

Making Math Moments That Matter
Kyle Pearce & Jon Orr
Helping you transform your K-12 math lesson plans by building confidence in effective teaching practices, guiding you to transform your math curriculum, and inspiring classroom strategies to engage all students. As a teacher are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans where students don't want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? As a mathematics coordinator or leader are you wondering how to support teachers when implementing engaging math lessons that fuel student sense making?Over the last 19 years, Kyle and Jon, the founders of MakeMathMoments.com have been engaging students, teachers, and district program leaders with effective mathematics pedagogy, accessible resources, and inspiring learning environments in K-12 math classrooms. Now, in this podcast they coach you - K-12 classroom teachers and district leaders of mathematics through a 6 step plan that cultivates and fosters your mathematics program like a strong, healthy and balanced tree.If you master the 6 parts of an effective mathematics program, the impact you have on students or teachers will grow and reach far and wide.Every week, you’ll hear insight from practicing classroom teachers and leaders in math education so you’ll get the feedback, guidance, and fresh ideas you need to stop feeling overwhelmed, gain back your confidence, and inspire the students and fellow teachers you serve to enjoy the beauty of mathematics once again. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 9, 2025 • 34min
From Busywork to Results: How to Monitor What Matters in Math Improvement | Math Coaching & Support
Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsAre your district improvement plans for mathematics creating real impact, or are you just spinning your wheels without knowing if you're getting closer to your goals?If you’re tired of waiting until the end of the year to find out whether your professional development efforts and action plans worked in the area of mathematics, this episode shows you how ongoing monitoring can transform your approach. Discover how to pivot effectively, gather meaningful evidence, and truly align your efforts with measurable outcomes.What you’ll learn:Learn the secret to creating focused, high-impact action items that drive meaningful change in your district for mathematics improvement.Discover practical strategies for gathering evidence that supports your math professional development goals throughout the year.Find out how to honour educator and stakeholder voices while building trust and accountability in your math initiatives.Tune in now to learn how to strengthen your district’s monitoring processes and ensure every effort leads to measurable success!Show NotesLove 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.

Jan 6, 2025 • 33min
Storytelling with Data: Making Data and Numbers Come Alive in Math Class
What if we could transform how students—and even adults—view mathematics, turning graphs and data into a thrilling, creative superpower?For many educators, engaging students in math feels like a struggle, especially when it comes to making abstract concepts like data and graphs relatable. In this episode, author Cole Nussbaumer-Knaflic shares how her passion for storytelling with data bridges the gap between abstract math and real-world understanding, inspiring both kids and educators to see math as a tool for discovery and empowerment.Learn how to use storytelling and graphing activities to spark curiosity and creativity in your students.Discover simple strategies to help students and teachers feel more confident with data, graphs, and problem-solving.Gain access to practical, classroom-ready tools and ideas designed to align with standards and foster deep, meaningful engagement with math.Don’t miss this episode—hit play now and discover how to make math moments that inspire lifelong skills and confidence!Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow Notes PageLove 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.

Jan 2, 2025 • 17min
How You Can Model Math Lessons Effectively for Lasting Impact
Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsAs a math coach, coordinator, consultant how do you make your math lesson modeling sessions impactful and truly beneficial for teachers?As a math coach or coordinator, effectively modeling lessons can be a game-changer in helping teachers build pedagogical skills and mathematical content knowledge. But without proper planning and clarity, these sessions can miss the mark, leaving both teachers and students unengaged. This episode tackles the common pitfalls of lesson modeling and provides actionable strategies to ensure your coaching creates meaningful teacher growth and student success.What you’ll learn:Discover how to prepare for modeling lessons that set teachers and students up for success.Learn the importance of clarity around goals, roles, and math look-fors to maximize teacher participation.Explore tips for building trust, observing math classrooms, and creating reciprocal coaching relationships for long-term impact in the area of mathematics. Tune in now to transform the way you model math lessons and elevate teacher capacity—your math classroom impact starts today!Show Notes Page 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.

Dec 30, 2024 • 36min
How Do I Engage My Students When Teaching a Split-Level Math Class - A Math Mentoring Moment
Are you struggling to manage a math classroom with students learning at different paces while still creating engaging, equitable experiences for everyone?In this episode, we tackle the challenge of teaching split classes with staggered student groups—something many educators face in today's flexible and evolving classroom models. Whether you teach mixed-ability classes, blended learning environments, or block schedules, the strategies shared here can help you ensure no student gets left behind.What you’ll learn:Learn how to balance structured group activities with independent, self-paced work.Discover an innovative "flip-flop" strategy to provide rich problem-solving opportunities for all students.Gain actionable ideas for fostering collaboration and creating advocates within your classroom.Tune in now to learn practical approaches for managing split classrooms and ensuring every student gets the math moments they deserve!Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow Notes PageLove 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.

