

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

Oct 31, 2024 • 16min
Two Components You’re Missing For Consistent Math Strategy Adoption
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/ Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsEver wonder why teachers' implementation of the strategies you've worked so hard to teach them are not consistent? You're not alone!In this episode, we dive into two major barriers preventing math educators from fully adopting the practices you know will make a difference. You'll learn why professional development can fall flat and what key components need to be in place to make lasting changes in classrooms.By listening, you'll discover:The critical follow-up step most professional development programs miss.How to eliminate time-wasting meetings by setting clear, long-term goals.Practical tips to optimize your support systems for better implementation and teacher engagement.Ready to break through those barriers? Hit play now and start building a more effective math program 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.

Oct 28, 2024 • 34min
Why Early Math Matters & How All Grade Level Teachers Need to Hear This: An Interview with Sue Looney
How can we blend curiosity, deep understanding of the stages of counting to transform early math learning?In this episode of the Making Math Moments That Matter podcast, Sue Looney joins hosts Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr to share her personal journey and highlights the importance of curiosity-driven learning, especially in early childhood mathematics. Many educators face the challenge of moving beyond rote memorization, especially when teaching foundational concepts like counting. This episode addresses how understanding the stages of counting and fostering curiosity can set the stage for future mathematical success.Whether you're an early childhood educator or someone looking to strengthen your teaching approach, this episode provides practical strategies for assessing students' understanding of numbers and supporting them through critical learning phases.Discover why curiosity is key to unlocking a deeper understanding of math concepts.Learn how to assess students' counting abilities and build a solid foundation for their mathematical growth.Gain practical strategies for incorporating counting tasks that go beyond memorization and promote critical thinking.Tune in now to explore how fostering curiosity and returning to foundational concepts like counting can transform your students' math journey!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.

Oct 24, 2024 • 7min
What Your Math PD sessions Have Been Missing | Effective Mathematics Coaching and Training
Ever wonder how to make your teaching or PD sessions more impactful? Teaming up with a colleague might be the answer!Yvette Lehman will convince you that team teaching and co-presenting provide invaluable opportunities for real-time feedback, deeper student engagement, and dynamic facilitation. With two educators working together, you can read the room more effectively, adjust on the fly, and improve the learning experience for everyone involved.Imagine being able to tackle tough questions confidently, pivot your lesson when needed, and enhance your facilitation skills with the help of a trusted colleague. The dual perspectives and collaborative reflection in team teaching lead to more responsive and effective teaching, whether in the classroom or during professional development sessions.Ready to level up your facilitation skills? Partner with a colleague for your next class or PD session and see the powerful impact of collaboration in action!Show Notes Page. K-12 Math Coordinators, Coaches, Directors and Math Leaders. Get Professional Development Support from Make Math MomentsLearn how you can create, coordinate, and implement an aligned school and district math action plan for improved student success. So that you can create long term sustainable student success in mathematics and proficiently & pedagogically strong educators.Book a call with us 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. 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.

Oct 21, 2024 • 38min
Rethinking How We Teach & Learn Fractions
Why do so many students struggle with fractions and how do we make math concepts stick beyond rote memorization?This episode is for educators looking to move beyond the frustration and confusion of teaching and learning fractions. We speak with Tara Flynn and Shelley Yearley, two co-authors of the book Rethinking Fractions. Tune in now and learn how a deeper understanding of fractions and a focus on student ownership can make math more meaningful and engaging.You’ll: Gain insights from educators who’ve experienced both the pitfalls and rewards of teaching fractions in new and transformative ways.Discover practical strategies to shift from memorization to conceptual understanding, especially with unit fractions and counting strategies.Learn about upcoming opportunities to engage with like-minded educators and access resources that make teaching fractions approachable and effective.Tune in to this episode of Making Math Moments That Matter to revolutionize your approach to teaching fractions and inspire deeper mathematical understanding in your students!Show Notes PageHow 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.

Oct 17, 2024 • 23min
How To Choose A Core Math Curriculum Resource For Your School | District’s Math Program
Yvette Lehman, a math educator with deep expertise in curriculum selection, joins to discuss crucial strategies for improving K-12 math programs. She emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision to align curriculum with educational goals. The conversation covers how to involve teachers in the decision-making process, ensuring resources are flexible yet impactful. Lehman also highlights the evolving views on math curriculum support and the role of leadership in fostering an innovative teaching environment.

Oct 14, 2024 • 32min
How to Teach Division That Leads To Algebra: Why Knowing These Two Types of Division Are Essential
Why is division such a challenging concept for students to grasp, despite it being a fundamental part of elementary math?Many teachers struggle to teach division in a way that truly sticks, often leading students to view it as confusing or disconnected from other math concepts. But imagine a classroom where students confidently approach division and see its connection to fractions, proportional reasoning, and algebraic thinking.In this episode, you’ll uncover two types of division by using friendly numbers and contexts, unlocking connections to other areas of math. You'll also gain insight into how understanding these two types of division can pave the way for stronger math reasoning skills. Plus, you'll explore practical strategies for engaging students in hands-on division tasks that enhance their conceptual understanding.Play this episode now and discover how knowing these two types will help transform division lessons into powerful, connection-building opportunities for your students.Show Notes Page. District Math Leaders: K-12 Math Coordinators, Coaches, Directors and Math Leaders. Get Professional Development Support from Make Math MomentsLearn how you can create, coordinate, and implement an aligned school and district math action plan for improved student success. So that you can create long term sustainable student success in mathematics and proficiently & pedagogically strong educators.Book a call with us 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. 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.

