Send us a text Are your students thinking deeply about math concepts? Today we are talking about having research-based instructional strategies for math to create student-centered classrooms. We are chatting about: Why research based instruction matters The research Word Problem Workshop is based on How you can have peace of mind knowing that the strategies and routines you are using in your classroom are based on research You might also like: 5 Steps to a Student Centered Math Class Children’s ...
Oct 14, 2024•14 min•Ep. 134
Send us a text What math intervention curriculums actually work? This is one of the questions I get asked the most and today I'm excited to chat about all things math interventions with my friend, Juliana! We're chatting about: Having high expectations of our students The important piece math intervention curriculums miss Just in time approaches to math interventions Other links: 8 Ways to Build Math Classroom Community 90: Math Trauma and What to Do About It 49: 3 Expectations & "Just in Ti...
Oct 07, 2024•31 min•Ep. 133
Send us a text Do math grades stress you out? If you are needing to get some grades in the grade book for progress reports, this episode will help you figure out what to grade, when to grade, and how to grade in math. In this episode, we are chatting about: Separating student behaviors and their academic achievement for math grades Formative assessments for math grades Unit tests or summative assessments for math grades You might also like: 128: What are the 5 Strands of Math Proficiency? 101: M...
Sep 30, 2024•13 min•Ep. 132
Send us a text Do you use counting collections in your classroom? I have the expert you need to hear from on the show today! Kathy shares practical tips to start using counting collections, helpful routines for counting collections, and how to use counting collections to differentiate our math instruction. You will feel empowered to start using counting collections or to use them in new ways after listening to this episode! In this episode we will chat about: What counting collections are and ho...
Sep 23, 2024•27 min
Send us a text What does it take to build a math community? On this episode, we're talking about 3 things I don’t want you to miss in math class to help you forge a community of mathematicians that work together to problem solve through discussing their thinking, taking risks, and learning through mistakes. We are chatting about: Creating entrance routines Having discussion structures Making room for kids to explain their math thinking Links mentioned in this episode: 8 Ways to Build Math Classr...
Sep 16, 2024•18 min•Ep. 130
Send us a text You’re starting the school year and it’s time to set the bar high. Let’s talk about how you can get every child engaged now so that they stay engaged all year. In this episode, I'm sharing 3 ideas to get every student engaged in math class. We are chatting about: Community building experiences that build trust, relationships, mindsets, and norms Expectations and how to communicate them and provide accountability The importance of feedback and how it can be used for teachers AND st...
Sep 09, 2024•11 min•Ep. 129
Send us a text What does it actually look like for our students to be proficient in math? In this episode, we are talking about the 5 strands of math proficiency and breaking each of them down so we can design our math instruction to help students build their math proficiency in all 5 areas. We are chatting about: Conceptual understanding Procedural fluency Strategic competence Adaptive reasoning Productive disposition Are you wondering What is Math Proficiency? What are the 5 Strands of Math Pr...
Sep 02, 2024•30 min•Ep. 128
Send us a text Are you thinking through your classroom management strategies for the new school year? I have the expert you need to hear from on the show today! Jenna shares practical tips so that you can feel confident in your classroom management. You will feel empowered to build strong classroom routines and relationships with your students after listening to this episode. In this episode we will chat about: How to build a strong classroom community (and Jenna's secret sauce!) Practical tips ...
Aug 26, 2024•35 min•Ep. 127
Send us a text Have you been thinking about how to establish clear expectations and a strong foundation for classroom management this school year? I’m not a big fan of rules… and this rule is the best rule. On today's episode, I'm telling you about the only rule you need and how to use it. We're chatting about: The one classroom rule that changed the game for me Setting clear boundaries while preserving students' dignity in rule making How this rule is equitable, responsive, and provides ownersh...
Aug 19, 2024•13 min•Ep. 126
Send us a text Are you thinking about planning out your school year? On this episode, we’re going to talk about how to plan for your year that includes more than just your scope and sequence. We chat about these 3 planning mistakes and what to do instead: Focusing on the wrong content Misunderstanding "rigor" Leaving conceptual understanding till the end once kids “get the procedures” Links mentioned in the episode: Planning for a Year of Math ($27 PD) Major math work for each grade level (achie...
