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As we continue another school year during this pandemic, educators everywhere are asking themselves: What should I focus on most? How can I help my students get ready for the next grade level? Do I have time to teach through problem solving or should I just teach with direct instruction? What resources can I use so that I cover the curriculum and still teach deep learning? Let’s take a deep dive into what we can do to reach more students and reduce our own teacher stress and anxiety at the same time. You’ll learn:  What is worth focusing on and what isn’t; What you can do to best help your students get ready for the next grade level; How you might go about structuring your lessons to reach more learners regardless of readiness; and, Where you can go to access resources to help you uncover your curriculum without leaving students behind. Resources:  Squares To Triangles [Problem-Based Unit] Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article] How To Transform Your Textbook Into A Curiosity Machine [Free Video Course]  Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units 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! Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

Today we speak with Christine Michalyshen, a math consultant in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As a mathematics consultant for the Frontier School Division, Christine shares her experiences early in her career as she struggled to meet the needs of her diverse student population with a wide range of mathematical readiness. After learning about Laney Sammons work with Guided Math, Christine dove in and is now the only accredited Laney Sammons Guided Math Consultant in Canada.   Stick around as we learn more about what Guided Math really is, how it can be leveraged in any mathematics classroom, and we also discuss how similar the Guided Math Framework is to the Make Math Moments 3-Part Framework. You’ll Learn: How you can go about meeting the needs of your students with a wide range of student readiness; How you might develop relationships with other educators struggling; What small, easy changes you can make in your lessons now so you can make a real difference in the classroom;  How can I blend the lessons from Make Math Moments with Guided Math;  Resources:  Christine’s Website: GuidedMathConsulting.ca Christine on Twitter: @cmichalyshen  Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units Hot Chocolate - A Problem-Based Lesson on Multiplication & Proportional Relationships  Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

In this episode of the Making Math Moments That Matter Podcast, we sit down with fellow Math Moment Maker, Chase Orton. Chase is a self-proclaimed “Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher” and today, we sit him down to talk about exactly what that means.  The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher is actually the title of Chase’s brand new book where he offers a vulnerable and courageous grassroots guide that leads K-12 math teachers through a journey to cultivate a more equitable, inclusive, and cohesive culture of professionalism for themselves.  Stick around as this master storyteller opens the door to an opportunity for you to reclaim your professional growth with Sisu. You’ll Learn:  Why we need to view our teaching practice as “unfinished and imperfect”;  What can you do to take ownership over your own professional development;  How you can put yourself in a position to make the best out of your mathematics teaching career; Why you need to think about “sisu” when you teach everyday;  How we can support the enhancement of the professional identity of teachers; Resources:  Book: The Unfinished & Imperfect Math Teacher Website: www.chaseorton.com           Email: chase@undercovercalculus.com                      Twitter: @mathgeek76 Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

In this episode Jon & Kyle outline their experience using worksheets. You’ll hear them outline different styles of worksheets while giving you insight on how to design them to maximize student thinking. You’ll learn when you should use a worksheet, what types of problems should go on the worksheet, and when you should ditch the worksheet altogether.  You’ll learn:  The types of problems/questions should go on your worksheet and what you should avoid;  How to ensure your worksheet supports all levels of learners;  How you can use your worksheet to enhance your problem-based lessons;  The difference between a worksheet intended to “get the work done” or a worksheet intended to enhance the learning experience during the lesson; and, When to use a worksheet and when to toss it.  Resources:  Candle Burning Problem Based Lesson Episode 157: The Real Flipped Classroom MTH1W Grade 9 De-streamed Math Resources Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article] How To Transform Your Textbook Into A Curiosity Machine [Free Video Course]  Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units 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! Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

