska. Lenny has spent 28 years as a middle and high school classroom teacher followed by an additional 16 years working to support math teachers! Lenny shares with us struggles and strategies he’s learned and overcome over the years he’s helped teachers. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through problems of practice and together we brainstorm possible next steps ...
Dec 06, 2021•50 min•Ep. 158
In this episode, we’ll unpack the real flipped classroom, how to transform a typical lesson into an engaging problem based math lesson. We’ll share how to slowly emerge shortcuts instead of giving them upfront and finally we’ll chat about what to do if students aren’t engaging with the problem based lesson we’ve just transformed! You’ll learn: How to structure your lessons around the”real” flipped classroom; How to transform a typical lesson into an engaging, problem based math lesson; How to sl...
Nov 29, 2021•53 min•Ep. 157
Math Talks, Number Talks, Minilessons, Warm-ups… What are these routines? Is there a difference? If so, what are those differences? In this episode, we’ll unpack what we believe the true elements of a Math Talk are and how you can leverage the power of an effective Math Talk in your classroom to start your next math lesson! You’ll learn: What is a math talk and what Is not a math talk; The Teacher Moves necessary to lead a math talk effectively; Why you should include math talks into your progra...
Nov 22, 2021•45 min•Ep. 156
In this episode of the Making Math Moments That Matter Podcast, we chat with Steve Leinwand and Eric Milou about strategies to create an Invigorating High School Math program. Steve served as Mathematics Supervisor in the Connecticut Department of Education for 22 years and is a former president of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics. In 2021, he was awarded the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' Lifetime Achievement Award. Eric Milou is Professor of Mathematics at ...
Nov 15, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 155
In this episode you’ll hear Ryan Kinzler, a 8th grade teacher from Pittsburg discuss his concerns over blending his traditional curriculum resources (such as the textbook) with high impact strategies and problem based lessons. In this discussion Ryan realizes how to feel confident with the choices he makes in the classroom and how small moves will result in big impact. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working thro...
Nov 08, 2021•52 min•Ep. 154
Today on the podcast Jon & Kyle dig into Crafting a Hero’s Journey: The Power of Storytelling in Math Class including why teaching math should be more like telling a story, what elements will help you craft a lesson that plays out like a story to spark curiosity in your students, how to get kids hooked in just like your favourite movies and books, and finally where you can go to learn more and begin crafting your own mathematics program that feels like a book you don’t want to put down. You’...
Nov 01, 2021•37 min•Ep. 153
On the podcast today we speak with Chrissy Allison. Chrissy is a former middle school math teacher and instructional coach who’s spent the past 7 years supporting school administrators and their coaches to improve teaching and learning through professional learning and instructional coaching. She’s the host of The Mindful Math Podcast, and she works full time as an online coach for school- and district-level math coaches, specialists, and instructional leaders. Stick with us and you will hear id...
Oct 25, 2021•41 min•Ep. 152
We’re bringing back two wonderful and hilariously entertaining educators who are passionate about helping parents navigate math education. Hilary Kresiberg and Matthew Beyranevand have co authored a new book for teachers called Partnering With Parents. Stick around and learn how to help parents deal with math anxiety so they can assist their children at home; how to communicate with your parents when starting the school year; how we can communicate our strategies and methodologies with parents s...
Oct 18, 2021•36 min•Ep. 151
Today we speak with Shelley Yearley all about how we can rethink fractions in the mathematics classroom! Shelley is a fellow Ontario educator, researcher and author who has held many roles over her career which you will hear all about today including her most recent role as she has returned to the classroom! Stick with us and you learn why you should focus on unit fractions before rushing to the algorithm for operating with fractions; what the Fraction Learning Pathway is and how it can help you...
Oct 11, 2021•58 min•Ep. 150
In this episode we speak with the great Marilyn Burns. Marilyn is one of today’s most highly respected mathematics educators. Over the course of more than 55 years, Marilyn has taught children, led professional development sessions, spoken at conferences, contributed to professional journals, written more than a dozen books for children, and created more than 20 professional development resources for teachers and administrators. Stick with us and you learn what assessment really means and how to...
Oct 04, 2021•48 min•Ep. 149
On today’s episode, we’re excited to dive into how to make the most of the VIRTUAL conferences you attend including how to avoid “death by webinar”! We’ll also be diving into some strategies on how to be more picky when selecting your session plus how to stay more engaged while you’re in them. Finally we’re excited to make a BIG announcement that we know the Math Moment Maker Community is going to love. You’ll learn: How you can make the most of the virtual conferences you attend including how t...
Sep 27, 2021•43 min•Ep. 148
That there is Christa Amezcua from Mexico! Christa is a middle school teacher and comes on the show today to talk about what we should do when you’re doubting your teaching approach and strategies. We chat with Christa about a recent interaction she had with a colleague that left her feeling a bit inadequate and we help her focus her efforts so she can build her confidence so she can continue to Make Math Moments This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Ma...
Sep 20, 2021•44 min•Ep. 147
As we start/continue another school year during this pandemic we might find ourselves asking: What should I focus on most? How can I help my students get ready for the next grade level? Do I have time to teach through activities or should I just teach with direct instruction? What resources can I use so that I cover the curriculum and still teach deep learning? As we are both practicing educators they have been asking themselves that all summer and have prepared this webinar event to help you an...
Sep 13, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 146
Jon & Kyle share insights on their journey with spiralling their math lessons over the last 8 years. They dive into what spiralling is, why you should consider this structural change in your classes, and how they changed to this model from their mostly traditional approach to math lessons. You’ll also learn what they changed along the way in their journey as well as how to get started so you can save valuable time and maximize this approach. You’ll Learn: How spiralling can help you and your...
Sep 06, 2021•45 min•Ep. 145
We’re speaking with David Alewine in this Math Mentoring Moment Episode. David is home-schooling his twin 6 year olds and doing a fantastic job at weaving different curriculums and resources together to reach his kids and help them with what they need most. David shares his story of how he chose to home-school, the benefits and drawbacks that he faces, and he’s seeking advice from Jon and Kyle about how and when to include “Drill and Kill” lessons! This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode w...
Aug 30, 2021•59 min•Ep. 144
