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If you’ve ever wondered what to actually do during small group time in math, this episode will give you a clear and practical way to support students without lowering expectations.
We built a simple Math Coherence Compass to help district and school leaders make aligned decisions around math—without adding another initiative. Get your free copy and training here https://makemathmoments.com/coherence-compass/
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
Description:
Every school system wants sustainable improvement in math instruction. But in education, there’s one reality we can’t ignore: people are constantly stepping on and off the system. Teachers change roles, leaders move positions, and new staff enter every year. So how do you build improvement efforts that actually last?For years, many educators have thought about improvement through the idea of a flywheel—something that takes significant effort to get moving, but gains momentum over time. But what if education systems are less like flywheels and more like Ferris wheels? In a Ferris wheel system, people are always coming and going. And that means improvement can’t live only inside individuals—it has to live within the system itself. Sustainable change requires structures that preserve learning, distribute leadership, and continuously support people as they enter and move through the system.
In this episode, you’ll explore:
Why sustainable improvement can’t depend on individual people aloneThe role of hubs, networks, and distributed leadership in math improvementWhat it means to “learn fast and implement slow”How systems can preserve and share learning over timeWhy continuous improvement must be built into the system itself
If you’re leading math improvement in a classroom, school, or district, this episode will challenge you to think differently about sustainability—and help you design systems that continue to grow even as people come and go.
Show Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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If you’ve ever wondered what to actually do during small group time in math, this episode will give you a clear and practical way to support students without lowering expectations.
We built a simple Math Coherence Compass to help district and school leaders make aligned decisions around math—without adding another initiative. Get your free copy and training here https://makemathmoments.com/coherence-compass/
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
Description:
Not all math tasks are created equal. Some lead to deep thinking, rich discussion, and meaningful learning—while others fall flat. So what actually makes a math task effective?It’s easy to assume that a “good” task is just one that students can complete. But truly powerful mathematical experiences go beyond that. They provide access for all learners while still offering meaningful challenge. They invite multiple strategies and solutions, encouraging students to think, question, and engage with the math in different ways. And they require careful design—not just of the task itself, but of how it’s facilitated in the classroom.
In this episode, you’ll explore:
The key criteria of a high-quality math taskWhat “low floor, high ceiling” really means in practiceWhy multiple strategies and solutions matterHow teacher moves impact the effectiveness of a taskThe role of high-quality instructional materialsHow to reflect on and improve the tasks you’re already usingIf you want to create more engaging and meaningful math experiences for your students, this episode will give you a clear lens for evaluating and improving the tasks in your classroom.
Show Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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If you’ve ever wondered what to actually do during small group time in math, this episode will give you a clear and practical way to support students without lowering expectations.
We built a simple Math Coherence Compass to help district and school leaders make aligned decisions around math—without adding another initiative. Get your free copy and training here https://makemathmoments.com/compass/
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
Description:
Small group instruction is a common part of math classrooms—but when it comes time to actually sit down with a group of students, many teachers are left wondering what they should be doing. Should you reteach the lesson? Provide more practice? Or try something completely different?The answer isn’t about creating a whole new lesson. Instead, effective tier 2 instruction is about helping students access the same rigorous math as their peers—but with the right supports in place. By using formative assessment to understand where students are along the concrete, representational, and abstract continuum, teachers can provide targeted scaffolds that move students forward. The key is not lowering expectations, but removing barriers so every student can engage with the learning.
In this episode, you’ll explore:
What tier 2 math instruction should (and shouldn’t) look likeWhy small group time isn’t about reteaching the same lessonHow to use the CRA (concrete, representational, abstract) model effectivelyWhat it means to provide “access” to grade-level mathHow to decide when students are ready to move onThe role of high-quality instructional materials and manipulatives
Show Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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Improving math instruction and student achievement is something every school and system wants. But despite that desire, real, lasting change often feels out of reach. Not because educators don’t care—but because the work required to get there is harder than expected.
It’s easy to want the outcome: stronger math programs, more confident teachers, improved student results. But those outcomes depend on a set of consistent, intentional inputs—time, focus, and sustained effort. And that’s where many systems struggle. The reality is, meaningful improvement isn’t about finding a quick fix. It’s about committing to the long-term work, even when progress feels slow and the process is challenging. Like any complex skill, the results only come when the required effort is sustained over time.