In this special episode Kyle & Jon highlight and showcase one of their favourite new podcasts: Debate Math Podcast!  Recently in episode 4 of the Debate Math Podcast Jon and his daughter Lucie went head-to-head against Kyle and his daughter Taliah to debate: Is a hotdog a sandwich?  In this cross-posted episode you’ll hear the two hosts of the Debate Math Podcast, Chris Luzniak and Rob Baier skillfully pose questions that prompt some insightful thinking as well causing some fits of laughter!  You’ll learn:  How and why you should use this debate idea in your math class;  How to strengthen your students reasoning skills;  What resources you can gather to run a debate in your math class;  Resources:  Debate Math Podcast Justin Aion (@JustinAion)  and Shelby Strong (@Sneffleupagus)  Christopher Danielson @Trianglemancsd and Megan Parise Schmidt @Veganmathbeagle often seen in #sandwichchat Examples of Debate in Math Class on luzniak.com Learn more about Chris’s debates from his Grassroots Workshops  Debate Math Podcast on YouTube  Go to luzniak.com/podcast to get information about how to make debate a part of your math classroom! 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! Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

In this Math Mentoring Moment Episode, we speak with Jeremy Sarzana, a high school math teacher at a Vocational High School in Boston, Massachusetts. Jeremy has been putting all kinds of great pedagogical practices into play including students working in randomized groups to engage in problem based lessons and is having success. However, when it comes time to consolidate the lesson, the student participation quickly fades. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through problems of practice and together we brainstorm possible next steps and strategies to overcome them.  You’ll Learn:  How can we consolidate the big idea in our math class so that students are engaged;  How to be flexible in your lessons so students feel heard;  What is really important when monitoring, selecting, and sequencing;  Resources:  Building Thinking Classrooms [Book] Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons The Five Practices For Orchestrating Productive Mathematical Discussions. [Book] 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! Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

Today we speak with University Professor, author and former Making Math Moments That Matter Online Workshop participant, Elana Reise. Elana joins us today to chat about how we can leverage curiosity to engage students in solving abstract mathematics - in particular, mathematical proofs!  Join us for a great conversation with Elana where we discuss her initial hesitation to get into mathematics education and where it has taken her to advocate for the inclusion of a course on mathematical proofs which has now grown to be a compulsory credit for all math students! You’ll Learn:  How to modify abstract math topics (like proofs) to become more curious and engaging;  What you can do to teach your students about productive struggle; and,  How to build and use a problem solving framework to help your students become more resilient.  Resources:  How to think like a mathematician by Sara VanderWerf Pennies and Paperclips - Steven Strogatz on YouCubed.org The Science of Learning Mathematical Proofs - Elana Reiser The Thinking Classroom - Peter Liljedahl  Scienceofproofs.com Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

Today we speak with Sarah Stecher from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Sarah has experience teaching courses from Geometry all the way through to AP Calculus in the most diverse public high school in Michigan. She is now the chief lesson designer at Math Medic, a website that provides free lesson plans for teachers, covering the entire high school math curriculum. The discussion today will focus around the teaching model developed for Math Medic -- Experience First, Formalize Later (or EFFL for short!). In this teaching model, students interact in small groups on an activity before the teachers formalize the learning with a whole group discussion. Sarah has found that this teaching model promotes curiosity and engagement, opens up access to a wider variety of students, and produces confident learners  capable of flexible thinking. You’ll Learn:  What is the Experience First, Formalize Later (EFFL) way of teaching and learning? How to promote curiosity in your classroom, foster positive collaborative discussions, and create learners capable of flexible thinking.  Free resources to start teaching with this model.  Resources:  Why teach using Experience First, Formalize Later? www.mathmedic.com www.statsmedic.com www.calc-medic.comHow to Debrief an EFFL Lesson Redefining What it Means to be Good at Math Reframing Mistakes in the Math Classroom Twitter: @mathmedic Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

