Making Math Moments That Matter

In our recent podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Jonathan Lind again. Jonathan is an experienced high school math teacher currently teaching at an American school in Qatar. Jonathan shared invaluable insights and practical strategies on how he transformed his assessment practices in his math class, leading to remarkable outcomes for his students.During our conversation, Jonathan delved into the following key ideas:Shifting from labeling students to using assessment for growth;Time-saving curriculum coverage with standards-based grading;Promoting student success through growth and proficiency days;Assessing Polya problem-solving techniques effectively;Designing a grading system to inspire student achievement;This is a Math Moment Maker Reflection episode where we talk with a member of our fantastic community who is working hard to continue reflecting and refining their practice to Make Math Moments with more students in their math classroom.You’ll Learn: How shifting from using assessments to label students to using assessment for growth can be a game changer in math class;How using standards based grading can save you time when trying to cover your curriculum; Why growth and proficiency days and smaller, but more frequent assessments can help more students achieve at higher levels in your math class;How the Polya problem solving model should be used and assessed in a math class;How to design your grading system to inspire students to achieve the fullest potential;Resources: Assessment For Growth [Course]Make Math Moments Problem-Based LessonsLearn more about Jon Lind at https://LindJonath.com Find him on Twitter @LindJonathAre you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with our team!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 assessmentAre 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.

In this episode, we hop on a call with Andrea; a middle school mathematics educator and Texas native now living and teaching in Germany. Andrea joins us with a pebble she is dealing with regarding the connectedness of the content (or lack thereof) she is feeling with certain topics at the end of the unit. She even goes as far as to describe this issue with some topics as having all of the sprinkles throughout the unit to engage students and help them achieve, but no real “cupcake” by the end. 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 negative experiences stick with us longer than positive ones and some ideas on how to ensure we aren’t accidentally creating them for our students;The importance of student ownership of their learning through authentic work; Why some concepts seem to lend themselves more to authentic work that students take ownership of while others don’t; and,What we can do when we feel that something isn’t connected by the end of a unit of study.Resources: Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict 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 assessmentAre 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.

In this episode we chat with Jake Hickson, the System Math Lead for the Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch of the Ministry of Education here in Ontario, Canada. Jake and his colleagues service students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/low-vision as well as students who have one or more identified learning disabilities.We chat with Jake about the challenges he faces as a district mathematics leader who is mentoring educators across three (3) buildings that span great distances. While Jake has access to some built-in professional learning structures, the amount of time and delivery format is certainly less than he would like in order to engage in effective mathematics professional development. Stick around and listen in as we help Jake shake his district leader pebble out of his shoe!This is a Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a Math Moment Maker, just like you and guide them to some next steps in pushing their classroom or district leader practice forward.You’ll Learn: Why teaching using only “naked” problems is a problem;The role of strategies and mathematical models are necessary for students with and without learning challenges to build conceptual understanding;How to teach using “gourmet” pizza instead of serving up frozen pizzas each and every day; and, How mathematics leaders can still take steps forward in promoting professional development regardless of the logistical constraints that are working against you.Resources: Explore over 60+ Math Classroom Units on Make Math Moments  Learn how to run a 3 Act Math Task EffectivelyTake the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions]Get a 6-Step Plan For Growing Your Math Classroom by joining the Make Math Moments Academy Free for 30 DaysDistrict Leader Resources:Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About OuLove 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 assessmentAre 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.

In this Math Mentoring Moment episode we speak with a year 1 (first grade) teacher Sierra Classen in her second year of teaching from Melbourne, Australia. Listen in as we work through this common struggle we have all faced – either currently or in the past – related to students hyper focusing on answer getting over process.This is another Math Mentoring Moment Episode where we speak with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community where together we brainstorm strategies and next steps for teachers to overcome pebbles they have in their shoe by growing all six parts of their Mathematics Program.You’ll Learn: Strategies to help your students re-think the purpose of math class. How games can shape math lessonsWhy number talks are great culture buildersCharacteristics of effective math instructionTwo Types of questions you should avoid answering Resources: Characteristics of Effective Teaching of MathematicsPeter Lilejedahl’s websiteEpisode #11: Play Is The Engine Of Learning: An Interview with Dan Finkel TangramsRush hour (game)Spiralgraph SetTake the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions]Join the Academy - Free for 30 DaysDistrict Leader Resources:Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement ProgramAre you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us!Other Useful Resources and Supports: 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 assessmentAre 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.

Steve is a Mathematics Specialist and Vice Principal of Academics in his school from the Seattle, Washington area. Join us as we learn about Steve and the work he and his colleagues have been engaging in to improve the overall teaching and learning process of mathematics in their building.  While Steve shares that his team is “all-in” and “pulling the same wagon” we are pulling over here at Make Math Moments, they know that there is always a pebble kicking around in that shoe that needs a good shake-out.Stick around and we’ll hear about some of the current pebbles including how to “cover it all” when we are trying so hard to integrate mathematics teaching practices that we know are so important to build mathematically proficient students.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 to build a culture of learning in mathematics at your school/district;Strategies to ensure that we still “cover” the standards while engaging in effective teaching practices;Why everyone needs a coach to keep pushing and learning; and,How you might push your mathematics program to the next step along your journey.Resources: Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict 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 assessmentAre 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.

