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Making Math Moments That Matter

Helping you transform your K-12 math lesson plans by building confidence in effective teaching practices, guiding you to transform your math curriculum, and inspiring classroom strategies to engage all students.

As a teacher are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans where students don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings?

As a mathematics coordinator or leader are you wondering how to support teachers when implementing engaging math lessons that fuel student sense making?

Over the last 19 years, Kyle and Jon, the founders of MakeMathMoments.com have been engaging students, teachers, and district program leaders with effective mathematics pedagogy, accessible resources, and inspiring learning environments in K-12 math classrooms.

Now, in this podcast they coach you – K-12 classroom teachers and district leaders of mathematics through a 6 step plan that cultivates and fosters your mathematics program like a strong, healthy and balanced tree.

If you master the 6 parts of an effective mathematics program, the impact you have on students or teachers will grow and reach far and wide.

Every week, you’ll hear insight from practicing classroom teachers and leaders in math education so you’ll get the feedback, guidance, and fresh ideas you need to stop feeling overwhelmed, gain back your confidence, and inspire the students and fellow teachers you serve to enjoy the beauty of mathematics once again.

Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180

Copyright: © 2024 Making Math Moments That Matter

Latest Episodes:

Transform A Compliance-Driven Math PD Calendar Into Real Change Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

Math professional development is everywhere—but is it actually helping teachers grow? In this episode, we explore Jim Knight’s Outside-In and Inside-Out models of professional learning, diving into why traditional top-down math PD often fails to make an impact and what happens when teachers take the lead in their own learning. Learn how math PD can shift from being a checkbox to a catalyst for real change by aligning with the everyday challenges math teachers face and the students they serve. Whether you lead math PD or participate in it, this conversation will reshape how you think about growth.

Key Takeaways:

Why outside-in math PD often falls flat, even when strategies are research-based.
The power of inside-out math PD in addressing real student needs and fostering ownership.
How math leaders and math coaches can support more personalized, impactful professional learning.
The role of teacher autonomy and reflection in creating lasting change.
Simple shifts to make math PD more relevant, responsive, and effective.

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

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

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.

How to Support All Students Without ‘Watering Down’ the Math: A Look At MTSS Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

Why Your Struggling Students Aren’t Catching Up—Even With Extra Help

In this episode, we take a closer look at MTSS—Multi-Tiered System of Supports—through the lens of mathematics. While many schools have a clearer vision of what MTSS looks like in literacy, applying the same structure in math can be more complex. We unpack what Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports mean in a math context, examine the differences between math and literacy intervention models, and explore what current research says about effective practices. From the importance of strong core instruction to the challenges of designing meaningful interventions, we explore how educators can build a math support system that truly works for all students.

Key Takeaways:

understand how each tier of MTSS translates to the math classroom.
reflect on the differences between math and literacy interventions and why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.
learn what research recommends for effective math support at each tier.
recognize the importance of strong Tier 1 instruction as the foundation for all students.
leave with practical considerations for designing responsive, aligned math interventions that go beyond pull-out support.

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

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

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.

You Bought a Math Curriculum Resource... Now What? Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

School districts often invest significant time and money into purchasing new math curriculum resources, but all too often, those materials end up collecting dust—or worse, being implemented in ways that dilute their impact. In this episode, we unpack what comes after the purchase. How do you move from adoption to actual transformation in the math classroom?

We explore what the research says about effective math curriculum implementation, the common pitfalls that undermine high-quality math tasks, and actionable steps districts can take to ensure materials are used as intended—supporting deeper learning and equitable access for all students in mathematics.

Key Takeaways:

Buying the resource isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting point of a longer implementation journey.
Effective professional learning and ongoing support are essential for helping teachers use materials as intended for math impact.
Improper use or over-scaffolding can unintentionally lower the rigor of high-quality tasks.
Clear vision, modeling, and consistent messaging from leaders create the conditions for successful implementation.
We share insights from implementation science and education research to guide your next steps.
Regular feedback loops and math classroom observations help ensure that implementation is both effective and responsive.

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

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

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.

My War Against Algebra Tricks - A Math Mentoring Moment Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Have you been relying on endless algebra flowcharts to nowhere?
Are your students relying on tricks and shortcuts instead of truly understanding math? Are they seeing math as a set of disconnected procedures to apply and success comes when you figure out which procedure applies given a set of inputs?

Whether you teach elementary or high school, the tension between teaching for deep understanding and preparing students to "just get the answer" is real. In this episode, veteran math educator Maryann Greenholt shares her candid journey of grappling with how to move beyond procedural teaching—especially in the context of factoring—and what it really takes to help students understand the why behind the math.

You’ll learn:

Why students at all levels often cling to memorized steps—and how to shift that mindset
How using visual and concrete models can deepen understanding, from basic operations to polynomials
What it looks like to create a calm, concept-first math classroom that builds confidence and curiosity

If you're ready to move beyond surface-level math instruction and foster real meaning for your students, press play now and walk away with insights you can use at any grade.

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

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

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.

