Making Math Moments That Matter

Kyle Pearce & Jon Orr
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Mar 27, 2023 • 40min

What Can I Do When My Students Are Grade Levels Behind?

In this Math Mentoring Moment episode we speak with a high school teacher who is in her second year of teaching. Teaching statistics and algebra 2, this educator became accustomed to teaching students who have come to class already motivated to learn mathematics. Now, she’s struggling to reach students working below grade level in a Remedial Math course. Stick around and you’ll hear us dig deep on what’s really going on in her classroom and what small changes she can make so students start saying “I got this” instead of “I don’t understand this at all”. 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: How we can use varying approaches to help students when they say “I don’t understand anything”;What to focus on first when it seems kids aren’t “getting it”; and, How do we help students work along a concept continuum so they can make the gains they need.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.
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Mar 20, 2023 • 1h 2min

How Building a Thinking Classroom Can Make Math Moments

How can we build thinking classrooms to create memorable math moments? In this special episode we share our opening session of the 2022 Make Math Moments Virtual Summit.Join Kyle, Jon, and Peter Liljedahl as they unpack how elements of a Thinking Classroom are entwined in the Make Math Moments 3-Part Framework. You’ll Learn: How to structure your lessons so they are engaging and encourage student thinking;What classroom structures can you put together to make every moment in your classroom matter;What are key questions you can ask students to gain the most insight into their thinking. Resources: Make Math Moments Virtual SummitTake 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.
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Mar 13, 2023 • 46min

Kids Are Different Now (…And What to Do About It)

Do you feel that students are “different” compared to past years? Has it been a struggle to gain student attention and strengthen their work ethic? Are some of the behaviours you’re experiencing amplified? In this episode Kyle and Jon discuss their interpretation of the differences teachers are experiencing in their students and how you can use those differences to create a stronger mathematics program. Stick around and you’ll learn how to strengthen and align your classroom norms / rules so that students will flourish. Classroom Pillars are one (1) of the six (6) areas of every strong mathematics program. You’ll Learn: Why students may seem different now than in past years; What you can do in your classroom to align students to common goals;How to create your classroom pillars and why you need them; and, How to help key stakeholders understand your classroom values. Resources: Growing SuccessTake 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.
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Mar 6, 2023 • 51min

Strengthening Your Math Team - A Math Mentoring Moment

In this episode we casually chat with middle school math teacher and department chair Shawn Hershey. Shawn recently took our Make Math Moments District Assessment and received his customized report and improvement plan and he’s here to chat with us about optimizing the math program at his school.  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: What to focus on first when helping your your fellow teachers shift their pedagogy; How can I use small goals to achieve large goals in the classroom; How the 6 parts of an effective math program support each other; and, How we can decide what pedagogical strategies are most important right now for our teams. Resources: Shawn is one of the founding members of the Make Math Moments AcademyMake Math Moments 3-Part FrameworkMake Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: Get Your Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.Are you a 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.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.
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Feb 27, 2023 • 46min

Where Math Programs Flourish and Where They Need Support

In this episode we dig into some of the results from over 100 district leaders across over 100 institutions around the world who have already jumped on the opportunity to take our 12-minute Mathematics Program Assessment Tool to learn not only where their system wide mathematics programs are flourishing, but also where those programs are met with speed bumps along the way. While some of the results from our assessment were not surprising, others definitely were and the mentorship calls we’ve had with over 25 different district leaders from around the world highlight that many of these struggles are not unique to any one school, district or jurisdiction. What are the bright spots we’re seeing across over 100 mathematics programs and what are the common hiccups along the way? Listen in to find out…You’ll Learn: Which areas are mathematics programs doing well; Which areas are mathematics programs struggling in the most; How you and your leadership team can identify the areas to improve in your school district to strengthen your school/district math program; and,What area you should focus on next to obtain the desired results you are after. Resources: The Impact of Identity in K-8 Mathematics: Rethinking Equity-Based Practices [Book]Measure What Matters - John Doerr [Book]Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom & 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? 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.
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Feb 20, 2023 • 38min