In this episode, we’re eager to dive into a discussion about the beginning of each and every math class… you got it: Warm-Ups!  Stick around and you’ll hear how the Math Moment Maker Community defines and implements warm-ups, why different approaches to implementing warm-ups can be helpful and how you can be a little more choosy with your next math class warm-up in this jam packed episode. You’ll learn:  What I should be thinking about when I’m picking or considering using a warm-up; Why every lesson doesn’t necessarily need a warm-up;  How a poorly chosen warm-up activity can derail your lesson; and, Why intentionality is key to ensuring you maximize the effectiveness of your warm-up and the remainder of your lesson. Resources:  Episode 157: The Real Flipped Classroom Estimation180.com Visualpatterns.org Mathisvisual.com Wodb.ca Wouldyourathermath.com How To Start A Math Fight Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article] How To Transform Your Textbook Into A Curiosity Machine [Free Video Course]  Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units  Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

In this “where are they now” episode, we speak with Caitlyn Sloan, a high school math teacher from Georgia is back to update us on how she has managed since sharing struggles to bring a problem based approach to her support students. After sharing the changes she’s made in her approach, we then dig into her most recent focus for her math classroom: communication. How can we emphasize communication so we can build 21st century mathematicians? Listen in to hear some of the ideas and strategies! This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through problems of practice and together we brainstorm possible next steps and strategies to overcome them.  You’ll Learn:  Assessing and or evaluating communication in the math classroom;  How we can address the student question: “does this count for marks?” How to prepare students to be mathematicians for today; Where you can use a jigsaw structure in math class? Resources:  Episode 132: I’m a Math Support Teacher And I Feel Trapped. Help! Desmos Classroom Activities How To Transform Your Textbook Into A Curiosity Machine [Video Series]  Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

In this episode, Kyle & Jon address a few common misconceptions from the Math Moment Maker community around teaching problem-based lessons and units.  Stick around and you’ll hear how to find the right balance between what students know and what they need to learn in your lesson; when we should be assessing for learning; how to consolidate a problem-based lesson; and,how to manage the flow of the class when some students complete work quicker than others.  You’ll learn:  How to find the right balance between what students know and what they need to learn in your lesson;  WhenI should be assessing for learning;  How to consolidate a problem-based lesson;  Finding the right time to teach a problem-based lesson; and,  How to manage the flow of the class when some students complete work quicker than others.  Resources:  Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article] How To Transform Your Textbook Into A Curiosity Machine [Free Video Course]  Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units  Cookie Cutter [Problem Based Lesson]  Woolly Worm Race [Problem Based Unit] Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

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!  During this session from the 2021 Make Math Moments Virtual Summit, you’ll hear about Yvette’s early experiences and struggles with mathematics which inspired her to dive deep into key elementary concepts to better conceptualize what was once only introduced to her procedurally. In particular, you’ll be taken on a journey through division from early fair sharing to proportional reasoning and solving two-step algebraic equations using context, strategies and models. You’ll Learn:  key elementary concepts of division from early fair sharing to proportional reasoning and solving two-step algebraic equations using context, strategies and models;  How knowing the two types of division can help your students develop a deep conceptual understanding of the operation; and,  Which lessons and tasks can I use to help my students explore the two types of division.  Resources:  Make Math Moments Virtual Summit MathisVIsual.com Sowing Seeds [Problem Based Unit] Sowing Seeds Revisited [Problem Based Unit] Planting Flowers [Problem Based Unit] Planting Flowers Revisited [Problem Based Unit] Problem Based Math Units Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

Today we speak with Janelle Fortmuller, a grade 5/6 teacher from Alberta. Janelle shares insights, key learnings she had around lesson design and planning in her math class.  Janelle shares her transformation from a teacher who pre-taught all the strategies and algorithms to a confident, flexible teacher who engages her students in problem solving every day.  This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through problems of practice and together we brainstorm possible next steps and strategies to overcome them.    You’ll Learn:  How to make connections among strategies when consolidating your lessons Reframing the false notion that we have to show students formulas steps and algorithms before they can solve problems How to get out of the way and let your students demonstrate their brilliance Resources:  MathisVIsual.com WouldYouRatherMath.com Problem Based Tasks  Follow Janelle on Twitter @janelle3904  Listen to Marilyn Burns on Episode 149 Janelle is currently learning how to Transform Her Textbook Into a Curiosity Machine Follow Janelle’s lead and take the MMM Online Workshop Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

