Making Math Moments That Matter

In this Math Mentoring Moment Episode, we speak with Jeremy Sarzana, a high school math teacher at a Vocational High School in Boston, Massachusetts. Jeremy has been putting all kinds of great pedagogical practices into play including students working in randomized groups to engage in problem based lessons and is having success. However, when it comes time to consolidate the lesson, the student participation quickly fades.This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through problems of practice and together we brainstorm possible next steps and strategies to overcome them. You’ll Learn: How can we consolidate the big idea in our math class so that students are engaged; How to be flexible in your lessons so students feel heard; What is really important when monitoring, selecting, and sequencing; Resources: Building Thinking Classrooms [Book]Make Math Moments Problem-Based LessonsThe Five Practices For Orchestrating Productive Mathematical Discussions. [Book]Are 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!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.

Today we speak with University Professor, author and former Making Math Moments That Matter Online Workshop participant, Elana Reise. Elana joins us today to chat about how we can leverage curiosity to engage students in solving abstract mathematics - in particular, mathematical proofs! Join us for a great conversation with Elana where we discuss her initial hesitation to get into mathematics education and where it has taken her to advocate for the inclusion of a course on mathematical proofs which has now grown to be a compulsory credit for all math students!You’ll Learn: How to modify abstract math topics (like proofs) to become more curious and engaging; What you can do to teach your students about productive struggle; and, How to build and use a problem solving framework to help your students become more resilient. Resources: How to think like a mathematician by Sara VanderWerfPennies and Paperclips - Steven Strogatz on YouCubed.orgThe Science of Learning Mathematical Proofs - Elana ReiserThe Thinking Classroom - Peter Liljedahl Scienceofproofs.comLove 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.

Today we speak with Sarah Stecher from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Sarah has experience teaching courses from Geometry all the way through to AP Calculus in the most diverse public high school in Michigan. She is now the chief lesson designer at Math Medic, a website that provides free lesson plans for teachers, covering the entire high school math curriculum.The discussion today will focus around the teaching model developed for Math Medic -- Experience First, Formalize Later (or EFFL for short!). In this teaching model, students interact in small groups on an activity before the teachers formalize the learning with a whole group discussion. Sarah has found that this teaching model promotes curiosity and engagement, opens up access to a wider variety of students, and produces confident learners  capable of flexible thinking.You’ll Learn: What is the Experience First, Formalize Later (EFFL) way of teaching and learning?How to promote curiosity in your classroom, foster positive collaborative discussions, and create learners capable of flexible thinking. Free resources to start teaching with this model. Resources: Why teach using Experience First, Formalize Later?www.mathmedic.comwww.statsmedic.comwww.calc-medic.comHow to Debrief an EFFL LessonRedefining What it Means to be Good at MathLove 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’re eager to dive into a discussion about the beginning of each and every math class… you got it: Warm-Ups! Stick around and you’ll hear how the Math Moment Maker Community defines and implements warm-ups, why different approaches to implementing warm-ups can be helpful and how you can be a little more choosy with your next math class warm-up in this jam packed episode.You’ll learn: What I should be thinking about when I’m picking or considering using a warm-up;Why every lesson doesn’t necessarily need a warm-up; How a poorly chosen warm-up activity can derail your lesson; and,Why intentionality is key to ensuring you maximize the effectiveness of your warm-up and the remainder of your lesson.Resources: Episode 157: The Real Flipped ClassroomEstimation180.comVisualpatterns.orgMathisvisual.comWodb.caWouldyourathermath.comHow To Start A Math FightMake Math Moments Framework [Blog Article]How To Transform Your Textbook Into A Curiosity Machine [Free Video Course] Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units 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 “where are they now” episode, we speak with Caitlyn Sloan, a high school math teacher from Georgia is back to update us on how she has managed since sharing struggles to bring a problem based approach to her support students.After sharing the changes she’s made in her approach, we then dig into her most recent focus for her math classroom: communication. How can we emphasize communication so we can build 21st century mathematicians? Listen in to hear some of the ideas and strategies!This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through problems of practice and together we brainstorm possible next steps and strategies to overcome them. You’ll Learn: Assessing and or evaluating communication in the math classroom; How we can address the student question: “does this count for marks?”How to prepare students to be mathematicians for today;Where you can use a jigsaw structure in math class?Resources: Episode 132: I’m a Math Support Teacher And I Feel Trapped. Help!Desmos Classroom ActivitiesHow To Transform Your Textbook Into A Curiosity Machine [Video Series] 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, Kyle & Jon address a few common misconceptions from the Math Moment Maker community around teaching problem-based lessons and units. Stick around and you’ll hear how to find the right balance between what students know and what they need to learn in your lesson; when we should be assessing for learning; how to consolidate a problem-based lesson; and,how to manage the flow of the class when some students complete work quicker than others. You’ll learn: How to find the right balance between what students know and what they need to learn in your lesson; WhenI should be assessing for learning; How to consolidate a problem-based lesson; Finding the right time to teach a problem-based lesson; and, How to manage the flow of the class when some students complete work quicker than others. Resources: Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article]How To Transform Your Textbook Into A Curiosity Machine [Free Video Course] Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units Cookie Cutter [Problem Based Lesson] Woolly Worm Race [Problem Based Unit]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.

