Honest Math Chat

Send us a text What happens when students haven’t been taught the math yet—but the task is right there waiting? In this episode, I unpack the fear many teachers feel before launching a rich task and explains why that hesitation, while understandable, often blocks the very learning we want. If you’ve ever wondered whether your students are “ready,” this conversation will gently shift how you think about readiness and learning. When we trust students to begin with what they know, incredible learning unfolds. Thanks for showing up for kids—and for yourself—as a math teacher willing to grow. 🤍 Need Ongoing Math Support? Join the Support Circle If you’re listening and thinking, “I want to do this well—but I don’t want to figure it out alone,” the Math Teacher Support Circle was created for you. Inside the Circle, you get ongoing math support, coaching, and a community of teachers all implementing Word Problem Workshop and rich problem-solving routines together. You’ll have a place to ask questions, get feedback, choose strong tasks, and build confidence—especially during Grapple—so supporting student thinking feels doable, not overwhelming. 🎧 Ready to Dive In? 👉 Listen to the full episode now 👉 Subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations 👉 Leave a review to help other teachers find this work

Send us a text What if the biggest shift in your math block didn’t come from a new curriculum or tool—but from the questions you ask? In this episode, I explore how intentional math questions can spark deeper thinking, richer conversations, and stronger reasoning, all while requiring teachers to talk less. If you’ve ever felt the urge to jump in and explain, this conversation will feel both challenging and freeing. You don’t need a new curriculum or a perfect lesson to transform math class. With meaningful questions, strategic silence, and a consistent routine like Word Problem Workshop, students begin to do the heavy cognitive lifting. This week’s challenge: ask one purposeful question—and then stop talking. 🎧 Ready to Listen? If you want students to think more deeply and take ownership of their ideas, this episode is for you. 👉 Listen to the full episode now 👉 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode 👉 Leave a review to help other teachers find this work

Send us a text What should students actually be doing, saying, and thinking in math class? In this episode, I break down this essential question and shifts the focus away from pacing guides, tests, and compliance—and back to student thinking. If you want math class to feel alive, engaging, and meaningful, this conversation sets the stage. So how do we make this happen consistently? The answer isn’t more strategies or better worksheets—it’s a routine. This segment breaks down how Word Problem Workshop provides a predictable structure (Launch, Grapple, Share, Discuss, Reflect) that reliably gets students doing, talking, and thinking about math without relying on scripted lessons or high-level curriculum materials. 📘 Don't have time to read a book?? Join the Support Circle!  🎧 Ready to Listen? If you’re ready to build a math classroom where student thinking takes center stage, this episode is for you. 👉 Listen to the full episode now 👉 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode 👉 Leave a review to help other educators find this work

Send us a text Today’s episode dives into a question many K–1 teachers ask: Why are we giving multiplication problem types when they’re nowhere in the standards? If you’ve ever wondered whether this is developmentally appropriate, too advanced, or simply “off track,” you’re definitely not alone. But here’s the truth: young children already experience multiplicative situations in real life — and those experiences naturally support early additive reasoning. In this episode, I share a powerful story from Kayla’s first-grade classroom that illustrates exactly why these problem types matter. 🎧 CTA — Listen, Subscribe, Review & Download If this episode sparked ideas or affirmed your instincts, make sure to listen to the full conversation, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review to help more teachers find it.

Send us a text In today’s episode, we’re diving into what really happens when kids struggle—and how to support them without rescuing them from the thinking process. You’ll hear the story of a quiet 3rd grader named Daria and how confidence, belief, and intentional instruction changed her entire trajectory. Many teachers have taught a student like Daria—sweet, shy, unsure, and labeled “below grade level.” Yet, through connection and curiosity, her brilliance surfaced long before her academic data did. This teaser shows why confidence isn’t everything, but why it’s a powerful catalyst for learning. 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode: 📘 Word Problem Workshop ⭐️ Join the Book Club HERE 🎧 Ready to Dive In? Listen to the full episode to hear the stories, strategies, and mindset shifts that help kids thrive—without taking away their thinking. 👉 Listen now 👉 Subscribe to the podcast 👉 Leave a review to help other educators find this work

