Step inside a vibrant kindergarten classroom where math transforms from confusion to clarity. In this immersive Tier 1 Interventions episode, we witness the power of silly songs, skip counting, and hands-on discovery as students unlock real pattern recognition through movement, storytelling, and structure. Discover how quick dots, the 120 chart, and square-building with blocks ignite both laughter and learning, proving that when we teach like the brain learns, mastery sticks. Whether you’re a te...
Jul 16, 2025•49 min•Season 2Ep. 37
In this hands-on episode, recorded live at our June Tier 1 Interventions event, Jonily shares a robust and adaptable math strategy using nothing more than a piece of paper and red and white counters. This deceptively simple game helps students across all grade levels—from first grade to Algebra—grasp deep mathematical thinking, including one-to-one correspondence and quadratic patterns. You’ll hear how: A low-prep game introduces linear vs. non-linear thinking Random grouping strategies increase...
Jul 02, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 36
In this electrifying episode recorded live at our June event, Jonily Zupancic dives deep into the misunderstood world of the “science of math.” Discover the powerful contrast between reading and math instruction, why counting—not computation—is the ultimate key to number sense, and how the brain's innate wiring for estimation and patterns reshapes what we call math achievement. Plus, a special segment with Cheri Dotterer introduces the Learning Disabilities Podcast Network and the deeper connect...
Jun 17, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 35
“3 Math Rules That Never Expire” series, Jonily Zupancic unpacks the timeless power of “Multiplication is Rectangle.” Discover how this one concept—taught with visual models, grid paper, and even scissors—transforms understanding from 1st grade to high school algebra. You’ll hear how multiplication connects to skip counting, area, and even factoring binomials like (x+2)(x+3)(x+2)(x+3)(x+2)(x+3). Whether you're teaching 7×8 or 27×18, you'll learn how to make math visual, conceptual, and unforgett...
Jun 03, 2025•17 min•Season 2Ep. 34
What happens when an occupational therapist and a math coach collide? In this segment, Cheri Dotterer introduces her long-time collaborator, Jonily Zupancic, a math coach and former teacher who brings deep insight into why math instruction often misses the mark for students with learning differences. Together, they explore the interconnectedness of reading, writing, and math—and how Tier 1 strategies can realign instruction to support all learners. Listeners will walk away with powerful insight ...
May 27, 2025•10 min•Season 2Ep. 33
In this powerful kickoff to the Math DysConnected Week , occupational therapist and learning interventionist Cheri Dotterer shares the deeply personal and professional journey that led her to become a national voice in the world of dysgraphia and math interventions. With over 30 years of experience in both adult rehab and school-based therapy, Cheri reflects on how seemingly disconnected learning challenges like dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and gifted reading profiles intersect in the classroom—and ...
May 20, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Is your student really drawing a 5x5 square—or just counting boxes? In this episode of the Tier 1 Interventions Workshop , we take a deep dive into grid paper misconceptions and why so many students—even in middle school—struggle with precision, tracing, and accurate visual-motor control. You’ll learn: Why grid paper is often too abstract too soon How to scaffold from geoboards to dot paper before expecting grid paper mastery Occupational therapy strategies for tracing, alignment, and ruler use ...
May 13, 2025•22 min•Season 2Ep. 31
What if your students could see math differently—literally? In this powerful chunk of our Tier 1 Interventions Geoboard Workshop, we dive deep into the concept of diagonals —how a simple shift from horizontal and vertical lines to diagonal ones transforms not only math instruction but also students' experiences of precision, measurement, and curiosity. Join Cheri Dotterer, Jonily Zupancic, and guests as they explore: The surprising complexity behind diagonal lines How diagonals connect to every ...
May 06, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 30
In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions , we delve into how a simple tool—the geo board—can yield surprising results for students who struggle with note-taking, handwriting, or traditional seated learning. Join Cheri, Jonily, and Natalie as they explore how vertical surfaces, flow state, and insights from occupational therapy are revolutionizing math classrooms. From "Teenage Tummy Time" to duct-taped binders turned into slant boards, this episode is full of strategies you can use tomorrow . 🔗 ...