Today the tables have turned! In this episode Jon & Kyle switch over to the other side of the interview and are put on the hot seat!  Jess Michalchuk, a Grade 7 educator from Foam Lake, Saskatchewan working towards a Masters of Education, interviews Jon & Kyle about memorable math moments from their teaching experience, their thoughts on leadership and innovation in mathematics and much more! Stick around and you’ll hear stories from Kyle and Jon’s classrooms, how they got started on changing their pedagogy, and what it means to become a math moment maker.  You’ll Learn:  Why you need to use a “high/low/buffalo” routine.  Why random grouping does more for your culture than you think it does.  How taking risks can change your career.  What does an innovator and changer do in math class?  Are you using language that causes shaming with students.  Resources:  Transform Your Textbook Into a Curiosity Machine [4 Part Video Series] Introduction To Making Math Moments That Matter [Episode 1] Episode #167: Decluttering Proportional Relationships – An Interview With James Tanton & Ted Coe More Good Questions - Differentiating High School Mathematics [Book] Get in touch with Jess on Twitter @JessMichalchuk Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

In this compilation episode of the podcast in honour of Black History Month, Kyle & Jon highlight six educators of colour that have had a significant impact on their pedagogical practices as they continue their journey to craft a more culturally responsive classroom experience for all students.  You’ll hear from Rafranz Davis speak about diversity, Lauren Baucom’s passion towards de-tracking;  Mindfulness and identity in the classroom from Christina Lincoln-Moore; the importance of catalyzing change from Robert Q. Berry; Kris Childs shares insights on access and equity in task selection; and, Jose Vilson’s ideas on the importance of teacher voice in the education system.  You’ll learn:  What diversity is and what it is not;  Why we should consider how we track (stream) students in our schools; Why mindfulness is needed in mathematics classes; How you can implement equitable teaching practices into your classroom; How to promote access and equity in the mathematics classroom; and,  How we should reimagine the work in math classrooms. Resources:  Episode 43: The Missing Voices In Math: An interview With Rafranz Davis Episode 56 Authoring Our Math Identities – An Interview with Lauren Baucom Episode 116: How to Use Mindfulness to Change Trajectories – An Interview with Christina Lincoln-Moore Episode 86: Catalyzing Change – An Interview with Robert Q. Berry Episode 68: Gradual Release Of Responsibility SUCKS! An Interview With Kristopher Childs Episode 51: Reimagining the work done in math classrooms: An Interview with Jose Vilson Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

In this episode, Kyle and Jon speak with James Tanton, Mathematician-at-Large for the Mathematical Association of America and Founder of the Global Math Project and Ted Coe, NWEA’s Director of Content Advocacy and Design.  James and Ted hop on the show today to dig into the collective work of a group of mathematics education leaders involving one of the most important yet misunderstood concepts in mathematics: Proportional Relationships. Stick around as we dig into ideas around proportionality and what we can do to help declutter this crucial middle school math concept.  You’ll Learn:  How so much of the mathematics we explore in school is cluttered and what we can do to declutter your proportional relationship unit; How math is not just about the act of doing, but also the act of thinking and habits of thinking;  About James’ fascination with emu eggs;  Why you want to start with the most difficult problem first; and,  Why we should be thinking about the words we use and say in math class.  Resources:  Episode 6: Looking for Joy in Mathematics: An Interview with James Tanton [Podcast] Episode #45 – Global Math Week, Exploding Dots, and James Tanton [Podcast] Proportional Relationships Decluttered - At Last! Common Core State Standards (CCSS) CCSS Progressions Documents Stacking Paper Problem Based Math Unit Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

