The Build Math Minds Podcast

Episode 219 - What 13 AI Lessons Taught Me About Teaching Math Jan 25, 2026

Over the past few weeks, I've had AI generate 13 math lessons.

Teachers ARE using AI to generate lessons—whether we like it or not. So instead of pretending that's not happening, I decided to put AI to the test. Can it actually create good math lessons?

The short answer? Not really.

But the insights I gained from evaluating those 13 AI-generated lessons? Those apply to ANY math lesson—AI-generated or straight from your textbook.

In this episode, I share the 3 biggest things I learned:

Lesson #1: AI needs tons of detail in your prompt. I started with simple prompts like "Create a lesson for this standard" and got surface-level, procedural lessons. Even when I added more detail, AI still missed the mark. To get a truly good lesson, you'd need to give AI so much detail that you might as well write the lesson yourself.

Lesson #2: AI doesn't know learning progressions. This is the biggest problem. AI assumes the standard you give it is exactly what students are ready for RIGHT NOW. But standards are where students need to be at the END of the year. AI doesn't understand where students typically are at the beginning, what foundational concepts need to be in place first, or where YOUR specific students are in their learning journey.

Lesson #3: AI lessons are a starting point, not a finished product. Bottom line: I don't recommend using AI for lesson plans. But if you do, evaluate it with a critical eye and modify based on what you know about your students and the learning progression.

So what IS AI good for?

Analyzing data to find patterns in coaching cycles or assessment data
Generating differentiated materials as a starting point
Drafting communication and handouts (that you then edit)

AI can handle mundane tasks so you have more time for the human work—coaching conversations, relationship-building, and instructional decision-making.

My YouTube Shorts series: I'm doing a series called "AI Made This Lesson, Let's Make It Better" where I show you—in under 2 minutes—how to improve AI-generated lessons. But here's the thing: those same modifications apply to textbook lessons too. Watch them all (even if they're not your grade level) because the advice applies everywhere.

Resources mentioned:

YouTube Shorts playlist: "AI Made This Lesson"
2026 Virtual Math Summit sessions from Dr. Kristopher Childs and Dr. Nicki Newton
Register free at VirtualMathSummit.com

AI isn't going away. So let's learn how to use it wisely.

Register at VirtualMathSummit.com to learn from experts about how to use AI in Education in the best ways.

Episode 218 - 3 Coaching Strategies That Actually Work Jan 18, 2026

Teachers are overwhelmed, students are struggling, and the strategies that worked pre-pandemic aren't working anymore.

In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest mindset barriers happening right now: "They should already know this."

Yeah, they should. But they don't. So now what?

I'm giving you three practical coaching strategies to help teachers shift from "they should know this" (which leads to frustration and blame) to "here's where they are and here's how we move them forward" (which leads to action and hope).

You'll learn:

How to help teachers identify the actual gap so it feels manageable, not overwhelming
How to reframe "catching up" as "building forward"—addressing foundational gaps within current instruction
How to normalize where students are and reset expectations around the timeline

Math recovery is taking longer than reading recovery since the pandemic. Your teachers aren't failing—they're working with a different reality.

Resources mentioned:

2026 Virtual Math Summit sessions from Jen Hunt, Graham Fletcher, Ann Elise Record, and Dr. Sue Looney
Register free at VirtualMathSummit.com

Whether you're a math coach, instructional coach, or administrator supporting math teachers, this episode will help you address one of the most common (and most damaging) mindsets holding us all back right now.

Register at VirtualMathSummit.com to learn from experts to help your staff Build Forward.

Episode 217 - The Science of Math Jan 11, 2026

In this episode, we tackle a hot topic in education: the Science of Math. Inspired by a podcast about women's health and a meeting with state math supervisors, I'm exploring two critical questions educators need to ask when applying research to their math instruction.

First, is a powerful parallel I had when I heard: "Women are not small men" and that helped me think that math is not reading. Let's challenge the common practice of taking research from reading instruction and automatically applying it to mathematics without questioning whether it actually fits. Just because something works for teaching reading doesn't mean it will work for teaching math—our brains process these subjects differently.

