Send us a text Starting the school year can feel overwhelming—but what if teaching routines didn’t have to be boring? In this episode, I’m showing you how to set up essential classroom routines and build a strong classroom community right from day one. You’ll walk away with ideas you can use immediately to make lining up, group work, and transitions smooth and stress-free. Want to skip the trial and error? I’ve created a 28-routine Classroom Routines Pack on TPT, complete with lesson plans, prom...
Aug 11, 2025•16 min•Ep. 164
Send us a text If your math block feels more like crowd control than joyful problem solving, this episode is for you. We’re talking about how proactive math classroom management strategies can help you stop reacting to behavior and start building a smooth, focused learning environment where students thrive — especially during challenging math work. 🛠️ Simple Steps to Implement Proactive Math Classroom Management Ready to take action? Here’s where Mona gets super practical: Step 1: Set Up Predic...
Aug 04, 2025•15 min
Send us a text Have you ever felt like every new math strategy or program is just more to juggle? From colorful problem-solving cards to trendy new resources, it's easy to feel like you're constantly adding to your plate — without seeing deeper learning stick. In this episode, Mona Iehl shares how she stopped the cycle of piling on and started using a student-centered math approach that truly transformed her classroom. 🔄 Ready to Shift? Here’s How to Make It Happen You don’t need a new curricul...
Jul 28, 2025•8 min•Ep. 162
Send us a text What do horoscopes and homework have in common? More than you think—especially in the world of inclusive math education . In this episode, Mona sits down with Vanessa Vakharia , aka The Math Guru , to talk about smashing stereotypes, redefining math identity, and using creativity (yes, even astrology!) to reimagine math class as a space for joy and empowerment. 🎧 Tune In, Smash the System, and Reimagine Math Education This episode is a must-listen for any educator ready to rethin...
Jul 24, 2025•23 min•Ep. 161
Send us a text Have you ever stared at your lesson plans, pacing guide, and testing calendar and wondered: How am I supposed to fit all of this in? If so, this episode was made for you. Host Mona Iehl , math coach and creator of Word Problem Workshop , helps you shift from cramming content to making room for deep thinking, math talk, and student growth. We’ve all asked it: How do I fit it all in? But Mona flips the script and offers a more powerful question: What really needs to fit? This episod...
Jul 21, 2025•11 min
Send us a text If you're trying to reach every student by creating multiple versions of your math lesson—this episode is for you. Host Mona Iehl , math coach and creator of Word Problem Workshop , shows you how to differentiate effectively without doubling your workload. The secret? One well-chosen, open-ended problem—and the right mindset to support it. Many of us grew up believing that differentiation meant creating different work for different learners—and then spent hours doing just that. Bu...
Jul 14, 2025•17 min•Ep. 159
Send us a text In today’s episode, Mona welcomes special education teacher and SEL expert Allie Szczecinski to unpack a topic that’s often overlooked in math: social emotional learning (SEL) . With over 15 years of experience and a brand-new book, Their Best Behavior , Allie shares how weaving SEL into your math instruction can build stronger thinkers, more confident students, and a calmer classroom. 🎧 This one’s a must-listen if you’ve ever thought, “My students could do the math… if only they...
Jul 10, 2025•22 min•Ep. 158
Send us a text Is your math block filled with silence so thick you can hear pencils stretching? This episode is for you. Host Mona Lehl is flipping the script on what a “focused” math class sounds like—and spoiler alert: it’s not silent . Real math thinking creates a buzz , and Mona is here to help you lean into the noise . 🔧 3 Ways to Keep the Math Talk Productive Worried the noise will spiral into chaos? Mona shares three practical strategies that turn chatter into meaningful collaboration: 1...
Jul 07, 2025•10 min•Ep. 157
Send us a text If you've ever scrolled past a flawless math lesson on Instagram and thought, “That could never be me,” this episode is for you. Host Mona—former teacher, math coach, and author of the upcoming Word Problem Workshop —gets real about what it actually takes to be a great math teacher. Spoiler: it’s not perfection or having all the answers. It’s creating the space for your students to think. 🎧 Ready to change the way you think about teaching math? You’ll want to hear this one. 📥 En...
Jun 30, 2025•9 min•Ep. 156
Send us a text Hey teacher friend! Have you ever stared at your math curriculum thinking, “This is... fine, I guess?” You don’t hate it—but it’s definitely not lighting a fire for student thinking. In this episode, Mona, a math coach and author, shares why the curriculum you already have might just be your biggest asset— if you know how to use it differently. 🛠️ The How: 3 Shifts You Can Make Right Away 1. Start with One Word Problem Instead of overwhelming students with a page full of problems...