This week we speak with Giovanni Patalano, a high school mathematics teacher leader from California. Giovanni is striving to continue pushing mathematics teaching practice in his school and across the district, but feels like they’ve hit a rut in the road.  How can Giovanni assist his own school team of mathematics teachers continue making progress while also trying to help an overworked and understaffed district leadership team to continue making productive moves in the right direction? This is another Math Mentoring Moment Episode where we speak with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community where together we brainstorm strategies and next steps for teachers to overcome pebbles they have in their shoe by growing all six parts of their Mathematics Program.You’ll Learn: How can a school level teacher leader help to influence the direction of district wide initiatives when there may be too many priorities and not enough support?What PD structures can a teacher implement when on their own to plan and facilitate productive learning sessions?How can a teacher leader positively influence their peers and supervisors without stepping on toes?How can we focus both on the big picture for district wide goals, while leaving space for different schools to dig into different parts of their mathematics program tree?Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions]Join the Academy - Free for 30 DaysDistrict Leader Resources:Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement ProgramAre you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us!Other Useful Resources and Supports: Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article]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 assessmentAre 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.

Teaching mathematics in school is complex and often misunderstood.This paper titled Why Are Learning And Teaching Mathematics So Difficult by Alan H. Schoenfeld does a great job shedding some light on why this is the case.He argues that teaching and learning math is complex because of these three (3) big ideas:Thinking Mathematically – What does it mean to do mathematics?The Learning Environment – Structuring classroom experiences to allow students to think mathematically.Cultural Surround – How surroundings help or deter students from experiencing mathematical thinking.In this episode we’ll help shed some light here on the first of those three (3) big ideas: Thinking Mathematically. elements connected to Schonfeld’s first big idea - thinking mathematically - and how you can successfully integrate them into your program without adding more stress and time to your already jam-packed work load. You’ll Learn: Why teaching and learning math is difficult; Techniques you can implement to make the teaching of math less difficult for you and your students;What you should focus on most in the classroom with students; and,How to strike a balance between the specific content standards you have to teach and ensuring your students are thinking mathematically.Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions]Join the Academy - Free for 30 DaysDistrict Leader Resources:Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement ProgramAre you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your 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 assessmentAre 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.

We dug into some survey data around why teachers are limiting their PD experiences or completing opting out and the results are kind of shocking. Stick around and you’ll hear why teachers are opting out of math PD and what we can do to help these fellow educators. You’ll Learn: Why are teachers feeling overwhelmed this year?Why some district PD programs are great for their educators and why some need an overhaul;How can you ensure you are meeting your math PD goals for the year; and, How a district’s PD goals can align with its teacher’s goals. Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions]Join the Academy - Free for 30 DaysDistrict Leader Resources:Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement ProgramAre you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us!Other Useful Resources and Supports: Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article]Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & UnitsLove 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 assessmentAre 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.

This week we speak with Rose Piso, an elementary interventionist teacher from Seneca Valley. Rose is dedicated to helping her students feel confident, accomplished, and proud. Rose also knows that there are topics and strands that we teachers should spend more time developing conceptually with our students rather than simply showing students an algorithm and moving on. How can Rose help the teachers she works alongside with recognizing the importance of teaching developmentally? What strategies and structures can she put in place to strengthen her whole school’s math program? Stick around and find out. This is another Math Mentoring Moment Episode where we speak with a member of the math moment maker community where together we brainstorm strategies and next steps for teachers to overcome pebbles they have in their shoe. You’ll Learn: What PD structures can a teacher implement without the support of administration?How can a teacher influence their peers without stepping on toes?What are the most important big ideas to focus on when teaching mathematics?Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions]Join the Academy - Free for 30 DaysDistrict Leader Resources:Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement ProgramAre you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us!Other Useful Resources and Supports: Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article]Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & UnitsLove 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 assessmentAre 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.

Maybe you’ve recently come across the idea of a Dan Meyer-style 3 Act Math Task and you’re intrigued to give one a shot with hopes to engage your students and help better understand the mathematics you’re teaching. Or, maybe you’ve used 3 Act Math Tasks and use them as a regular routine in your mathematics program. While there are many mathematics teachers out there who love a great 3 Act Math Task, the reality is that there are many more educators out there who have given one a shot and decided to move on and not look back. What gives?In this episode, Kyle and Jon discuss why many math teachers leveraging 3 Act Math Tasks in their mathematics programs do not observe an actual increase in student achievement when compared to their pre-3 Act Math Task days.Stick around and you’ll learn how to strengthen how you utilize your classroom resources so that students will flourish. In today’s episode, we’ll be digging into the “leaves” which are one (1) of the six (6) areas of every strong mathematics program. You’ll Learn: Why 3 act math tasks haven’t been working (for you);What you need to consider when evaluating resources you find online and at conferences;What changes can you make to your lessons and resources to see improved engagement and deep learning with your students; and, Where you can find lessons, units, activities that compliment the values you have for your math classroom. Resources: Explore over 60+ Math Classroom Units on Make Math Moments  Learn how to run a 3 Act Math Task EffectivelyR2D2 Sticky Notes 3 Act Math TaskMath Is Visual Number Talk PromptsTake the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions]Get a 6-Step Plan For Growing Your Math Classroom by joining the Make Math Moments Academy Free for 30 DaysDistrict Leader Resources:Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment ToolLove 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 assessmentAre 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.