Making Math Moments That Matter Kyle Pearce & Jon Orr

Today we speak with Robert Barth, a high school math teacher from the South side of Chicago. Robert shares his experience with teaching with the original flipped classroom model and how he’s morphed it over the years to incorporate Peter Liljedahl’s work on Building Thinking Classrooms and the Make Math Moments “Real” Flipped Classroom approach incorporating teaching through task. 

Listen in as Robert wonders how to engage students who give push back when working in groups and sharing their thinking. You’ll hear about teacher moves you can make to motivate students who seem to be unwilling to engage and how to balance your class time between “group thinking” and “individual thinking”. 


This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. 



You’ll Learn: 
Why the “double-flipped” classroom model might be helpful for those who have struggled to implement problem based lessons in the past;Why taking the time to be explicit with students as to why we do what we do in math class; The teacher moves we can leverage to motivate students who seem unwilling to engage;Why too much “group-think” time can may limit the necessary “individual-think” time that students need to individually reflect; and,How we can incorporate routines to intentionally promote the development of relational trust in our mathematics communities.

Resources: 


Quiet - Susan Cain [Book]Episode 204: How To Craft Mentoring Moments - Jim StrachanMake Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

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. 
Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform. 
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 assessment

We welcome Lisa Marentette onto the podcast to discuss how to transition from 9 years in the Kindergarten classroom environment into the grade 2 classroom. 


After so many years in the Kindergarten classroom, she wonders what changes she needs to make to the structure of her mathematics program to “fit” the grade 2 classroom environment and how she can ensure that all students leave her class well-positioned to tackle the math challenges that lay before them in grade 3.


This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. If you have a math class “pebble in your shoe” you’d like to work through, take less than 2 minutes to book a Math Mentoring Moment Call with us and before you know it, you’ll be on a call with us to chat all things math!



You’ll Learn: 
How do I ensure that I don’t miss anything and kids don’t miss some fundamental building blocks; How to prioritize what really matters in your classroom; How do I emulate a play-based kindergarten program in my grade 2 class?What should my math block look like?

Resources: 


Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsElementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally by John Van de Walle [Book]Figuring Out Fluency by Jennifer Bay Williams [Book]

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. 


Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform. 
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 assessment

In this episode we bring back on the podcast for the third time the godfather of the Thinking Classroom Peter Liljedahl. We spoke with Peter way back on episode 21 of the podcast about how he built the components of the thinking classroom, episode 98 on group work and how to choose tasks, and in this episode Peter breaks down the three components of closing your lessons so students walk away feeling confident and connected to the learning that took place. 


You’ll Learn: 
Why it is so uplifting when an entire group is speaking about the same idea;How to see improvement with your students when Building A Thinking Classroom;Why Building Thinking Classrooms is still a problem to be solved;Why the “closing out of the lesson” is one of the most important elements of a Thinking Classrooms Lesson;Why we need to improve student experiences in math class;Why you need to close out the lesson by tying a bow on it;Why worked examples can carry a lot of benefit in how we construct them, but also how we review or reference them; What is the difference between closing out a lesson and consolidating a lesson?

Resources: 
Building Thinking Classrooms
Make Math Moments Problem Based Units & Tasks


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. 


Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform. 
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 assessment

In our latest episode, we dive into a topic of utmost importance: maintaining a harmonious equilibrium between achieving success and nurturing your well being as an educator. Join us as we explore invaluable insights that equip you with the tools to avoid burnout while making strides in your teaching journey.
Discover the art of sustaining the energy required to be an effective math teacher. We unravel practical strategies to strike a balance between the demands of teaching and preserving your own vitality, ensuring a sustainable and fulfilling career.
Learn the liberating lesson of acknowledging that you don't have to do everything at all times. We delve into the power of setting realistic expectations and making peace with prioritization, freeing you from the burden of unnecessary stress.
Fuel your motivation to aim higher by forging a support network that uplifts you. Uncover the transformative influence of surrounding yourself with like-minded peers who share your ambitions, providing a nurturing environment to nurture your teaching fire.


You’ll Learn: 
How do I sustain the work needed to become an effective math teacher; How to make peace that you can’t do EVERYTHING all of the time; Why finding a support network can fuel your fire to strive for more; What structure helps me focus on what really matters in math classrooms; and, How priming your mindset can help you avoiding burnout; 

Resources: 
Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions]
Join the Academy - Free for 30 Days


District Leader Resources:
Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool 
The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] 
Learn About Our District Improvement Program


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!

Other Useful Resources and Supports: 
Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article]
Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units
Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform. 
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 assessment

This week, California high school mathematics teacher leader Giovanni Patalano returns to continue where we left off last time. While his goal is still clear in that he strives to assist in pushing practice forward in his school and across the district, today we dig into where that work might begin to ensure that there is enough alignment across his team. 
Should Gio and his colleagues dig into filling the gap in the canopy of their mathematics program tree by investigating a common curriculum resource or might they begin in the branches, tinkering with different pedagogical practices to seek out small wins?
This is another Math Mentoring Moment Episode where we speak with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community where together we brainstorm strategies and next steps for teachers to overcome pebbles they have in their shoe by growing all six parts of their Mathematics Program.


You’ll Learn: 
What barriers are blocking the progress of teacher pedagogy shifts in mathematics and how to overcome them;How we can help support our educators to overcome misalignment challenges across a district;How can we focus both on the big picture for district wide goals, while leaving space for different schools to dig into different parts of their mathematics program tree?How can a school level teacher leader help to influence the direction of district wide initiatives when there may be too many priorities and not enough support?

Resources: 
Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions]
Join the Academy - Free for 30 Days


District Leader Resources:
Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool 
The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] 
Learn About Our District Improvement Program


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!

Other Useful Resources and Supports: 
Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article]
Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units


Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform. 
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 assessment

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 and presented numerous times at the annual Make Math Moments Virtual Summit. 
Our conversation kicks off by unraveling the essential qualities of district leaders of mathematics. Discover why being bold, focused, and mathematically proficient is crucial for driving transformative change in math instruction across districts. You’ll gain valuable strategies and perspectives that position leaders to create a lasting impact on math education.
Yvette shares how recognizing the challenges teachers face is vital to supporting their growth. We delve into how educators can identify when they are feeling overwhelmed and drowning in their responsibilities and we uncover effective ways leaders can offer assistance and resources, ensuring teachers feel supported and empowered to navigate their teaching journey successfully.
Let’s get ready to dive in. 


You’ll Learn: 
Why district leaders of mathematics need to be bold, focused, and mathematically proficient so they are best positioned to change math instruction in their district; How do you help teachers recognize that they are drowning? How having a supportive “other” encourages you to keep your learning going; What transformative PD support looks like in a large district; 

Resources: 
Access Problem-Based Math Lessons and Full Units
Yvette Lehman on Twitter


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. 


Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform. 
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 assessment