In this episode, you’ll explore:
Why improving math instruction requires more than good intentionsThe difference between wanting results and committing to the workWhat “inputs vs outputs” really means in educationWhy sustainable improvement takes time and consistencyHow systems can think more intentionally about long-term changeWhat it means to “choose your hard” in math improvementIf you’re working to improve math instruction in your classroom, school, or system, this episode will challenge you to think differently about the commitment required—and help you decide what path forward you’re ready to take.
We built a simple Math Coherence Compass to help district and school leaders make aligned decisions around math—without adding another initiative. Get your free copy and training here https://makemathmoments.com/compass/
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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Improving student achievement in mathematics is a goal shared by schools, districts, and systems everywhere. Yet despite years of effort, many classrooms still aren’t seeing the shifts in instruction or outcomes that we’re aiming for. If the goal is clear, why does progress feel so inconsistent?
The challenge isn’t a lack of effort. Teachers are working hard, and schools are investing time into professional learning and new initiatives. But even with well-established teaching practices and research-backed strategies, something isn’t sticking. In many cases, the issue lies not in the practices themselves, but in the systems designed to support them. Without clarity, alignment, and the right focus, it becomes difficult to create meaningful and lasting change in math instruction.
In this episode, you’ll explore:
Why math achievement hasn’t improved despite years of effortThe three key barriers preventing instructional changeHow a lack of clarity and coherence impacts teacher practiceWhy measuring the wrong things leads to stalled progressWhat it means to focus narrowly for greater impactWhy building teachers’ math understanding—not just pedagogy—is essentialIf you’re trying to improve math instruction in your classroom, school, or system, this episode will help you rethink your approach and focus on the changes that truly move the needle.
We built a simple Math Coherence Compass to help district and school leaders make aligned decisions around math—without adding another initiative. Get your free copy and training here https://makemathmoments.com/compass/
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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In math education, there are a lot of terms that get used interchangeably—unpacking standards, planning units, designing lessons. But for many teachers, it’s not always clear how these pieces fit together. Are they all the same thing, or is there an important difference that impacts how we teach?
At first glance, it might seem like lesson planning is simply following a resource or turning the page in a curriculum. But without a clear understanding of the standard—the destination we’re aiming for—it becomes difficult to make intentional decisions during instruction. When teachers aren’t clear on what success actually looks like, it limits their ability to question effectively, give meaningful feedback, and gather evidence of student understanding. Whether you’re using a high-quality resource or building lessons from scratch, clarity around the standard is what connects everything together.
In this episode, you’ll explore:
The difference between unpacking a standard, planning a unit, and designing a lessonWhy standards should be viewed as the destination for learningHow teacher clarity impacts student successWhat it really means to “unpack” a standardHow to define success criteria and identify evidence of learningWhy collaboration is key to strengthening this workIf you’ve ever wondered whether you’re truly planning with purpose—or just following a resource—this episode will help you rethink your approach and bring more clarity to your math instruction.
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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In schools today, it can feel like there’s always something new being introduced. A new initiative, a new priority, a new expectation. And for many teachers, especially in math classrooms, it raises a familiar question: why this, and why now? After years of seeing initiatives come and go, it’s easy to feel skeptical about whether the next one will actually make a lasting impact.
But what if the issue isn’t the initiative itself—but the number of initiatives being introduced at once? When time, energy, and resources stay the same (or even decrease), every new priority competes for attention. And over time, that leads to what’s known as initiative fatigue. Without clear communication, shared decision-making, and visible evidence of impact, it becomes harder for teachers to invest in new work. The challenge isn’t just choosing the right initiative—it’s knowing what to prioritize, what to let go of, and how to create the conditions for meaningful change.
In this episode, you’ll explore:
What initiative fatigue is and why it happens in schoolsHow competing priorities impact teachers’ time and energyWhy transparency and teacher involvement matter in decision-making in mathematicsHow to determine when it’s the right time to move on from a math initiativeThe importance of identifying clear success indicators in mathematicsWhat teachers and math leaders can do to better manage competing demandsIf you’re feeling overwhelmed by constant change—or trying to lead improvement without overloading your team—this episode will help you think more strategically about priorities, capacity, and sustainable progress.
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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In today’s math classrooms, there’s a growing expectation: students should be able to use and connect multiple mathematical representations. From visual models to symbolic notation, this practice is becoming a key part of high-quality math instruction. But for many teachers, this shift feels challenging—especially when their own experience with math was primarily abstract and procedural.
So what happens when you’re asked to teach in a way you didn’t experience yourself? When you’re expected to connect visual, physical, contextual, and symbolic representations—but don’t feel like you have the tools or confidence to do it? For many educators, this creates an experience gap. And without support, it can feel overwhelming. The reality is, this isn’t just about learning new strategies—it’s about rethinking what it means to understand math, and being willing to learn alongside your students.
