

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

Dec 5, 2024 • 25min
Why “Doing It All” Is Hurting Your Progress For Sustainable Math Achievement
As a math coordinator or coach do you ever feel like your math improvement to-do list could double as a novel? Same here. Turns out, the secret to increased math achievement isn’t in doing more—it’s in doing less (but better).Discover why going narrow might be the key to transforming math instruction in your school(s).Many math leaders and educators struggle with setting actionable goals that truly move the needle to gain traction and achieve improved math results. This episode dives into an approach to narrowing your focus, helping you avoid spreading resources too thin and ensuring meaningful, measurable progress in your classrooms.Learn how to pinpoint the one specific goal that will drive measurable math improvement across your school or district.Understand why narrowing your focus on a single grade or concept can build long-term capacity in mathematics and spill over into broader success.Get actionable strategies for supporting teachers' content knowledge and pedagogical moves for sustainable growth in math.Tune in now to uncover how narrowing your math focus can widen your district's success and create lasting change in your math program!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 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 2, 2024 • 56min
Why Shifting K-12 Math Instruction Feels So Hard (And What We’re Missing)
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 & UnitsDo you ever feel like your school’s math improvement goals are like chasing a moving target? (Spoiler: You’re not alone!)The Struggle to align math teachers and leaders on what effective math instruction looks like is real! In this episode, we speak with Brenda Grier, a math leader and coordinator from Wisconsin. Listen in as we tackle the challenges of building a shared vision for effective math instruction, bridging the gap between pedagogical practices and teacher confidence in math content, and addressing the ever-present struggle of limited time and resources for professional development.Discover strategies for engaging administrators and teachers in collaborative efforts to improve math teaching practices.Learn how to balance pedagogical goals with strengthening teachers' understanding of key math concepts.Gain actionable insights on using tools like self-assessments, staff meetings, and early-release times to create lasting change in your math program.Tune in now to uncover practical ways to align your team and build a thriving math program—your next breakthrough might be one listen away!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.

Nov 28, 2024 • 16min
How to Re-frame Support To Increase Strategy Adoption in Math | Math Coaching & Training
Why do so many professional development plans flop? Because they’re trying to fix the wrong problem.Are you struggling to get teachers on board with new strategies in their classrooms when teaching mathematics?In this episode, we tackle the disconnect between professional development initiatives in the area of math and the real challenges teachers face, breaking down why adoption often falls short and how to bridge that gap effectively.Discover the "Five Stages of Awareness" framework for math strategy adoption to better support teachers in their journey toward adopting impactful strategies.Learn how to uncover the "pebbles in teachers' shoes" and position your solutions as the answer to their most pressing problems when teaching math.Gain actionable insights into aligning professional development with your district’s key math objectives for sustainable and measurable results.Tune in now to revolutionize how you support teachers and ensure meaningful progress in your math programs this year!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 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.

Nov 25, 2024 • 37min
Math Fact Fluency: Must-Know Facts - An Interview with Jennifer Bay-Williams
Is Math Fact Fluency a term you’ve heard a lot lately when it comes to math education? Well there’s a good reason for that. There’s a massive campaign to help all educators understand what real math fact fluency means vs. just rote memorization and regurgitation math facts. One of the leaders of this campaign is Jennifer Bay Williams and she’s this week’s guest! Many educators struggle with helping students achieve math fact fluency without resorting to rote memorization. This episode dives into proven strategies to build lasting understanding and confidence in math, equipping your students for long-term success.Discover research-backed strategies to teach math facts through understanding and relationships rather than memorization.Learn practical ways to engage students with games and activities that foster fluency and flexibility.Gain insights on assessment practices that value reasoning and help students develop a love for math.Tune in now to uncover strategies that will revolutionize how you teach math facts and create a classroom where all students thrive!Show Notes Page.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.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.

Nov 21, 2024 • 30min
How Shifting Assessment Practices in Math Is Your Gateway To Improved Achievement | Math Assessment 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 Are your teachers’ math assessments helping students grow as learners or are they hindering student achievement? In this episode, Jon Orr and Yvette Lehman dive into the role of assessment in math education and how a shift in assessment practices can create a classroom culture that values growth and understanding. Hear real insights from their work with district leaders to transform summative assessments into powerful tools for student growth.Discover practical ways to make assessments opportunities for reflection and improvement, even for summative assessments.Learn how to build a math classroom culture where assessments foster self-awareness and ownership over learning.Gain strategies for implementing moderated marking and community practices that create alignment and elevate teaching practices.Listen to this episode now to reshape your assessment approach and support lasting student growth in math!Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow 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.

