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

  1. قبل يوم واحد

    Rich Tasks vs. Gradual Release: Do We Have to Choose?

    One of the most frequent questions we hear from district and school math leaders is: “How do I convince math educators to shift from always using the Gradual Release model to lessons that begin with rich math tasks?” This episode is inspired by a recent conversation with a district leader guiding a math task force. While some colleagues leaned on the Gradual Release of Responsibility model—“I do, we do, you do”—she wanted to prioritize curiosity, problem solving, and mathematical reasoning up front. The tension? Research on direct instruction, particularly Hattie’s work, is often misinterpreted as a call to always begin math lessons with direct modeling. This is not about replacing direct instruction in math class with inquiry. It’s about designing math lessons where fluency, reasoning, communication, and conceptual understanding all have a place—and where students begin with reasoning and end with precision. Listeners will hear:  Why problem-based lessons and Gradual Release are not an either/or choiceHow the math three-part lesson (Minds-On, Action, Consolidation) positions explicit teaching strategicallyWhat the research really says about direct vs. dialogic instruction from John Hattie.Why starting with student sense-making deepens conceptual understanding and retention. 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 & Units  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 assessment Are 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.

    ٢٨ من الدقائق
  2. قبل ٥ أيام

    Why District Math Plans Fall Flat Without School-Level Action

    Too often, district math improvement planning happens “up there,” with big visions and system-wide goals that don’t trickle down into meaningful change at the school level. In this episode, we make the case for flipping that script. We unpack why implementing the roadmap to district improvement at the school level—early and intentionally—is key to achieving system-wide math goals. If schools are ultimately responsible for meeting those goals, they need access to the tools, vision, and clarity now. The greatest impact will come from what happens inside classrooms, not in central office documents. Tune in to hear why alignment across both systems—district and school—isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why system-wide math improvement depends on strong school-level implementationThe danger of waiting too long to bring the roadmap into schoolsHow school-level teams can lead the work in alignment with district objectivesWhy district math goals must be more than vision statements—they must drive daily decisionsWhere the real leverage lies: inside classrooms and schoolsNot 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 & Units  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 assessment Are 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.

    ٢٧ من الدقائق
  3. ٢٥ أغسطس

    It’s Not Either-Or: Building a Math Classroom That Has It All

    A teacher asked us a fair question: “If direct instruction and practice are working, why change? While presenting at a recent conference, we were approached by a teacher with a very honest question: “I’ve been using direct instruction and structured practice with great success. My students are doing well. What reason do I have to change?” In this episode, we unpack how we responded and why it’s not about replacing what’s working—but expanding what’s possible. We explore how a balanced approach to math instruction includes explicit teaching, purposeful practice, rich tasks, and number talks—and how each of these elements can strengthen one another when used intentionally. Tune in to hear why this isn’t a debate between approaches—it’s about building a robust math experience where students can develop fluency, flexibility, and deep conceptual understanding. You’ll discover: Why direct instruction and rich tasks in math class are not opposing strategiesHow to integrate number talks, purposeful practice, and inquiry-based learningThe risks of relying solely on one method of instructionHow balance creates opportunities for students to reason, communicate, and make connectionsPractical suggestions for teachers ready to evolve without discarding what already worksNot 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 & Units  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 assessment Are 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.

    ٢٤ من الدقائق
  4. ٢١ أغسطس

    From Lofty to Laser-Focused: Unpacking One District’s Math Improvement Plan

    In this episode, we share how one district is entering the new school year with a sharper focus in their Math District Improvement Plan. In the past, they worked from three ambitious objectives—each rooted in big ideas for strengthening math instruction. But progress unfolded more slowly than anticipated. This year, the team decided to narrow their efforts to one math-specific objective. They designed short-term, measurable key results to monitor progress by February, rather than waiting until year-end. The result? A focused plan that aligns with instructional goals, works within the reality of competing demands, and builds momentum early in the year. Tune in to hear how this shift helps the district center its energy on what matters most: improving student learning in mathematics. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why narrowing to one math objective can accelerate changeHow short-term key results keep teams grounded and focusedWhat it looks like to plan realistically without losing ambitionHow this district balances math priorities with cross-departmental demandsThe power of focus in multi-year math improvement effortsNot 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 & Units  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 assessment Are 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.