Apr 29, 2025•14 min•Season 2Ep. 29
What do vestibular reflexes, math standards, and rubber bands have in common? In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, Cheri and Jonily unpack the unexpected power of the Geo Board. This tool blends occupational therapy and mathematics to close academic and non-academic gaps in the Tier 1 classroom. You’ll learn how the Geo Board supports shape sense, measurement, number fluency, and executive functioning, why precision versus accuracy matters, and what happens when kids struggle to switch from ...
Apr 22, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Part 4 of 4 In this episode, Cheri and Jonily discuss breaking down the essential concepts in mathematics that every student should master, the power of reference tasks, and strategies to individualize learning with less prep and stress for teachers. They also explore how functional skills intersect with math learning and how to make math accessible to all students without lowering rigor. We’ve separated this workshop into four parts. Look for all four episodes. *********************************...
Apr 15, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Part 3 of 4 In this episode, Cheri and Jonily discuss breaking down the essential concepts in mathematics that every student should master, the power of reference tasks, and strategies to individualize learning with less prep and stress for teachers. They also explore how functional skills intersect with math learning and how to make math accessible to all students without lowering rigor. We’ve separated this workshop into four parts. Look for all four episodes. *********************************...
Apr 09, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 26
Part 2 of 4 In this episode, Cheri and Jonily discuss breaking down the essential concepts in mathematics that every student should master, the power of reference tasks, and strategies to individualize learning with less prep and stress for teachers. They also explore how functional skills intersect with math learning and how to make math accessible to all students without lowering rigor. We’ve separated this workshop into four parts. Look for all four episodes. *********************************...
Apr 01, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 25
In this episode, Cheri and Jonily discuss breaking down the essential concepts in mathematics that every student should master, the power of reference tasks, and strategies to individualize learning with less prep and stress for teachers. They also explore how functional skills intersect with math learning and how to make math accessible to all students without lowering rigor. We’ve separated this workshop into four parts. Look for all four episodes. *********************************************...
Mar 25, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 24
In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions , Cheri Dotterer and co-host Jonily dive deep into the Candy Problem —a discussion that exposes the failures of traditional math instruction. Kirk and other passionate educators join this four-part series. They explore the neuroscience of learning, why manipulatives are crucial, and how math instruction must evolve. If you've ever wondered why so many students struggle with math or how we can make lasting changes, this episode is a must-listen! Sit back an...
Mar 18, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions , Cheri Dotterer and co-host Jonily dive deep into the Candy Problem —a discussion that exposes the failures of traditional math instruction. Kirk and other passionate educators join this four-part series. They explore the neuroscience of learning, why manipulatives are crucial, and how math instruction must evolve. If you've ever wondered why so many students struggle with math or how we can make lasting changes, this episode is a must-listen! Sit back an...
Mar 11, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 22
In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions , Cheri Dotterer and co-host Jonily dive deep into the Candy Problem —a discussion that exposes the failures of traditional math instruction. Kirk and other passionate educators join this four-part series. They explore the neuroscience of learning, why manipulatives are crucial, and how math instruction must evolve. If you've ever wondered why so many students struggle with math or how we can make lasting changes, this episode is a must-listen! Sit back an...
Mar 04, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions , Cheri Dotterer and co-host Jonily dive deep into the Candy Problem —a discussion that exposes the failures of traditional math instruction. Kirk and other passionate educators join this four-part series. They explore the neuroscience of learning, why manipulatives are crucial, and how math instruction must evolve. If you've ever wondered why so many students struggle with math or how we can make lasting changes, this episode is a must-listen! Sit back an...
Feb 25, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 20
In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions , Jonily Zupancic continues the conversation on Three Math Rules That Never Expire , focusing on Rule #2: Subtraction is Distance . Many students struggle with subtraction when taught only as "taking away." But what if we reframed it as measuring distance? Jonily explains how this approach builds number sense from preschool through high school, making subtraction intuitive and transferable across math concepts, including negative numbers, decimals, and abs...
Feb 18, 2025•18 min•Season 2Ep. 19
In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions , hosts Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic delve into the concept of the Staircase Problem , a reference task designed to enhance number sense through engagement and focus. This task fosters collaboration between teachers and occupational therapists within the classroom. It improves memory and retention of math concepts. Key Topics Covered: The importance of counting in developing number sense Implementing Staircase Math as an ongoing reference task Strate...