Aug 12, 2024•13 min•Ep. 125
Send us a text Are you looking for a way to support your students in building problem solving skills, a deep understanding of math and a positive math mindset? In this episode, we are talking about Word Problem Workshop - my step-by-step plan for teaching problem solving in a student-centered way. We are chatting about: Moving from the WHAT to the HOW in math Using research to make shifts in how we plan, think about, and facilitate math How Word Problem Workshop is a student-led approach to expl...
Aug 05, 2024•11 min•Ep. 124
Send us a text Do you struggle with not having the time to create every math task yourself but knowing that what your curriculum has to offer just isn’t enough? Take a deep breath, this episode is for you! We are diving into: The pros and cons of math curriculums The pros and cons of teacher created lessons My recommendation for how to spend the bulk of your time during math planning Links mentioned in this episode: My interview with The Kindergarten Cafe podcast on getting new curriculum Year o...
Jul 29, 2024•12 min•Ep. 123
Send us a text What are schoolwide math norms and why are they important? In this episode, we’re breaking down schoolwide math norms because they are a problem or nonexistent in almost EVERY school. We are chatting about: Why every school should have schoolwide math norms Examples of math norms How we establish and USE these norms for math Links mentioned in this episode: The Math Pact 8 Ways to Build Math Classroom Community 109: New Math: How to Get Everyone on Board Have Questions? 📱 My DMs ...
Jul 22, 2024•11 min•Ep. 122
Send us a text What is student-centered learning and why should we use it in math? A student-centered math classroom has students doing the work – the thinking, doing, exploring, figuring out. The teacher is the guide on the side in that exploration and sense making. In this episode, we're chatting about: What student-centered learning is NOT ( hint: out of control or easier for kids ) The students' role in student-centered math The teacher’s role in a student-centered classroom How to plan and ...
Jul 15, 2024•19 min•Ep. 121
Send us a text Are you looking for a math coach or to grow as a math teacher? In this episode, we are talking about resources for teachers to use to grow their skills and knowledge (in case you are looking for summer learning opportunities!) We're chatting about: Setting our own goals as a teacher My favorite resources and PD for teaching math What to do if you don't have the funding to pay for PD Links mentioned in this episode: Empowering Math Discussions (This course is part 2 of Word Problem...
Jul 08, 2024•12 min•Ep. 120
Send us a text Math teacher friend, you are powerful. I’m here to remind you of the 6 best teacher moves you can make in the math classroom in this upcoming school year! This episode will empower you to see your math teaching for what it truly is... ambitious. We are covering 6 ways you can make the most impact in your math classroom. We are talking about: Practical steps to empower your students in math The essence of what makes a great math class How to create a system to apply these power mov...
Jul 01, 2024•13 min•Ep. 119
Send us a text Does the gradual release model belong in math class? In this episode, I'm going to argue that we do the opposite of the "I Do, We Do, You Do" instructional approach in math. Instead, I am going to walk you through teaching practices I've used to create equitable, student-centered math classes that empower students to BE mathematicians. We are talking about: What the GRR model is The math research says How to flip the GRR model (independent work ➡️ providing support as students rem...
Jun 24, 2024•19 min
Send us a text Are you a math coach or looking to step into a coaching role? If so, learning from other math coaches is a great way to build your skills as a coach. In this episode, I'm interviewing one of the greatest math coaches, Nicora Placa, on her approach to collaborative math coaching, creating learning environments for teachers to hone their craft, and her book filled with tools and practical tips for math coaches. We are chatting about: What collaborative coaching is Nicora's 6 tools f...
Jun 17, 2024•39 min•Ep. 117
Send us a text Do you have students who struggle to access word problems in math? The truth is our students struggle to get started on word problems because they don’t have access. This episode breaks down what access to word problems is and simple ways we can help our students get started with a three-step routine. We are talking about: What a launch routine is The steps in a launch routine How to tailor the launch routine to meet your students' needs Links mentioned in this episode: Launch: Wo...
Jun 10, 2024•11 min•Ep. 116
Send us a text Are you looking to create a math classroom that allows students to lead even as visitors come in? In this episode, we are talking about my rules for others as they enter my classroom. These rules allow my students to have the opportunity to lead the thinking and doing of math without being rescued too soon by an on-looker. We're talking about: How a student-centered classroom looks in math Why and how students should lead in a math classroom The 3 rules I have for people entering ...
