Episode description
Episode description
We speak with Lenny VerMaas from Lincoln Nebraska. Lenny joined us on episode 159 to chat all about not ditching your lesson model; reverse it.
Lenny has spent 28 years as a middle and high school classroom teacher followed by an additional 16 years working to support math teachers and he’s here to work out some pebbles in his shoe around helping parents get on board with making math moments in our classrooms.
This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them.
You’ll Learn:
- How we can help parents understand how teachers are helping students to understand math, rather than teaching students to mimic procedures;
- How can we help parents experience joy, wonder, and beauty of math;
- Ways you can help parents help their children with math;
- The importance of allowing students “productive struggle” instead of jumping in and providing a solution;
- Why the “hand trick with multiplying by 9” works; and,
- Why having students share their successes with their parents will strengthen parent-math relationships.
Resources:
Find Lenny on Twitter: @lennyvermaas
District Math Leaders:
How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge?
What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support?
Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning.
Book a short conversation with our team now.
Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.
Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.
Take the assessment
Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.