Send us a text I’ll start with a confession: I’ve never taught kindergarten. Honestly? I don’t think I could. Kindergarten teachers bring superhuman levels of compassion, patience, and organizational magic. They teach kids how to be at school while also supporting families. Yet I support K–8 math, and as a parent of two kindergarteners, I know exactly what a Monday afternoon classroom feels like. So when a kindergarten teacher asked me to model what math could look, sound, and feel like with deeper engagement, I said yes. Today, you’ll hear the case study that proves Word Problem Workshop is the solution for low-level, boring curriculum tasks. Here’s the encouragement I want to leave you with: you don’t need a new curriculum. You just need a routine that reveals student thinking. Word Problem Workshop does that — every single time. Even in kindergarten. So try one step next week. Launch a real problem. Give space. Let kids think. And watch what happens. 🎧 Listen to the full episode, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review to support more teachers bringing sense-making into math. ❄️ NEW: Join the Winter Break Book Club HERE If you want a simple, supportive way to deepen your practice over break, join our Word Problem Workshop Winter Book Club. It’s cozy, low-pressure, and designed to refresh your teaching before January hits. You’ll get discussion prompts, coaching insights, and a community of educators who care deeply about student thinking. Come as you are — pajama coffee, holiday chaos, and all.

Send us a text 💭 What “Let’s Just See What They Can Do” Really Means This phrase isn’t about tossing students into a problem they can’t handle. It’s about honoring the strategies, intuitions, and lived math experiences they already bring. You’ll hear how the Grapple step in Word Problem Workshop allows students to make sense of the story without the teacher rescuing, modeling, or pre-teaching every step. In this episode, you’ll hear a vivid classroom moment where a teacher doubted her students could handle:  “There are 27 puppies. Eighteen are big. How many are small?” Even with large numbers and no regrouping lesson yet, students entered the problem with drawings, cubes, equations, and revising strategies. You’ll see how every learner — regardless of level — found a way to show their thinking when given space to explore. 🎧 Tune In and Try It Yourself Ready to try this mindset shift in your next lesson?  Listen to the full episode to hear how Word Problem Workshop helps students think deeply, reason flexibly, and approach big problems with confidence. ➡️ Listen now, subscribe, and leave a review to support the podcast and help more teachers bring sense-making into their math classrooms.

Send us a text Hey teacher friends, Mona here! Today we’re diving into one of my favorite ways to grow as a team and strengthen math instruction across a school: Learning Walks. If you’ve never tried one before, don’t worry. By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what Learning Walks are, why they work, and how to use them to build collaboration, confidence, and shared vision among teachers. And if you're a math coach, instructional leader, or team lead who’s been craving a more meaningful way to bring teachers together — this one is especially for you. Because inside Math Coach Huddle, Learning Walks are one of our most powerful community practices. They help us move from coaching alone… to coaching together. Your challenge this week: Invite one person into your classroom. Or visit theirs. Notice. Wonder. Reflect. Learn together. Until next time — keep leading with curiosity, keep learning in community, and keep building joyful math spaces. 💛

Send us a text What does it really look like when students thrive in math? In this inspiring episode, Kendra unpacks what it means to build thriving math communities — classrooms where every child feels seen, confident, and ready to learn. She shares practical ideas and joyful starting points that any teacher can use to bring connection and purpose to math learning. When students thrive in math, it’s not quiet — it’s alive. You’ll hear how thriving classrooms buzz with conversation, curiosity, and confidence. Kendra paints a picture of what it looks like when students feel safe to take risks, when math talk flows naturally, and when belonging fuels learning. 💬 Connect with Kendra Website - https://www.mathematizing247.com/ Instagram 🔗 Tune In and Build Your Thriving Math Community 🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear Kendra share her journey and practical steps for creating classrooms where students feel confident, capable, and connected through math. 💬 Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to make math more joyful and inclusive.

Send us a text Think about this: how often do you hear a student say, “I can’t do this”? You might wonder, why do they give up so easily? But here’s the truth — it’s not laziness. It’s not a lack of confidence. It’s anxiety. Because each of us has a Math Story. Some stories are good. Some, not so much. Maybe yours began with racing to be the fastest in “Around the World,” or memorizing steps to get the answer first. Maybe it’s standing at the board while the teacher asks the class, “Are they right?” — even though everyone, including you, knows you’re wrong. So let’s stay together — and let’s help our students do the same. 🎧 Listen to the full episode 💬 Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow teacher who’s ready to bring new energy and joy to math learning. 📘 Order your copy of the Word Problem Workshop book today and start building a classroom where students think deeply, collaborate often, and love solving problems.