Second, I challenge you to really take a look at the good and bad of what research suggests we do through the lens of timed tests. While research shows timed tests can increase fact retention, I ask the important follow-up questions: What about student anxiety? What about their enjoyment of math? I break down the actual benefits of timed tests (goal-setting, measuring progress, feeling achievement) and challenge listeners to find ways to get those benefits without the negative side effects.

I'll leave you with two key questions to ask whenever you hear about "what the science says":

Was this research actually done with mathematics, or are we borrowing from another field?
If the research looks good but feels wrong, can you get the benefits without the downsides?

Resources mentioned:

Christina's previous video on timed activities
2026 Virtual Math Summit featuring Douglas Clements' session on The Science of Math - Register free at VirtualMathSummit.com

Whether you're a teacher, math coach, or administrator, this episode will help you think more critically about the research you're applying in your math instruction.

Get any resources/links mentioned in this episode at BuildMathMinds.com/217

Episode 216 - Why Math Practice Fails (And the Simple Fix) Dec 14, 2025

Do your students complete their math practice but forget everything by next week? There's a reason this happens—and a simple fix. Australian educator Michaela Epstein reveals why most practice only goes one direction (question → answer) and shares sorting & matching tasks that build real understanding. Learn how to add one metacognitive step that transforms mindless practice into flexible thinking. Plus, get details on the upcoming 10th Virtual Math Summit (Feb 28-March 1, 2026) with 34 sessions designed specifically for PreK-5 teachers and math coaches.

Get any resources/links mentioned in this episode at BuildMathMinds.com/216

Episode 215 - Why Balance in Teaching Isn't What You Think Dec 07, 2025

Are you exhausting yourself trying to make everything "equal" in your math instruction or math coaching? In this video, I'm sharing why balance in teaching isn't about equality - it's about creating a beautiful structure that meets the needs of those you are working with. Let's rethink what balance really means for elementary math teachers and coaches.

Get any resources/links mentioned in this episode at BuildMathMinds.com/215

Episode 214 - The REAL Purpose of Teaching Math (And Why It Matters More Than Ever) Nov 23, 2025

When your students ask "When will I ever use this?"—especially with AI doing calculations faster than any of us—how do you answer? In this episode, I share a conversation that just validated how I think about the purpose of teaching math.

Spoiler: It's not about long division. It's about building thinkers, not calculators.

You'll hear the difference between students who DO math versus students who THINK about math, why building flexible thinkers actually speeds up your teaching (not slows it down), and how to shift your instruction to focus on what really matters. If you've ever questioned why we teach certain math skills, this episode will give you a whole new perspective.

Get any resources/links mentioned in this episode at BuildMathMinds.com/214

Episode 213 - Seeing Multiplication - How Subitizing Builds Fact Fluency Through Relationships Nov 16, 2025

Are your students still counting on their fingers for 6×4? Transform how you teach multiplication facts with this game-changing approach to subitizing!

In this episode, you'll discover how to move beyond the exhausting "times tables treadmill" that forces students to memorize 100 disconnected facts. Instead, learn how subitizing—the ability to instantly recognize quantities without counting—can help your students see multiplication as beautiful, connected relationships.

You'll learn:

Why traditional fact memorization fails (and what works better)
The 4 Types of Multiplication Facts that create a foundation for all others
How to use ten frames and visual arrays to make multiplication facts "subitizable"
Three classroom-ready strategies you can implement tomorrow
How to help students see that facts, like 7×6, aren't random facts to memorize, but are connected to facts they already know (like 5×6 or 7×5)

This episode walks you through the visual progression from scattered groups to organized arrays, showing you exactly how to use color-coding and strategic groupings to make even challenging facts like 8×7 accessible through relationships. You'll also see how all eight foundational number sense concepts work together to build true multiplicative thinking.

Stop asking your students to memorize 100 isolated facts. Start helping them see the patterns, understand the relationships, and actually enjoy learning multiplication. Your students (and their fluency) will thank you!

Includes link to Christina's color-coded multiplication chart to support visual learning in your classroom.

Get any resources/links mentioned in this episode at BuildMathMinds.com/213

Episode 212 - Subitizing With Fractions Nov 09, 2025

Discover how subitizing—the ability to instantly recognize quantities without counting—can transform your fraction instruction! While you may already use subitizing with your younger students, this episode reveals why it's equally powerful for upper elementary learners working with fractions.