Oct 10, 2024 • 11min
The Most Important Math PD component You’re Not Doing! | Mathematics Coaching and Training Series
What if your next professional development session could transform not just how educators teach math but how they conceptually understand it?As educators, one of the biggest challenges we face is balancing the need to deepen our own mathematical understanding while effectively teaching students at various levels. This episode tackles how engaging in well-chosen math tasks during professional development can help strengthen educators’ conceptual understanding of mathematics, while also modeling strong facilitation techniques educators can bring back to your classroom.You'll discover how choosing the right math tasks for PD sessions can promote reasoning and problem-solving, boosting both your educators own proficiency and teaching practice.Learn how productive struggle with adults, when applied thoughtfully, can foster growth for teachers and translate into better learning outcomes for students.Explore strategies to facilitate rich mathematical discussions that encourage collaboration and multiple approaches to problem-solving, elevating your professional development experience.Ready to boost the mathematical understanding of the educators you support and take your teaching to the next level? Listen to this episode and start transforming your PD sessions today!Show Notes Page. K-12 Math Coordinators, Coaches, Directors and Math Leaders. Get Professional Development Support from Make Math MomentsLearn how you can create, coordinate, and implement an aligned school and district math action plan for improved student success. So that you can create long term sustainable student success in mathematics and proficiently & pedagogically strong educators.Book a call with us 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. 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.

Oct 7, 2024 • 33min
Understanding Multiplication with Whole Numbers, Fractions, and Decimals - An Interview with Brittany Hege
Are you struggling to help your students truly understand multiplication, beyond just memorizing math facts?In this episode Brittany Hege from Mix and Math is here to share insights into how you can strengthen students’ multiplication skills. This episode dives deep into practical strategies for teaching multiplication in grades 3-6 using models that connect concrete and abstract thinking. Brittany will share the details of her upcoming Make Math Moments Summit session on multiplication. Whether you're dealing with students' struggles or aiming to strengthen your own approach, this discussion offers insights into creating "light bulb moments" in math.Learn how to use the area model effectively to help students visualize and understand multiplication concepts.Discover strategies that connect procedural knowledge with conceptual understanding to foster deeper learning.Gain insights into how multiplication forms the foundation for higher-level math and how to teach it across grade levels.Tune in now to get a sneak peek into Brittany’s upcoming virtual summit and transform your multiplication lessons!Resources For Buzzsprout Show Notes Page. District 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.

Oct 3, 2024 • 12min
How This Math Leader Stopped Firefighting and Started Leading | Mathematics Coaching and Training Series
Ever feel like your role as a math coordinator is more about putting out fires than making real instructional progress?In this episode, we dive into the struggles many coordinators face when urgent distractions pull them away from their goals—helping you regain control of your time and refocus on what matters: building teacher capacity and improving student outcomes in math.Discover how to protect your time for instructional leadership, even when distractions are constant.Learn practical strategies for supporting teachers in productive math struggle, without getting derailed by daily crises.Hear how one math coordinator transformed their approach and achieved lasting change in their district.Tune in now to learn how you can stop firefighting and start making a real impact on your school’s math instruction!Show Notes Page. District Math Leaders: K-12 Math Coordinators, Coaches, Directors and Math Leaders. Get Professional Development Support from Make Math MomentsLearn how you can create, coordinate, and implement an aligned school and district math action plan for improved student success. So that you can create long term sustainable student success in mathematics and proficiently & pedagogically strong educators.Book a call with us 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. 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.

Sep 30, 2024 • 38min
Making Math Make Sense for Kids - An Interview with James O’Neal from Mastery For All
In this episode, Jon and Kyle dive deep into a conversation with James O’Neal, founder of Mastery for All, exploring the impact of prioritizing conceptual understanding in math education. James O'Neal, Jr. is a National Board-Certified middle school math teacher with 15 years of experience, currently teaching at Piedmont IB Middle School in Charlotte, NC. He holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from UNC-Charlotte and was a 2022 finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Founder of Mastery For All, LLC, James advocates for high expectations and equitable outcomes in education through public speaking nationwide.James is here to share some insight on his upcoming session in the 2024 Make Math Moments Virtual Summit. They share personal stories and insights on how a focus on student outcomes can transform teaching practices and improve learning experiences.You’ll learn:Discover how emphasizing conceptual understanding over memorization can change students' attitudes towards math.Learn practical strategies to help educators shift their teaching approaches to better meet the needs of all learners.Learn to practice the mantra: “If you can make sense of it, then you can help students make sense of it”.Tune in to this episode of the Making Math Moments That Matter Podcast to revolutionize your approach to teaching math and better align your priorities with your educational goals.Resources Show Notes Page. District 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.