Today we speak with Garret Schneider, a middle school math teacher from Indiana. Like many of us, Garret is feeling a little bit like he’s a lone wolf as he continues to seek out ways to elevate his teaching practice while many colleagues continue independently on their own teaching journeys.  In this Math Mentoring Moment Episode, we will dig into why this lone journey is getting Garret down and how he might be able to work towards developing a professional learning community where all members feel accepted and valued regardless of their teaching philosophy and pedagogical approach.    You’ll Learn Answers To:  How can you build your own support network / PLC; How to help your fellow teachers “get on board”; and,  Why it’s a blessing when you find something new that works.  Resources:  Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard [Book]: https://amzn.to/2B1vjXL Join Us For A Math Mentoring Moment Episode: https://makemathmoments.com/mentor The Make Math Moments Academy: https://makemathmoments.com/academy  Proportional Reasoning Course: https://makemathmoments.com/proportions  Problem Based Tasks: https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/ The Thinking Classroom: https://buildingthinkingclassrooms.com/podcasts/  Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

Today we speak with Aubrey McKelvey, a 7th & 8th grade teacher from Nashville Tennessee. Like many middle schoolers, Aubrey's students are tuning out and demanding the “fast food” version of math class. Her students want to skip understanding and go directly to the how. In this episode we’ll uncover the real issue behind this lack of engagement and help Aubrey with some next steps.  This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through problems of practice and together we brainstorm possible next steps and strategies to overcome them.    You’ll Learn Answers To:  What to do to help students apply their learning to a new or different context; How to craft a productive struggle that students will want to engage in; Why slowing down and “breadcrumbing” students into your lesson is crucial to spark curiosity and fuel sense making; and, Tips to implement the Curiosity Path in your lessons each day. Resources:  Problem Based Math Units  Desmos Lessons  Illustrative Mathematics  Math Is Visual Weeks of Inspirational Math - YouCubed & Jo Boaler Nana’s Choclate Milk on Desmos Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

We speak with Philip Dituri from FiCycle.org about financial literacy: while so important in the real world, but is somehow rarely discussed or taught in schools. Philip shares how we can answer the common question “when will I ever need this in real life?” He shares how teachers can blend their existing curriculum with contextual lessons based in personal finance, and we discuss why we need to prepare students for life, not just tests.  You’ll Learn:  How we can answer When will I ever need this in real life? How I can blend my curriculum with lessons based in a personal finance context; Why we should be teaching financial literacy and algebra in concert; and, Why we need to prepare students for life - not tests.  Resources:  Free Lessons on Ficycle.org  Life Cycle Theory of Savings: What influences our saving behavior? Explore Make Math Moments Problem Based Units Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/

In this episode, Jon & Kyle take a deep dive into how we can make our existing curriculum resources be it a textbook or worksheets into curious lessons that students lean in to learn. Specifically, we’ll be talking about why Sparking Curiosity is such an important part of the Make Math Moments 3-Part Framework and some strategies for the types of problems you might choose to transform.  You’ll learn:  Why our existing resources need to change, but should not be thrown out; Why curiosity is such an important part of the 3-part Framework and how it not only helps draw in students, but also primes their brains for new learning; How to quickly identify problems from your resources that are easier to transform than others; and, Where you can go to dive even deeper into overhauling your approach to lesson design. What are you waiting for? Let’s dive into this deep dive lesson on Why Our Existing Resources Need To Change & How To Do It Easily!  Resources:  Register: Transforming Your Textbook Webinar Series How To Flip Your Classroom The Right Way [Podcast Episode] Gorilla Video [Selective Attention]  Distance Formula Without The Formula [Lesson] Make Math Moments 3-Part Framework Problem Based Math Units Create engagement while fuelling students sense making by using Make Math Moments ready-made lessons and units. Access our vast catalogue of lessons for elementary through high school math classes.Check the catalogue here --> https://makemathmoments.com/tasks/