    ٣١ من الدقائق
  5. ١٨ أغسطس

    Building a Math Culture with Board Games: Standards for Mathematical Practice in Action

    Looking to build a positive math culture at the start of the school year? In this episode, we dive into why board games are more than just fun—they’re strategic tools for reinforcing mathematical thinking and the process expectations that drive meaningful learning. This summer, Yvette Lehman’s family has been on a board game marathon, and we’re sharing our favourite picks so far. We’ll discuss how these games build fluency, encourage strategic thinking, and support key student practices like selecting strategies, communicating, and reflecting. You’ll also hear ideas for how to bring board games into your math classroom in the first few weeks of school to foster collaboration and establish your culture early. You’ll discover: Why board games are a natural fit for supporting math student practicesHow to use games to build community and culture in your classroomA list of our favourite board games in the math classroom Tips for launching math games in the first few weeks of schoolHow games can help students reason, problem-solve, and communicate their thinkingNot 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 & Units  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 assessment Are 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.

    ٣٢ من الدقائق
  6. ١٤ أغسطس

    Building Coherence Between Math Coaches, Principals, and Teachers

    This episode is a debrief of the article Coaching for Coherence: How Instructional Coaches Lead Change in the Evaluation Era by Woulfin & Rigby (2017). We explore how math coaches can lead meaningful instructional improvement when their role is clearly defined and aligned with both evaluation systems and the goals of ambitious instruction. You’ll hear our reflections on three core functions of math coaches—developing shared understandings, modeling instructional practices, and brokering two-way communication between classrooms and leadership. We also unpack common challenges, including the risk of coaches being perceived as evaluators, and offer recommendations to create a safe, impactful math coaching culture that builds trust and coherence across the system. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why math coaching needs to be framed as developmental, not evaluativeThe three essential roles math coaches play in a coherent instructional systemHow content-specific coaching aligned to standards can drive improvementWhy district infrastructure and principal leadership matter for coaching successHow to protect trust and clarity in the math coach–teacher relationshipNot 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 & Units  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 assessment Are 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.

    ١٩ من الدقائق
  7. ١١ أغسطس

    Teaching Math with the Brain in Mind: Insights from Liesl McConchie

    Are your students' math struggles rooted in what they know—or how they feel about math? If your math learners seem disengaged, anxious, or convinced they're just “not math people,” you’re not alone—and it’s not a curriculum issue. Decades of research show that emotions drive attention, memory, and learning. That means even the best-planned lesson can fall flat if students come in carrying fear, shame, or confusion about math. In this episode, Liesl McConchie shares how understanding the brain’s emotional wiring can transform the way we teach. You’ll hear why math identity is formed earlier than you think, how to create a learning environment that feels psychologically safe, and what small shifts can lead to major breakthroughs in confidence and engagement.  By listening, you’ll discover: Why emotions are always the gateway to deeper mathematical thinkingHow to identify and rewire negative math identities through simple classroom activitiesA powerful 10-minute “Mathland” activity to reveal how your students truly perceive math Press play now to learn how brain science can help you create a math class students feel safe in—and excited to come back to. 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 & Units  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 assessment Are 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.

    ٥٠ من الدقائق
  8. ٧ أغسطس

    7 Math Coaching Questions That Transform Teacher Conversations

    If you’ve ever walked out of a math coaching session wondering whether you made an impact, you’re not alone. Many instructional coaches step into the role because they were strong in the classroom—but math coaching teachers requires a different skillset. You’re no longer the expert in front of the room; you’re the thinking partner beside it. And that shift can be tough. This episode explores how to stop feeling pressure to have all the answers—and start guiding teachers to uncover their own. In this practical, mindset-shifting episode, you’ll learn: The 7 go-to coaching questions every math coach (or any coach!) should keep in their back pocket to guide reflective, teacher-led conversations.How to reduce resistance by helping teachers take something off their plates—not add more to them.Why holding back advice (yes, really) can lead to deeper impact, stronger relationships, and better instructional decisions.Hit play now and start using questions that build trust, unlock clarity, and make every coaching moment count. 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 & Units  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 assessment Are 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.

    ١٣ من الدقائق
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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

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