Dec 26, 2024 • 17min
Breaking Down Barriers That Prevent Progress in Mathematics Achievement
Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsAre roadblocks in your math program preventing the meaningful change you hoped to see this year as you support teachers with mathematics?If you’re a district leader, coach, or educator supporting mathematics, it’s easy to get stuck when unexpected challenges—like lack of alignment, limited resources, or time constraints—throw your plans off track. But what if there were practical ways and a framework to push through and create real, measurable impact?In this episode, you'll discover:Why striving for the "greatest good for the greatest number" can sometimes hold you back.How targeted, in-classroom support can create lasting, meaningful change—even when big plans falter.A simple “5-5-5” framework to refocus your priorities and take action now on your most impactful work.Tune in to learn how to turn barriers into opportunities and reignite progress in your math program this year—starting in the next 5 days!Show Notes PageLove 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.

Dec 23, 2024 • 40min
How To Develop A Robust Math Teaching Style
Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsAre you maximizing the strengths of your background when teaching mathematics, or could collaborating with educators who think differently unlock new possibilities for your math classroom?Math instruction often falls into two camps —conceptual or procedural (The Math Wars). But what if the secret to reaching every student lies in combining these perspectives? This episode dives into how diverse teaching experiences can transform math education.Understand how connecting conceptual understanding to procedural fluency creates lasting math retention for students.Gain insights into the power of collaboration between educators with differing math backgrounds.Learn how to value and validate all students’ mathematical thinking while fostering equitable learning experiences.Press play now to discover how embracing diverse teaching approaches can inspire growth for you and your students!Show Notes PageLove 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.

Dec 19, 2024 • 19min
The Math "Money Bomb" Curse – And What It’s Costing Your Schools | Math Resources Decision Making
Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsAre you tired of investing in math resources for your school or district only to see them gather dust on shelves?In this episode, we tackle a common challenge for math coordinators, district leaders, and administrators: how to make smart, impactful decisions when faced with sudden grant opportunities, new curriculum mandates, or unexpected funds—ensuring your investments truly support teaching and learning.Learn how to align new math resources with your district’s vision and goals for maximum impact.Discover a clear four-step framework for evaluating, selecting, and implementing math resources effectively.Understand how to avoid overwhelming teachers while building their capacity to use math resources with fidelity.Tune in now to uncover strategies that will help you make the most of every resource and dollar for lasting improvement in math education!Show Notes Page.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.

Dec 16, 2024 • 44min
How To Use Tool Talks To Boost Student Agency And Sense Making in Math Class | Math Manipulatives
Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsHow to help students see tools and math manipulatives as gateways to understanding rather than crutches?If you've ever struggled with how to effectively use tools and math manipulatives in the classroom—or if you've worried about students "playing" instead of learning—this episode dives into strategies to transform those worries into math wins. Listen in as we speak with Bethany Lockhart Johnson, an elementary school educator, author, and cohost of Amplify's podcast Math Teacher Lounge so you can: Learn how to use tools and math manipulatives to create equitable access to mathematics and foster deep conceptual understanding.Discover practical ways to integrate tools and math manipulatives into your teaching without losing focus on learning objectives.Gain actionable tips to build a community of math educators who support and inspire your journey.Listen now to discover how to transform tools and math manipulatives into powerful allies for student learning and strengthen your math classroom “tree”. Show Notes PageLove 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.

Dec 12, 2024 • 17min
Is Your PD Structure Sabotaging Your Mathematics Goals? | Math Coaching & Training
Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsAre your mathematics coaching strategies aligned with your district’s goals, or are outdated structures holding you back?This episode dives into a common challenge for district coaches and coordinators of mathematics: balancing widespread teacher support with deep, meaningful impact. If you've ever felt stuck between fairness and effectiveness, this discussion will help you rethink your approach.Discover how to realign your coaching structures to maximize impact on district-wide mathematics goals.Learn why a focused approach can build capacity among educators and create future district leaders for mathematics.Gain actionable insights on evaluating and redesigning systems to ensure they work for, not against, your mathematics objectives.Don’t let ineffective structures limit your success in mathematics—tune in now to learn how to optimize your coaching strategies and drive real change!Show Notes Page.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.

Dec 9, 2024 • 43min
High School Mathematics Reimagined, Revitalized, and Relevant: An Interview with Two NCTM presidents
How can we reimagine high school math to truly prepare students for the real world? Hear from Kevin Dykema and Latrenda Knighten, two NCTM presidents, one past and one current, who are leading the charge to make math relevant, revitalized, and engaging.High school math often feels disconnected from students' futures, leaving many wondering, "Why do we need this?" This episode dives into the practical steps educators and leaders can take to transform math classrooms into spaces where every student feels the relevance and power of mathematics.Discover actionable strategies from Kevin Dykema, past NCTM president, and Latrenda Knighten, current NCTM president, on making math meaningful for all students.Learn how the High School Mathematics Reimagined framework connects courses and builds coherence across the curriculum.Get inspired by leadership advice on rolling out changes that elevate math instruction without overwhelming teachers or leaders.Press play now to learn how you can make high school math a transformative experience for every student—starting today!Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow Notes PageLove 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.