Feb 11, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 18
The Staircase Problem isn't just a math exercise—it’s a pathway to deep conceptual learning, executive function growth, and full classroom inclusion. Whether you're a math teacher, occupational therapist, or intervention specialist, understanding how to scaffold and differentiate this task can transform student engagement and success. .**************************************************************************** DisabilityLabs.com sponsors this video podcast. We are committed to IMPACT the journe...
Feb 04, 2025•21 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Are your students struggling to stay engaged in math class? Do you want to help them build lasting confidence and skills? The Tier 1 Interventions Podcast is here to guide you! This week, Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic unpack the Staircase task, a dynamic tool that: Enhances focus and engagement in the classroom. Builds foundational number sense through innovative counting strategies. Aligns with cognitive science principles like spaced repetition and interleaving. Bridges the gap between Ti...
Jan 28, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Expose all Math Standards in 15 days. 😯 Master them in 80 days! 😲 Cognitive Science of Mathematics will innovate your classroom. 🖨️ Part 2 of Teach Math that Sticks” Free Download https://disabilitylabs.com/f/teach-math-that-sticks 👀 View Part 1” https://youtu.be/LtM-YH-yV1o Join host Jonily Zupancic on the Tier 1 Interventions podcast as she navigates the heated debate surrounding the Science of Math. While traditional math instruction often contradicts the brain's natural learning processe...
Jan 21, 2025•22 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Explore this transformative professional development on the Cognitive Science of Mathematics. Download the “Teach Math That Sticks” handout from this event to learn more about this innovative model of mathematics. https://disabilitylabs.com/f/teach-math-that-sticks This episode unpacks strategies like interleaving, spaced repetition, and metacognitive feedback that align with how the brain learns best. Discover how these evidence-based approaches help students improve memory retention and master...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Dive into Part 2 of the Jesse & Kay series, where Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic explore how visuals, prompts, and strategic questions transform counting lessons into powerful learning experiences. Discover practical Tier 1 interventions to foster deep thinking, individualize instruction, and build lasting understanding in math classrooms. **************************************************************************** DisabilityLabs.com sponsors this video podcast. We are committed to IMPAC...
Dec 17, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Discover powerful insights in this episode of Tier 1 Interventions as we explore how visuals and counting can unlock student focus and engagement. Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic break down the Jesse and Kay problem, revealing strategies for developing executive functioning skills and creating inclusive, effective classrooms. Gain actionable tips to empower every learner, from early education to mature executive thinkers. Part 1 ****************************************************************...
Dec 10, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Hey teachers and occupational therapists: Watch Jonily and Cheri explore deep mathematical connections in a fun and engaging way. Don't miss out on this educational and entertaining content! Leverage thinking prompts to transform student engagement and traditional teaching methods using visual strategies for counting. **************************************************************************** DisabilityLabs.com sponsors this video podcast. We are committed to IMPACT the journey of 200K teachers...
Dec 03, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this Tier 1 Interventions podcast episode, Cheri shares the concept of "flow" as a transformative approach to classroom learning. By unpacking the neuroscience of brain waves, the importance of sleep, and responsive teaching methods, she and Jonily explore how educators can adapt their strategies to create engaging and effective lessons. The discussion also highlights practical techniques like brain interruption activities and strategies for embedding responsive teaching into your daily routi...
Nov 19, 2024•19 min•Season 2Ep. 10
What are the five basic concepts that need to be taught in mathematics? Check out this episode of Tier 1 Interventions to discover how Jonily expanded her research project to discover what the College Board states are the three most important concepts anyone taking calculus needs to know. How do you foster these skills through interactive tasks, fostering autonomy, and creating positive learning experiences? Teachers, occupational therapists, and parents alike will gain actionable insights to he...
Nov 12, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic explore the impact of emotions on student learning, especially in the math classroom. They dive into the concept of responsive teaching, emphasizing how learning is inherently emotional and why connecting with students on an emotional level is essential for their academic success. From sensory awareness to overcoming fear in learning, Cheri and Jonily share strategies to create a classroom environment that fosters positi...
Nov 05, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 8