In this episode, you’ll explore:
What it really means to connect mathematical representationsThe difference between strategies and representationsWhy many teachers feel unprepared for this shift—and what to do about itHow learning alongside students can strengthen your practiceThe role of networks and collaboration in building confidenceWhat teachers, coaches, and leaders can do to support this workIf you’ve been asked to implement connected representations in your math classroom but aren’t sure where to start, this episode will help you build clarity, confidence, and a path forward.
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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In math classrooms, there’s something that shows up again and again: resistance. It can come from students, from teachers, and sometimes even from the school system itself. And over time, it can start to feel like your job is to constantly push against it—trying to convince, redirect, and move people forward.
But what if we’ve been thinking about resistance all wrong? What if it’s not something people are, but something they’re experiencing in the moment? Because when students push back or teachers hesitate to try something new, it’s easy to label that as unwillingness. In reality, it’s often rooted in something deeper—fear of being wrong, uncertainty about expectations, past experiences with math, or a lack of trust. And in many cases, the system itself creates the very conditions that lead to resistance in the first place.
In this episode, you’ll explore:
Why resistance is a state—not a traitWhat’s really behind student and teacher pushback in mathHow trust plays a critical role in reducing resistanceWhy fear and past experiences influence willingness to try new approachesHow inconsistent systems and shifting priorities can reinforce resistanceWhat coaches, leaders, and teachers can do to build trust over timeIf you’ve ever struggled with resistance in your classroom, your coaching, or your school, this episode will help you reframe what’s really happening—and how to respond more effectively.
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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In math classrooms, what is the most common frustration that keeps showing up? Not enough time. Interrupted lessons. Lost instructional minutes. The constant feeling of trying to cover more math than the time allows. It’s not just about lost time. It’s about lost momentum. Lost focus. Lost thinking. At the same time, schools are balancing another priority—community and culture. Assemblies. Events. Activities that matter.
So the question becomes:
Is it possible to protect instructional time and still build a strong school culture? Or does it have to be one or the other?In this episode, you’ll explore:
Why lost instructional minutes impact more than just pacingWhat happens to student thinking when lessons are constantly interruptedWhy strong beginnings and endings matter more than we thinkHow predictable routines can help reclaim lost timeWhat teachers can do to maximize instructional minutes on a typical dayHow school leaders can create more predictable, protected instructional timeIf you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly behind—or like your math block disappears before it even starts—this episode will help you rethink how to protect and make the most of every instructional minute.
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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In this episode, hosts Jon Orr and Yvette Lehman unpack a tension that’s been debated in math education for decades: conceptual understanding vs. procedural fluency.
Yvette shares a powerful realization from her math classroom experience: in striving to teach conceptually, she may have unintentionally neglected opportunities for students to build automaticity and recall. Meanwhile, Jon highlights the importance of helping students move fluidly between visual models, strategies, and algorithms.
Together, they explore:
Why the “either/or” debate in math instruction is a false dichotomyHow different learners benefit from different approachesWhat happens when math teaching becomes too rigid in one directionThe role of tutoring, parents, and community partners in shaping math successWhy strong math instruction should leverage strengths while building other proficienciesHow educators can balance reasoning, understanding, and efficiencyThis conversation is a reminder that great math teaching isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about creating access, building flexibility, and meeting students where they are.
👉 What if the real goal isn’t picking a side… but helping students move between them?
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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We talk about planning all the time in math education. But here’s the question:
How much time should you realistically be spending planning your math lessons each day?
Because the reality is—you’re not just planning math. You’re planning multiple subjects or courses, managing everything else on your plate, and at the same time trying to make sense of a new math curriculum, new models, and new expectations for how math instruction should look in your classroom.
And when that happens, math planning can quickly turn into a daily cycle of planning for tomorrow, feeling behind, and trying to keep up.
Especially when you’re trying to design math lessons that move beyond procedures and actually build student thinking, reasoning, and understanding.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn
Why planning math lessons day-by-day leads to burnoutHow to shift to unit-based math planning so you can see the big mathematical ideasA simple strategy: focus on one meaningful math experience per dayHow to reduce planning time while still improving the quality of your math instructionWhy unpacking the math (not just the lesson) matters when using a new curriculumHow to build repeatable planning routines that make math teaching more manageableWays to improve your math practice without sacrificing your time or well-beingAs you think about your next math lesson, consider this:
What if you didn’t try to perfect everything tomorrow?