Jun 23, 2025•14 min
Send us a text In this episode, we unpack a big question: What’s your vision for math classrooms? From years of visiting classrooms and leading professional development, our guest shares a powerful answer rooted in three values: joy, curiosity, and teacher sustainability . This isn’t just an ideal—it’s a framework leaders and teachers can work toward right now. 🛠️ Try These 3 Professional Learning Moves That Actually Work Ready to lead transformative PD in your building? Here are three things y...
Jun 19, 2025•33 min•Ep. 154
Send us a text Ever poured your heart into a math lesson only to hear a groan or a “Can’t you just tell us how to do it?” from your students? You’re not alone. In this episode, Mona—a former teacher turned math coach—dives into what’s really behind those reactions and how to shift them. Ready to turn things around? Mona shares three actionable routines straight from her Word Problem Workshop that help kids engage, take risks, and actually enjoy thinking in math: Start with the Grapple – Let kids...
Jun 16, 2025•12 min
Send us a text Ever looked at your stack of printed math worksheets and thought, “There’s got to be a better way” ? You're not alone. In today’s episode, we’re flipping the script on word problems—and showing you how just a few small tweaks can stretch your students' thinking without stretching your copy limit. In this episode, I dive into how to extend student thinking using the problems you already have—no extra pages required. You’ll learn what actually makes a word problem “good,” why how yo...
Jun 09, 2025•12 min•Ep. 152
Send us a text Is your math classroom a space of empowerment—or quiet struggle? In this episode, we’re unpacking what it really means to teach math equitably, with the brilliant Dr. Pamela Seda. Whether you're new to equity work or already deep in the journey, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. In this episode, Jenn chats with Dr. Pamela Seda, math equity leader and creator of the ICUCARE® Equity Framework. You’ll learn how math can become a space of empowerment, why releasing con...
Jun 05, 2025•22 min
Send us a text What if the questions you ask in math class could be the key to unlocking deeper thinking and real understanding? Today, we’re diving into the one question teachers ask me all the time : “What do I ask to get my students to explain their thinking?” Let’s turn those blank stares into lightbulb moments. 🎧 Episode Summary In this episode, Mona breaks down the 7 types of questions that spark rich math talk and deeper understanding during Word Problem Workshop. You’ll learn: Why the r...
Jun 02, 2025•13 min
Send us a text Ever asked a math question and been met with total silence? Or felt like only a few kids are driving the whole conversation? You’re not alone — and today we’re fixing it. In this episode, Mona dives into the subtle mistakes that can shut down rich math discussions — and the practical shifts that can turn things around. You’ll learn: ✅ What common habits unintentionally stifle student thinking ✅ Why these missteps matter more than you think ✅ Small, doable tweaks to spark deeper co...
May 26, 2025•13 min
Send us a text You don’t need a full-on classroom overhaul to start seeing change. In this episode, we’re talking about the “pebbles” — those small irritations or roadblocks in math class — and how you can start removing them with intentional, doable steps. 🎙️ Episode Overview In this episode, Jon and Kyle chat about what’s really getting in the way of change in the classroom. You’ll learn how to identify your “pebbles,” what steps you can take to shift your teaching, and why your system might ...
May 22, 2025•33 min
Send us a text Struggling to get your whole school on board with stronger math instruction? You’re not alone! In this episode, I’m sharing the framework I developed after seeing what actually works to transform school wide math culture — without burning out your teachers. In this episode, Mona dives into the SHAPE framework — a 5-part approach to building a consistent, student-centered math program across an entire school. You’ll learn: Why quick-fix PDs often fail to move the needle How to shif...
May 19, 2025•15 min
Send us a text Is your school choosing a new math curriculum? Before you dive into samples, demos, and committee meetings, listen in! I’m sharing the top three mistakes schools often make—and how you can avoid them to select a curriculum that truly supports students and teachers. 🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode, I (Mona!) dive into the nitty-gritty of math curriculum selection . You’ll learn: ✅ The #1 step most schools skip (and why it matters) ✅ How to balance content quality with usability...
May 12, 2025•14 min
Send us a text Ever feel like your students don't have number sense? In this episode, we’re unpacking number sense with our guest, Christina Tondevold. Let’s dig in—it’s about to get good. 🎙️ Episode Overview In this episode, Christina dives into Number Sense . You’ll learn: 🔑 Tips on Teaching Number Sense 🔑 Defining Number Sense 🔑 8 Ways to Add Number Sense to Your Classroom …so you can feel confident in teaching number sense to your students. Whether you’re a brand new teacher or a seasone...