You'll learn what subitizing with fractions actually looks like and why keeping quantities small makes all the difference. We'll explore how subitizing helps students focus on relationships between quantities rather than getting bogged down in counting individual pieces, allowing them to use grouping strategies and truly understanding what's happening when operating with fractions, not just following rules.

This episode will give you practical strategies to build stronger fraction sense in your classroom. Plus, grab the free Fraction Subitizing Cards to get started right away!

Get the Fraction Subitizing Cards here: https://buildmathminds.com/fraction-subitizing-10day

Enroll in The Flexibility Formula 3rd-5th: https://buildmathminds.com/enroll/

WATCH: 4 Early Numeracy Concepts

WATCH: How to Build Fraction Sense

Get any resources/links mentioned in this episode at BuildMathMinds.com/212

Episode 211 - Building Number Sense Without Adding to Your Plate Nov 02, 2025

You know that building number sense is crucial—but finding time for one more thing feels impossible. In this episode, discover how investing time in foundational number sense concepts actually saves you time in the long run. Learn two practical strategies for fitting this essential work into your already-packed day without adding anything extra: the 1% Better Approach and the Replace, Don't Add Strategy. You'll walk away with clear examples of which activities to stop doing and what to start doing instead, so your students develop flexible thinking about numbers and you spend less time reteaching.

If you're ready to make math instruction more intentional without overwhelming yourself, this episode is for you. Students with strong number sense learn faster, make connections more easily, and actually enjoy math. That means less frustration for you, less reteaching, and more time for what really matters. Your small tweaks today compound into big results all year long.

Get any resources/links mentioned in this episode at BuildMathMinds.com/211

Episode 210 - Why Good Activities Aren't Enough - The Missing Piece That Makes Number Sense Work Oct 26, 2025

Are you doing all the "right" math activities—Number Talks, Number Strings, Quick Images—but still not seeing the progress you expected? In this episode, you'll discover why having great activities isn't enough, and what actually builds real number sense with your students.

You'll learn the critical difference between facilitating activities to collect answers versus facilitating them to develop deep mathematical understanding. Through concrete examples, you'll see how the same activity can produce completely different results depending on how you guide the discussion, what questions you ask, and which student thinking you choose to highlight.

This episode reveals four common facilitation mistakes teachers make and gives you the tools to avoid them. Most importantly, you'll understand why this missing piece—knowing what to listen for and how to make number sense concepts visible—is the key to finally seeing your students think more flexibly and develop lasting mathematical reasoning.

Get any links mentioned in this episode at BuildMathMinds.com/210

Episode 209 - The Power of Integration - Why Teaching Number Sense Concepts Together Accelerates Learning Oct 19, 2025

Are you overwhelmed thinking about trying to add in number sense activities into your already jam-packed day? In this game-changing episode, learn how to transform your math instruction by integrating number sense concepts into ONE quick activity. The 'unspoken rule' of teaching math has been to keep each math skill in separate boxes that we teach in isolation. Teaching in this way is one of the causes of feeling overwhelmed when teaching math.

In this episode, you'll see how to integrate math concepts into one activity using an example of Number Strings. A single 10-minute activity can simultaneously develop multiple foundational number sense concepts - from subitizing to part-part-whole thinking. Whether you teach early or upper elementary, this episode provides practical strategies to help your students develop more flexible, sophisticated mathematical thinking. Walk away with a clear approach to making your math lessons more intentional, engaging, and effective. Get any links mentioned in the episode at BuildMathMinds.com/209

Episode 208 - The Number Relationships That Transform Math Understanding Oct 12, 2025

In this second episode of the math fluency series, we explore the four essential number relationships that help students move beyond counting and develop true mathematical thinking. Learn about spatial relationships, one/two more or less, benchmarks of 5 and 10, and part-part-whole thinking—and discover how these relationships evolve from PreK through fifth grade. We'll look at why students get stuck using inefficient strategies and how building these foundational relationships transforms them into flexible problem-solvers who can see multiple pathways to solutions. Plus, get practical questions you can start asking tomorrow to assess and develop these critical relationships in your students. Free number sense assessment resources available at BuildMathMinds.com/208.