How To Lead Effective Math PLCs Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

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

As a school leader, how can you ensure that teacher collaboration time for math instruction time is truly impactful—not just an extra prep or informal check-in? In this episode, we explore the critical role of leadership in structuring, supporting, and aligning PLCs to improve math instruction. We’ll discuss how to create alignment between Math PLCs, coaching support, and professional development (PD) so that teachers receive cohesive, targeted support that translates into stronger student outcomes. Whether you’re an administrator, instructional coach, or department lead, you’ll walk away with strategies to set expectations, provide meaningful guidance, and ensure collaboration drives instructional improvement.

Key Takeaways:

Define the goals of PLCs and communicate how they connect to school wide/district wide priorities.
Ensure teacher collaboration time is reinforced by coaching cycles and targeted professional learning.
Implement predictable meeting agendas that focus on student learning, data analysis, and instructional planning.
Train teacher leaders to guide discussions effectively and keep meetings focused.
Use observation, teacher feedback, and student data to assess and refine PLC effectiveness over time.

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

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.

Maximizing Your PLCs: Turning Collaboration into Real Impact Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

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

Are your Math PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) or teacher collaboration meetings feeling unproductive? Do they often turn into extra prep time or casual check-ins rather than meaningful discussions that drive student learning? In this episode, we dive into how to reclaim and refocus your Math PLCs so they become a powerful force for improving math instruction. From defining the facilitator’s role to structuring meetings for maximum impact, we’ll share practical strategies to ensure collaboration leads to better student outcomes. If you’re ready to transform your PLCs into high-impact learning spaces, this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways:

Shift from informal meetings to intentional, goal-driven collaboration focused on student learning.
Ensure facilitators, teachers, and leadership teams have clear expectations to maximize efficiency.
Implement a predictable meeting structure with data analysis, lesson planning, and instructional reflection.
Focus discussions on instructional strategies and student outcomes rather than just operational tasks.
Encourage open dialogue, shared decision-making, and accountability to ensure continuous improvement.

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

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.

Support or Setback? The Hidden Cost of Front-Loading Support for Math Teachers Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

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

Teachers are stretched thin, and sometimes they just want clear, actionable guidance. But when does simply downloading information help, and when does it hinder real understanding and adoption? In this episode, we explore the balance between providing direct solutions and ensuring teachers engage in the work themselves to understand the "why" behind new strategies. We also discuss the importance of having champions in each building to support implementation and how to involve teachers in decision-making—even when there's pressure to move fast.

Key Takeaways:

When providing direct solutions to math teachers’ pebbles is helpful and when it prevents deep learning.
Why math teachers need to engage in the work to successfully implement new strategies or curricula.
How having key advocates in each building can drive sustainable change in math.
How to bring math teachers into the decision-making process, even under time constraints.

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

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.

How To Prepare For Your Upcoming Standardized Math Test & Reduce Unwanted Pressure Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

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

As standardized math testing season approaches, many teachers feel the pressure of covering content while ensuring students are prepared. Whether it's state assessments or EQAO in Ontario, the added stress can lead to a scramble to fit everything in.

In this episode, we explore effective strategies to maximize learning time without resorting to last-minute cramming. From elementary to secondary classrooms, we share approaches that help students feel confident and capable—without overwhelming them.

Key Takeaways:

How to make the most of limited instructional time leading up to standardized tests.
Productive ways to reinforce key concepts without resorting to ineffective drill-and-kill methods.
Practical strategies for both elementary and secondary classrooms.
How to balance content review with maintaining student engagement and confidence.
Shifting the focus from cramming to meaningful learning experiences.

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

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.

How Useful Are Pacing Guides in Math Instruction? Balancing Alignment and Autonomy Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

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

Can schools create consistency in math instruction while still allowing teachers the freedom to meet the unique needs of their students? In this episode, we dive into the tension between alignment and autonomy in math instruction, exploring how pacing guides and common assessments can support equitable, ambitious math teaching—without becoming restrictive.

Join us as we unpack what "too much" and "too little" direction looks like and discuss practical ways to establish a strong foundation while honoring teacher expertise and student diversity.

Key Takeaways for Listeners:

How shared expectations and structures can support equity and improve student outcomes.
Signs that pacing guides and assessments have become too rigid—and how to course-correct.
Strategies to give educators flexibility while maintaining a common instructional vision.
Practical approaches to ensure consistency without stifling responsive teaching.
How alignment can work for differentiation rather than against it.

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

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.

The Real Magic Behind Math Talk Success In Your Classroom Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

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

In this episode, we explore how math talks have transformed over time to maximize student learning. What started as a quiet, teacher-led process with random student responses has evolved into a dynamic and collaborative experience. By incorporating turn-and-talk strategies, student discourse, and whiteboards for modeling, classroom discussions have become more engaging and purposeful. We also discuss the impact of physical space—how moving students closer to the board fosters better participation and understanding. Tune in to hear how small shifts in structure and environment can lead to powerful math conversations!

Key Takeaways:

Moving beyond hand-raising to structured student discourse.
Encouraging peer discussions before sharing with the whole class.
Purposefully choosing student responses to deepen understanding.
Helping students visually represent their math reasoning.
Positioning students near the board for more engaged discussions.
How minor changes in structure can lead to deeper learning.

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

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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