Instead, choose one moment in your math block to focus on—one opportunity for students to think, reason, or engage more deeply with math.
Start there. Because improving your math instruction isn’t about doing more.
It’s about making small, intentional shifts in your math planning that build over time.
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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You’ve got protected time for Tier 2 math intervention…
…but what are you actually supposed to do during that time?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from teachers and leaders. You know Tier 2 matters—but without a clear vision, it can quickly turn into reteaching the same lesson, louder and slower.
In this episode, we unpack what effective Tier 2 math instruction really looks like, sounds like, and feels like in the classroom.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn
Why Tier 2 is not just reteaching the same math lessonHow to structure small groups based on student thinking, not labelsWhat purposeful practice should look like for the rest of the classHow to use formative assessment and self-assessment (red/yellow/green) to form groupsWhy Tier 2 should focus on targeted moves (models, misconceptions, representations)How to build a classroom where students support each other, not just rely on the teacherThe connection between strong Tier 2 and deep understanding of math big ideasTake a moment and reflect:
If someone walked into your classroom during Tier 2…
Would they clearly see targeted support happening?If not, start small:
Identify one learning goalPull one groupFocus on one specific needThat’s where powerful Tier 2 begins.
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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We talk about Tier 1 instruction all the time in math education.
But here’s the question:
Do we actually have a shared understanding of what strong Tier 1 math instruction looks like… or are we all picturing something slightly different?
Because when terms like rigorous, engaging, and grade-level instruction aren’t clearly defined, things start to drift.
In one classroom, students might be working through step-by-step procedures, focused on accuracy and speed. In another, they’re exploring multiple strategies, discussing their thinking, and making connections.
And both are labeled “strong Tier 1.”
That’s where the tension lives—not in effort, but in alignment. If we’re not clear on what we mean, it becomes really difficult to support teachers, measure progress, or build consistency across a school or system.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn
What Tier 1 instruction actually means within MTSS—and why it’s designed to support most learnersWhy staying at grade-level math matters, even when students are strugglingWhat rigor really looks like in a math classroom (and what it’s often mistaken for)The difference between students completing math and students thinking mathematicallyHow to recognize when students are reasoning, representing, and explaining—not just following stepsWhy access and entry points are essential for engagementHow teams can reduce “interpretation drift” and build a shared understanding across classroomsAs you reflect on your own classroom—or the classrooms you support—consider this:
If someone walked in during a math lesson, what would they actually see and hear?
Would students be making sense of the math, explaining their thinking, and engaging with the task… or mostly following a set of steps?
That small shift in awareness is where stronger Tier 1 instruction begins.
K-12 Math Leaders - Strive for coherence around high quality math instruction in your school(s) with a Math Coherence Compass. Get a free template and training here: https://makemathmoments.com/compass/
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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It’s April, and in math class the countdown is on.
There is limited time left before standardized math testing or the end of the school year—and many math teachers are feeling the pressure to either rush through remaining math content or coast to the finish.
This time of year creates a real tension in math instruction. Teachers want to maximize the time that’s left, but they also know that flying through math units won’t lead to retention or confidence. At the same time, no one wants to lower expectations or lose momentum in the final stretch.
So what does strong end-of-year math instruction actually look like?
In This Episode, You’ll Learn
Why rushing through math content at the end of the year often undermines lasting math understandingHow to identify priority math standards and focus your remaining math time wiselyWhy end-of-year math units like measurement, geometry, probability, or data can be powerful opportunities for applying prior math learningHow rich math tasks and cognitively demanding math problems can consolidate a year’s worth of math learningWhat math coaches and math leaders can do to support teachers in making end-of-year math decisionsHow spiraling math instruction can reduce end-of-year math pressure altogetherIf you’re feeling the pressure of end-of-year math instruction, take a step back and ask:
What math learning is most important for students to carry forward from this year?
Let that answer guide how you finish strong in math.
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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As math testing season approaches, many teachers and leaders feel the tension. We want students to succeed. We know they’re capable. But too often, that message turns into stress, anxiety, and even math avoidance.
So how do we walk the line between pushing for excellence in math and protecting student confidence?
In this episode, we unpack the difference between high expectations and pressure in math classrooms—and why they’re not the same thing.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
The critical difference between math expectations and math pressureWhy focusing on math outcomes (scores) can increase anxietyHow shifting to process-based goals in math reduces stressWhat it looks like to build a math classroom culture of confidence and capabilityHow to use leading indicators (like persistence and engagement) instead of just test scoresWhy student math identity and disposition matter just as much as achievementPractical ways to support students during math testing season without lowering expectationsIf you’re heading into math testing season and want your students to feel confident—not overwhelmed—this episode will help you rethink how to maintain high expectations in math while minimizing pressure.