Send us a text Math education is changing fast — and few people are leading that change more thoughtfully than John SanGiovanni, a math educator, district leader, and author of numerous influential books. In this episode of our math education podcast, John shares the conversations we should be having about teaching math — and what’s getting in the way. John offers a refreshingly candid take on what’s missing from our current math dialogue — and why focusing on instructional quality, not gadgets or gimmicks, is the way forward. 💻 Links Mentioned in this Episode Books by John SanGiovanni: 📘 Productive Math Struggle: A 6-Point Action Plan for Fostering Perseverance 📘 Figuring Out Fluency in Mathematics Teaching and Learning, Grades K-8: Moving Beyond Basic Facts and Memorization Website - https://www.sangiomath.com/ 🔗 Listen, Learn, and Lead Change 🎧 Tune in now to hear the full conversation with John SanGiovanni — and explore what’s next for math instruction and curriculum design. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a colleague who cares about reimagining math education.

Send us a text It’s here — the Word Problem Workshop book is officially out in the world!  Every teacher knows the struggle — students disengaged, confused, or quick to say, “I’m not a math person.” This book was born out of that challenge. It’s a response to years of listening to teachers, watching classrooms, and realizing something had to change. 🔗 Listen, Celebrate, and Join the Movement 🎧 Tune in to the full episode to celebrate the launch of the Word Problem Workshop book and hear the story behind it all. 💬 Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow teacher who’s ready to make math meaningful again. 📘 Grab your copy of the Word Problem Workshop book today and start building a math classroom where students thrive as thinkers and problem solvers.

Send us a text In this special episode of Math Chat, we sit down with Kassia, the brilliant editor who played an instrumental role in shaping the Word Problem Workshop book. With her keen eye and unwavering support, Kassia helped turn ideas into action, ensuring the book would resonate with teachers and make a real difference in math classrooms. Curious about the behind-the-scenes process and the heart of this book? Keep reading to get a sneak peek into our conversation! Ready to Transform Your Math Classroom? Listen, Subscribe, and Leave a Review This episode with Kassia provides incredible insight into the Word Problem Workshop book and the passion behind its creation. If you’re ready to revolutionize your math instruction, don’t miss out! Listen to the full episode, subscribe to Math Chat, and leave a review. Plus, grab your copy of Word Problem Workshop and access free resources and downloads. Get started today!

Send us a text So, I’m sitting here with my coffee, reflecting on how surreal it feels that Word Problem Workshop is finally a real book — something teachers can actually hold in their hands. Before it hits shelves, I wanted to take you behind the scenes of how it came to life: the “why,” the “how,” and the “who” behind every page. If you’ve ever felt like your students just don’t get it, this episode — and this book — are for you. 🔗 Ready to Dive In? If you’ve ever watched your students groan at a word problem — this book is for you.  👉 Tune in to the full episode to hear the behind-the-scenes story of Word Problem Workshop and how it can transform your teaching. 🎧 Listen now, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review to let us know what you think.

Send us a text Imagine walking into a classroom where math doesn’t just happen on the board, but is a lively conversation in every corner. Mark Golden’s math classroom, especially during Word Problem Workshop (WPW), is where students actively engage, ask questions, and challenge each other’s thinking. The sounds of excited voices collaborating, the visuals of students working on complex problems together, and the palpable energy of intellectual curiosity make this classroom an exciting place to be. If you’re curious about what this environment feels like in action, this segment will give you a front-row seat! Mark’s insights into teaching, student transformation, and the Word Problem Workshop approach are just the beginning. To hear more about his journey and how you can implement these powerful strategies in your own classroom, listen to the full podcast. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and download our latest teaching resources to keep your classroom thriving!