May 08, 2025•44 min
Send us a text The Problem with “Yet” We’ve all said it: “They just can’t do it… yet.” But what if that tiny word is quietly lowering the bar? In this episode, Mona shares her 🔥hot take and breaks down why “yet” isn’t always as empowering as we think and how it can unintentionally mask low expectations. You’ll hear stories from Mona’s own classroom, what a visiting teacher helped her realize, and what to say (and do!) instead of leaning on “yet.” 💡 Perfect for teachers who believe in growth mi...
May 05, 2025•21 min
Send us a text Today’s episode is all about counting—but not just any kind of counting. We’re diving deep into how kids think about numbers, quantity, and patterns… and we’ve got the perfect guest to guide us. I’m thrilled to welcome Christopher Danielson to the show. If you’ve ever stumbled across Which One Doesn’t Belong or How Many? , you already know Christopher’s work gets students—and adults—thinking more deeply about math in ways that feel playful, thoughtful, and refreshingly human. We a...
Apr 28, 2025•34 min•Ep. 143
Send us a text Today, we’re diving into a tough but important topic: Why are we so afraid to give kids hard math problems? If we’re being honest, it can feel uncomfortable to watch students struggle. We want them to feel successful, and sometimes it's tempting to step in and help too soon. But when we rescue students from struggle, we rob them of the chance to build resilience and problem-solving skills. In this episode, we’ll talk about why hard problems are essential for deep learning, what ho...
Apr 21, 2025•18 min
Send us a text Today, we're talking about 5 quick math talk strategies that will spark math conversations and increase engagement! As math teachers, we often feel like we're talking at our students. As you know it is easy to fall into the cycle of telling students what to do and how to do it in math. But, deep down what we really want is more engagement. If we’re being honest with ourselves talking and telling our students doesn’t lead to more engagement. What we really want is to get our studen...
Apr 14, 2025•14 min•Ep. 141
Send us a text In today’s episode, we’re talking about comparison problems: what they are, why they’re tricky, and how we can help students build strategies to solve them. We’re gonna start today’s episode with a problem. Omar made 22 baskets during practice. He made 9 more baskets than Eli. How many baskets did Eli make? This is a comparison problem and there are 3 types of comparison problems we can use with students. And they are all hard! We are chatting about: Different types of comparison ...
Apr 07, 2025•18 min
Send us a text Imagine a student looking at you, frustrated, saying, 'I don’t get it.' It’s tempting to step in and rescue them, right? Today, we’re talking about productive struggle—why it’s a game-changer for math classrooms and how to make it happen without letting kids flounder. We are chatting about: What productive struggle is Why it's important to let students struggle in the math classroom How to foster productive struggle Links mentioned in this episode: 📘 Principles to Actions 📒 Word...
Mar 31, 2025•15 min•Ep. 139
Send us a text Welcome back to Math Chat! Today’s episode is all about how we can break free from the script and let our students lead. Today’s episode is going to require a shift in teacher mindset. So, if you are like me and a bit of a control freak, Type A if you will… then I’m talking to you. Letting go of control can actually help students learn more in math. I know it’s hard, but it is essential to day’s big idea. We are chatting about: What student-centered learning in math is Why this ap...
Mar 24, 2025•13 min•Ep. 138
Send us a text If you've ever seen the spark in a student's eyes when they really get the joy of solving a tough problem, you know what I mean when I say math can be joyful. It’s all about creating the right environment. Today, Pi day, we're serving up a slice of math joy by diving into how we can make problem-solving the most joyful part of our math classrooms. We are chatting about: What makes problem solving joyful Why use problem solving in math class How can we create joyful problem-solving...
Mar 14, 2025•12 min•Ep. 137
Send us a text How do we create classroom communities that includes and values each member's expertise? In this episode, I'm sharing my NCTM session with you on empowering learners through math discourse. We're chatting about: How to partner with our students in math discussions to leverage each student's insights Strategies for teachers to use to build a strong math culture that supports mathematical discourse 3 student stories and examples of strategies I used to empower them to engage in math...
Oct 28, 2024•25 min•Ep. 136
Send us a text How do we get students to show their reasoning in our math classroom community? On today's episode, I'm sharing about a simple way to build community & student confidence with a simple lesson plan straight from my favorite research based instructional practice... Word Problem Workshop ! We are chatting about: What is a math community & why it matters The elements of the lesson plan How each element builds an essential skill for our students' Social Emotional Development! L...
Oct 21, 2024•18 min•Ep. 135