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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If the standard algorithm is the final goal in math, why not just teach it directly?
This question came up during a recent math leadership summit while discussing fluency and strategy development in math classrooms. One teacher asked a question many educators are quietly wondering: if students ultimately need to use the standard algorithm in math, why spend time exploring other strategies first?
This debate sits at the heart of modern math instruction. Some argue that teaching the standard algorithm early provides a reliable method students can always use. Others argue that focusing too quickly on procedures can limit math reasoning, number sense, and strategy flexibility.
In This Episode, We’ll Unpack:
Why the standard algorithm in math is a useful tool—but not the only oneHow flexible math reasoning strategies build deeper number senseWhy students who only learn the standard algorithm often struggle with efficiency and estimationHow reasoning strategies strengthen understanding of math properties like distributive and associativeWhy math fluency is about strategy choice, not just executing one procedureHow math teachers can help students move from “What should I do?” to “What could I do?”Why the goal of math instruction is helping students choose the right mathematical tool for the problemIf you’re navigating the balance between teaching the standard algorithm and developing deeper math reasoning, this episode will help you rethink how both can work together to build stronger mathematicians.
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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What if one of the most common terms in math education — conceptual understanding in math — isn’t actually understood the same way across schools, systems, or even math classrooms?
A recent podcast sparked a big question: is conceptual understanding in math poorly defined? The challenge wasn’t just the definition itself, but the claim that conceptual understanding in math may be getting in the way of math fluency. In this episode, Jon Orr, Yvette Lehman, and Beth Curran unpack that tension and wrestle with a deeper issue: maybe conceptual understanding in math is not poorly defined in research, but poorly understood and inconsistently implemented in practice.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why conceptual understanding in math and math fluency should not be framed as opposing goalsHow conceptual understanding in math supports retention, reasoning, and equitable access to math learningWhy poor implementation of conceptual understanding in math can create confusion and pushbackHow overemphasizing one part of math instruction can unintentionally crowd out purposeful math practice and explicit math instructionWhy dips in math data should not automatically trigger a rejection of conceptual understanding in mathHow math leaders can build coherence around what conceptual understanding in math actually looks like in math classroomsAsk yourself: when your team says “conceptual understanding in math,” do you all mean the same thing? If not, that may be the real math improvement work ahead.
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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Some math teachers insist students must always show their math thinking. Others argue that if the math answer is correct, that should be enough. When math grading practices don’t align with math learning goals, frustration grows — for math students and parents alike. The real issue isn’t compliance in math. It’s clarity about what we are assessing in math.
In this episode, we explore:
The difference between assessing math fluency and assessing math understandingWhy getting the right answer in math doesn’t always prove deep math understandingWhen requiring students to show their math thinking strengthens math learningWhen over-requiring explanation in math can harm math confidence and math identityHow math leaders can support math teachers in aligning math learning goals, math success criteria, and math grading practicesBefore grading the next math assessment, ask:
What was I trying to measure in math — accuracy or reasoning?Your answer should determine whether students need to show their math thinking.
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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You’re teaching math to 34 students. You slow math pacing to support the middle, but you can feel yourself losing students who are ready to move.
A listener emailed us after our episode on rigorous Tier 1 math instruction: they don’t want to create opportunity gaps by slowing math down—but they also don’t know how to actually run small group math instruction after the main lesson. We also connect this to a real conversation with a district math team wrestling with Tier 2 math and Tier 3 math supports.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn
Why “high/middle/low” labels get in the way of effective math small groupingHow CRA math (concrete–pictorial/representational–abstract) can guide flexible math groups after the lessonWhy CRA in math is not a ladder—and why abstract math isn’t automatically the “top group”How to use formative math assessment (including exit tickets) to identify what students need next in mathHow to structure math class so random groups drive discourse, then targeted math groups drive practice and supportA coaching/leadership math move: “live the math work” in a classroom for a full unit before scaling the strategyWhy sustained math coaching support (not one-off math PD) builds coherence in math instruction across a systemIf you’re a math leader or math coach, ask: What’s one unit where we can co-teach, gather formative math assessment daily, and build CRA-informed math small groups—so we can scale what actually works in real math classrooms?
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 PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!
Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!
https://makemathmoments.com/plan/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.
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