Today you’ll hear from Yvette Lehman, an elementary educator from Windsor, Ontario. Yvette is a Primary and Junior Division Teacher Consultant for the Greater Essex County Board of Education and if the name seems familiar then you’re right, we have referenced Yvette’s work numerous times here on the podcast as she’s also a colleague of Kyle’s and a fantastic part of the Make Math Moments curriculum writing team! During this session from the 2021 Make Math Moments Virtual Summit, you’ll hear about Yvette’s early experiences and struggles with mathematics which inspired her to dive deep into key elementary concepts to better conceptualize what was once only introduced to her procedurally. In particular, you’ll be taken on a journey through division from early fair sharing to proportional reasoning and solving two-step algebraic equations using context, strategies and models.You’ll Learn: key elementary concepts of division from early fair sharing to proportional reasoning and solving two-step algebraic equations using context, strategies and models; How knowing the two types of division can help your students develop a deep conceptual understanding of the operation; and, Which lessons and tasks can I use to help my students explore the two types of division. Resources: Make Math Moments Virtual SummitMathisVIsual.comSowing Seeds [Problem Based Unit]Sowing Seeds Revisited [Problem Based Unit]Planting Flowers [Problem Based Unit]Planting Flowers Revisited [Problem Based Unit]Problem Based Math 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.

Today we speak with Janelle Fortmuller, a grade 5/6 teacher from Alberta. Janelle shares insights, key learnings she had around lesson design and planning in her math class. Janelle shares her transformation from a teacher who pre-taught all the strategies and algorithms to a confident, flexible teacher who engages her students in problem solving every day. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through problems of practice and together we brainstorm possible next steps and strategies to overcome them.  You’ll Learn: How to make connections among strategies when consolidating your lessonsReframing the false notion that we have to show students formulas steps and algorithms before they can solve problemsHow to get out of the way and let your students demonstrate their brillianceResources: MathisVIsual.comWouldYouRatherMath.comProblem Based Tasks Follow Janelle on Twitter @janelle3904 Listen to Marilyn Burns on Episode 149Janelle is currently learning how to Transform Her Textbook Into a Curiosity MachineFollow Janelle’s lead and take the MMM Online WorkshopLove 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.

Today the tables have turned! In this episode Jon & Kyle switch over to the other side of the interview and are put on the hot seat! Jess Michalchuk, a Grade 7 educator from Foam Lake, Saskatchewan working towards a Masters of Education, interviews Jon & Kyle about memorable math moments from their teaching experience, their thoughts on leadership and innovation in mathematics and much more!Stick around and you’ll hear stories from Kyle and Jon’s classrooms, how they got started on changing their pedagogy, and what it means to become a math moment maker. You’ll Learn: Why you need to use a “high/low/buffalo” routine. Why random grouping does more for your culture than you think it does. How taking risks can change your career. What does an innovator and changer do in math class? Are you using language that causes shaming with students. Resources: Transform Your Textbook Into a Curiosity Machine [4 Part Video Series]Introduction To Making Math Moments That Matter [Episode 1]Episode #167: Decluttering Proportional Relationships – An Interview With James Tanton & Ted CoeMore Good Questions - Differentiating High School Mathematics [Book]Get in touch with Jess on Twitter @JessMichalchukLove 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 compilation episode of the podcast in honour of Black History Month, Kyle & Jon highlight 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 from Rafranz Davis speak about diversity, Lauren Baucom’s passion towards de-tracking;  Mindfulness and identity in the classroom from Christina Lincoln-Moore; the importance of catalyzing change from Robert Q. Berry; Kris Childs shares insights on access and equity in task selection; and, Jose Vilson’s ideas on the importance of teacher voice in the education system. You’ll learn: What diversity is and what it is not; Why we should consider how we track (stream) students in our schools;Why mindfulness is needed in mathematics classes;How you can implement equitable teaching practices into your classroom;How to promote access and equity in the mathematics classroom; and, How we should reimagine the work in math classrooms.Resources: Episode 43: The Missing Voices In Math: An interview With Rafranz DavisEpisode 56 Authoring Our Math Identities – An Interview with Lauren BaucomEpisode 116: How to Use Mindfulness to Change Trajectories – An Interview with Christina Lincoln-MooreEpisode 86: Catalyzing Change – An Interview with Robert Q. BerryEpisode 68: Gradual Release Of Responsibility SUCKS! An Interview With Kristopher ChildsEpisode 51: Reimagining the work done in math classrooms: An Interview with Jose VilsonLove 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.