Send us a text In this episode of Math Chat, we dive deep into planning for Word Problem Workshop (WPW) and how to maximize your preparation time. Instead of focusing on what students will do, we’re shifting the focus to how students will engage with and solve math problems. Want to learn how to plan math lessons that encourage deep thinking and problem-solving? Keep reading! When planning math lessons, we typically spend time thinking about the activities, practice problems, and worksheets. However, to truly empower students, we should focus on how they will solve the problems. This shift in focus—from the what to the how—will allow you to support students in thinking critically, making connections, and understanding math deeply. If you’re ready to revolutionize your planning, this episode will give you the insights you need. Ready to Plan Your Next Math Lesson? Listen, Subscribe, and Leave a Review If you’re excited to implement Word Problem Workshop in your classroom, don’t miss this episode. Listen now, subscribe for more episodes, and leave a review to share your thoughts. Plus, grab your copy of the Word Problem Workshop book and take advantage of all the free downloads and resources included.  Podcast Episodes Mentioned: 🎙️ Ep 168 - Step 1 of WPW 🎙️ Ep 169 - Step 2 of WPW  🎙️ Ep 171 - Step 3 of WPW 🎙️ Ep 173 - Step 4 of WPW  🎙️ Ep 175 - Step 5 of WPW 🎙️ Ep 178 - Mark Golden Interview

Send us a text In this episode of Math Chat, we welcome Amanda, a teacher who has completely transformed her math instruction through Word Problem Workshop (WPW). Together, we dive into the powerful shifts she’s made in her teaching practice, and how these changes have influenced her students’ growth, confidence, and love for math. If you're looking for inspiration and practical tips for your own classroom, this episode is for you! Amanda opens up about her own experiences with math as a student and how it shaped the way she now teaches. Reflecting on her "before and after" moments, she shares how moving from a more traditional approach to Word Problem Workshop has radically changed her perspective—and her students' results. Listen, Subscribe, and Leave a Review! This episode offers a wealth of insight from a teacher who’s experienced firsthand the power of Word Problem Workshop. If you’re ready to transform your own math instruction, be sure to subscribe, listen to the full episode, and leave a review. And don’t forget to grab your copy of Word Problem Workshop: 5 Steps to Creating a Classroom of Problem Solvers—it could be the tool you need to empower your students today!

Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the power of reflection in the Word Problem Workshop (WPW). If you're an educator seeking to enhance student learning through meaningful discussions, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Learn how adding just one simple step—Reflect—can shift your classroom dynamic and help your students internalize what they’ve learned. How Reflection Makes Learning Stick That’s when I introduced the “Reflect” step to WPW. Rather than wrapping up a discussion and moving on to the next topic, I began asking students to revise their work and think critically about what they had just learned. It’s a game-changer, and it all boils down to one powerful quote: “We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience.”—John Dewey. Listen, Subscribe, and Leave a Review! This episode offers just a glimpse of how reflection can make your math lessons more impactful. To dive deeper into these strategies, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Don't forget to check out the upcoming interview episode on October 9th—it’s going to be epic! And for those of you ready to level up your WPW routine, grab your copy of the book—pre-order it now before the bonuses disappear!

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Meghan Princehorn, a school social worker, to talk about the powerful connection between social emotional skills and success in the classroom—especially in math. Meghan shares insights from nearly two decades of collaboration and practical strategies you can use right away. We explore the “window of tolerance” and how it affects a student’s ability to learn, problem-solve, and think clearly. Meghan shares simple ways teachers can help students stay in that optimal zone throughout the day. These skills don’t just calm students—they create the foundation for deeper learning. This episode is packed with strategies you can put into action right away. If you’re ready to create a classroom where students are confident problem-solvers, you won’t want to miss it. 🎧 Listen now, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review so more teachers can join the conversation.

Send us a text Talking is my thing—I love it! But in the classroom, I’ve learned it’s not just about giving students time to talk. It’s about teaching them how to discuss math in ways that deepen understanding, build confidence, and move learning forward. In this episode, we dive into the power of math discussions in Step 4 of Word Problem Workshop. Picture it: students in a circle, shoulder to shoulder, all voices visible and heard. They use hand signals to show they’re ready to speak and call on each other directly. The teacher steps back, guiding when needed, but the conversation belongs to the kids. This structure turns math talk into true collaborative learning. Step 4 of Word Problem Workshop shows us that math discussions transform learning. Want to dig deeper? Listen to the full episode, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review.