Celebrating Black Voices From The Math Moment Maker Community

In this compilation episode of the podcast in honour of Black History Month, Kyle & Jon highlight conversations from six educators of colour that have had a significant impact on their pedagogical practices as they continue their journey to craft a more culturally responsive classroom experience for all students. You’ll hear Beatrice Moore Luchin speak about creating a culturally relevant and culturally responsive approach to teaching m athematics, Marilyn Strutchens’ approach to teaching tasks with multiple entry points; you’ll hear about the importance of learning goals from Dr. Ayanna Perry; why kindergarten math matters from Isis Spann; Dr. Nikki Newton shares insights and practical lessons on why counting is more than just 1,2,3; Pamela Seda shares key insights from her book Choosing To See; and Tashana Howse shares how to provide equitable support to students. You’ll get some key ideas from Summit Sessions and past interviews that focus in on:How to create a culturally relevant and culturally responsive approach to mathematics instruction;How to create, find and use tasks with multiple entry-points;What a learning goal is and how you can write intentional learning goals for your students;Why Kindergarten math matters along with the strategies, tools and resources that will prepare your students for success;Why counting is more than 1, 2, 3 by learning about the complexity of the counting trajectory;How you can use a framework to build an equitable mathematics community; and,Equitable teaching practices and how you can implement them in your classroom daily.Resources: Episode #140: Math Is As Important As Reading - An Interview With Isis SpannEpisode #62: Learning Trajectories & Running Records: An Interview with Dr. Nicki Newton  Episode #207: Choosing To See: An Interview with Pamela SedaEpisode #183: Ensuring Equitable Supports for Students – An Interview with Tashana HowseBeatrice Moore Luchin’s Summit Session on 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.
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Feb 13, 2023 • 56min

Helping Kids With Financial Literacy [Invested Teacher Podcast]

In this episode Jon and Kyle share an episode of their newest podcast Invested Teacher so you can help your students think about money. They bring on their co-host Matt Biggley to help you help your kids think about, earn, and use money that will put them on a pathway to build their own wealth. Let’s unpack common mindsets about earning and spending money, practical systems to help your kids understand the power of compound interest through routine activities, and what lessons can be helpful to emerge the big ideas around what Einstein refers to as “The 8th Wonder of the World.”What you’ll learn: How to help your kids think about money and their financial future; Why teaching kids about compound interest early in their life can have profound effects on their financial futures; and, How to help kids view earning and spending money through an opportunity cost lens. ,Resources: Subscribe to the Invested Teacher PodcastYou’re A Badass At Making Money [Book]Wheat and Chessboard ProblemPenny a Day Problem Based Math LessonDig into the Invested Teacher SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW GIVEAWAY Download our Wealth Building BlueprintThe Invested Teacher Wealth Building BooklistInterested in Partnership Opportunities?For those interested in potential Joint Venture (JV) Partnerships, reach out to us here.Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!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.
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Feb 6, 2023 • 47min

How to Strengthen the Home-School Math Relationship - A Math Mentoring Moment

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: @lennyvermaasLenny’s Bitly PageDistrict 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.
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Jan 30, 2023 • 55min

What Standard Should We Focus On Most? - A Math Mentoring Moment

TL is a 3rd / 4th grade educator from Grove City Pennsylvania. We welcome TL joined us back on Episode 198: Assessing Multiplication Facts. Back then we chatted all about math fact strategies and how we can use assessments to promote growth. TL joins us now to fill us in on her continued growth around developing math fact strategies and she also shares her carefully designed math blocks where she’s available to work in small groups. Stick around and you’ll hear her current pebble in her shoe: What standards should she focus on to get the “best bang for her buck”?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 problem strings can give you a wealth of assessment data on your students;How can I structure my intervention time so students grow? How do we identify which standards are the most important to focus on? How can I use data to differentiate a learning path for my students?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.
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Jan 23, 2023 • 53min

What Should “Count” With Standards Based Grading? - A Math Mentoring Moment

Guillaume Paré, a high school math teacher, discusses shifting focus from grades to growth in assessment. Topics include impact of evaluation practices on student perceptions, importance of feedback over grades, handling mistakes in standards-based grading, and assessing areas outside course standards.

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