Nov 18, 2024 • 35min
Math Retention Struggles Grades 6 to 12: Here’s Why and How To Fix It
Are you struggling with your student’s math retention or maybe you’re struggling to engage students who feel disconnected from math or battle math anxiety?In this episode, Jon Orr and Yvette Lehman welcome back Juliana Tapper, an expert in supporting students who struggle with math, to explore impactful ways to address student engagement and math anxiety in grades 6-12. Drawing on insights from her new book and 2024 Make Math Moments Virtual Summit Session, Juliana shares practical strategies for educators dealing with retention issues and lack of student motivation.Discover brain science behind math anxiety and why some students struggle with recall and problem-solving.Learn four actionable strategies to create a supportive math classroom that builds confidence and collaboration.Gain insights into balancing grade-level content with the needs of students who feel disconnected from math.Listen now to transform your classroom environment and help struggling math students thrive!Show Notes Page.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.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.

Nov 14, 2024 • 10min
Prune to Thrive: Why Doing Less Can Strengthen Your Math Program | Effective Mathematics Coaching and Training
Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://growyourmathprogram.com Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. http://makemathmoments.com/discovery/ Are you struggling to make a real impact in your math program, constantly adding new initiatives but not seeing the results you hoped for?In this video, Jon Orr dives into the idea of "doing less" by focusing on what truly matters in K-12 math education. He uses a powerful tree analogy to illustrate how trimming down and concentrating on the essentials can lead to a stronger, more impactful program.Learn why focusing on fewer, impactful goals can transform your math program.Discover the six core components of effective math programs, from leadership to mindset.Get practical tips on pruning distractions so you can build a unified vision that resonates with your team.Ready to strengthen your math program by focusing on what matters most? Tune in now to get started on creating impactful, lasting change!Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow 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.

Nov 11, 2024 • 38min
From Teacher to Facilitator in Math Class - An Interview with Crystal M. Watson | Mathematical Discourse
Ready to transform your math classroom into a space where students feel empowered, take risks, and truly engage in meaningful learning and mathematical discourse?In this episode of the Making Math Moments That Matter podcast, we sit down with Crystal M. Watson to explore how educators can shift from being the “knower” at the front of the room to becoming facilitators of authentic student-driven discourse. If you’re struggling with balancing direct instruction and student-centered learning, this episode is for you!Discover actionable strategies to create a classroom culture where students feel safe to take risks and participate in rich mathematical discussions.Learn how to integrate both direct instruction and inquiry-based learning to enhance student engagement and understanding.Gain practical tips for fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement for both you and your students.Tune in now and equip yourself with the tools to foster deeper mathematical thinking and collaboration in your classroom!Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://growyourmathprogram.com Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. http://makemathmoments.com/discovery/ 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.

7 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 7min
90% of Math Educators Won’t Implement Your Strategy Without This Component
Have you ever delivered a professional development session that felt powerful in the moment but didn't lead to the changes you hoped for in the classroom?In this episode, we tackle a common challenge: how to ensure your PD sessions translate into real, meaningful shifts in teacher practice. It’s not enough to inspire in the moment; you need to create lasting impact that continues well beyond the day of learning.Discover how to integrate reflection and self-assessment strategies to foster teacher growth.Learn practical tips to build accountability and maintain momentum between sessions.Explore simple yet effective follow-up methods to sustain progress and ensure lasting change.Hit play now to learn how to transform your professional development sessions into powerful catalysts for long-term change in your school or district.Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://growyourmathprogram.com Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. http://makemathmoments.com/discovery/ 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.

Nov 4, 2024 • 31min
Teaching Multiplication and Division: 10 Must Have Tools - An Interview with Dr. Nikki Newton
How do you help students master multiplication and division while keeping them engaged and confident?In this episode, Dr. Nikki Newton shares how relationship-building and effective teaching tools can lower students' fear of math and boost their fact fluency, especially in multiplication and division. Discover strategies that directly address the challenge of making math approachable and accessible for all learners.By tuning in, you'll learn:How to lower students' anxiety around math and make learning more enjoyable.Why relationship-building is the key to unlocking students' potential.Practical tools for teaching multiplication and division that go beyond memorization and focus on deeper understanding.Ready to transform your math teaching and help students thrive? Hit play and discover Dr. Nikki’s must-have strategies now!Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://growyourmathprogram.com Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. http://makemathmoments.com/discovery/ 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.