Jun 03, 2024•11 min•Ep. 115
Send us a text Are you looking for practical ideas for teaching Black history in your classroom? I have the perfect interview for you about how to incorporate past and present Black history into your classroom from a teacher who truly understands the classroom perspective. This episode is about teaching Black history year around, not only during Black History Month and practical, simple ways to incorporate it in your classroom. In this episode we'll chat about: The purpose of Black History Month...
May 27, 2024•38 min•Ep. 114
Send us a text What questions do you need to ask during math? And no, you don't need a long list of questions to have great math discussions in your classroom. This episode is about simplifying the questions you ask during math and listening to student responses to gauge their level of understanding. We are talking about: 3 simple questions to ask students Student examples How asking questions can help our students think deeply about math Links mentioned in this episode: Word Problem Workshop Gu...
May 20, 2024•11 min•Ep. 113
Send us a text Do you want to do LESS as a teacher? This episode is about how doing less as a teacher can help our students to do more - while using our time to make the biggest impact possible. We are chatting about: How talking less will give students more time to talk When you do less (like giving less problems) students can focus on thinking deeply about one or two problems Supporting students less allows students to build skills to productively struggle and be empowered to see what they CAN...
May 13, 2024•11 min•Ep. 112
Send us a text Have you ever had a math conference with a student when you ask them to describe their thinking and you are met with a blank stare? This episode is about effective math conferences during grapple time. We need a plan for our math conferences and I'm sharing 5 simple steps to make your math conferences productive and empowering for students! In this episode we will chat about: 5 ways to get students talking and participating in math conferences Simple phrases to prompt students to ...
May 06, 2024•13 min•Ep. 111
Send us a text Are you a primary teacher implementing Building Thinking Classrooms? I have the expert you want to know on the show today!! Maegan Giroux is the co-author of the about-to-release Building Thinking Classroom Tasks book for elementary! Even if you haven't started implementing Building Thinking Classrooms, Maegan is a dream to know! She is passionate about helping students become mathematicians through sense making and thinking. You will feel empowered to get your students thinking a...
Apr 29, 2024•46 min•Ep. 110
Send us a text Do you hear people talking about "New Math," but you're at a loss for how to convince them it's not so bad? This episode is about getting your school community on board with "New Math." It's good for kids, so we've all got to give it our best shot. In this episode we will chat about: How School culture plays a role in New Math The approach to take when trying something new Questions to ask to shift your math culture Other episodes you might like: Learning Labs (Episode 42) Teacher...
Apr 22, 2024•10 min•Ep. 109
Send us a text Standardized Test Stress is REAL. Today we're chatting about 3 ideas you can implement now to reduce standardized test stress. In this episode we will chat about: Our goals for standardized tests 3 ways to empower students easy to implement ideas to use in the classroom now Links Mentioned: MonaMath.com/TestPrep Have Questions? 📱 My DMs on IG are always open @hellomonamath 📒 Word Problem Workshop BOOK coming later this year! Create a classroom of problem solvers with this 5 step...
Apr 15, 2024•11 min•Ep. 108
Send us a text There is no point in having a math discussion if students aren’t listening to each other. It is a pointless, waste of time. You’re probably like dang, Mona, that’s harsh. And it is. But I don’t want you wasting your time if it’s not paying off. You don’t have extra time. I know that and I want whatever you’re doing to be well worth your time. I will say that math discussions are the best way to ensure students are able to communicate their thinking and deeply engage in complex mat...
Apr 08, 2024•11 min
Send us a text Are you an upper grade teacher that is struggling to help your students engage with math meaningfully and build an understanding of math concepts?? Things like multiplying or dividing fractions. If so, this is the podcast episode for you! Even if you aren't struggling, you will love my chat with Brittany who is the teacher behind Mix and Math. She is passionate about helping teachers grow their understanding of the math concepts they teach. You will feel empowered after you listen...
Apr 01, 2024•41 min
Send us a text Teacher professional learning is something I am passionate about and I bet you are too. As a teacher, professional learning is part of who you are, a life long learner. So, when presented with professional learning opportunities and coaching I bet you have opinions. On today’s episode we’re going to dive into what it looks like to develop as a math educator in the context of professional learning and coaching in the math classroom. In this episode we will chat about: myths and tru...
Mar 25, 2024•18 min•Ep. 105