Episode 207 - The Math Foundations - What Elementary Students Need Before You Ever Have Them Operate with Numbers Oct 05, 2025

In this episode, I'm kicking off a series on building math fluency by diving into what I wish I had known when I first started teaching—the critical foundations students need BEFORE we ever ask them to add, subtract, multiply, or divide.

Many students can DO the math, but they don't truly UNDERSTAND it. And the problem isn't that they need more practice—they're missing something much more fundamental.

I'm sharing the four early numeracy concepts from the research of Douglas Clements and Julie Sarama: subitizing (instantly recognizing quantities without counting), verbal counting (understanding number patterns and structure), object counting (purposefully counting items), and cardinality (understanding that the final count represents the total quantity).

You might be thinking these sound like kindergarten concepts, but stay with me! These foundations develop in sophistication all the way through 5th grade and beyond, including fraction subitizing and understanding complex number relationships.

I've got free Savvy Subitizing Cards (PreK-2nd) and Fraction Subitizing Cards (3rd-5th) linked up at https://buildmathminds.com/207 to help you with one of the 4 early numeracy concepts.

Next episode, we'll dig into the four number relationships that move students from counting to mathematical thinking!

Episode 206 - 1% Better - The 4-Minute Daily Math Difference Sep 28, 2025

What if transforming your math teaching only required 4 minutes a day? In this episode, Christina breaks down the powerful concept of getting 1% better daily and shows how just 4 minutes of intentional change in your classroom adds up to 12 hours of enhanced math learning over the school year. Perfect for busy educators who want to make a real impact without overwhelming themselves. Get your free guide with 30+ quick math activities to get you started at BuildMathMinds.com/1%

Episode 205 - Stop Coaching Everyone: Use the 80/20 Rule to Transform Your Elementary Math Coaching Sep 21, 2025

As an elementary math coach, do you feel like you're trying to be everywhere at once with never enough time to make the impact you want? In this episode, discover how to use the 80/20 principle to transform your coaching approach and actually increase your impact while saving time.

Learn how to strategically apply the 80/20 rule in two key ways:

Which Teachers to Prioritize: How to identify the 20% of teachers who will create the biggest ripple effect across your school (hint: it's not just about who needs the most help)

What to Coach On: The foundational instructional moves that will serve teachers for years versus the "trivial many" that keep you busy but don't create lasting change

Stop spreading yourself thin and start coaching smarter. By the end of this video, you'll have a clear framework for focusing your energy on what truly matters - and you'll walk away with two concrete action steps to implement immediately.

Perfect for elementary math coaches, instructional coaches, and math specialists looking to maximize their impact with limited time.

What You'll Get: ✅ Understanding of the 80/20 principle and how it applies to coaching ✅ Specific strategies for identifying high-impact teachers to prioritize ✅ Clear criteria for choosing coaching topics that create lasting change ✅ Two actionable lists to create after watching

Episode 204 -Timed Math Activities…Good or Bad? Sep 14, 2025

Are timed math activities helping or harming our elementary students? This controversial topic divides educators, but the research tells a clear story when we dig deeper.

In this episode, we explore evidence-based strategies for using timed activities to build math fluency without creating anxiety or trauma. Drawing from the What Works Clearinghouse's analysis of 27 studies involving over 4,300 students, we discover that the problem isn't timed activities themselves—it's how they've been implemented.

You'll learn the five essential steps for effective timed math practice: identifying already-learned topics, choosing engaging activities, ensuring students have efficient strategies, tracking meaningful progress, and providing immediate feedback. We move beyond traditional worksheets and timers to explore alternatives like number talks, mental math relays, and "beat your own score" games.

This episode directly addresses real teacher questions about timed facts assessments and students who struggle with computation speed on standardized tests. We tackle the balance between building number sense and developing computational fluency, offering practical solutions for both classroom instruction and assessment preparation.

Whether you're a classroom teacher questioning your current math fluency practices or a math coach supporting teachers through this debate, this episode provides research-backed strategies you can implement immediately.

WWC/IES Practice Guide for Assisting Students Struggling with Mathematics

Episode 203 - Number Sense with Christina Tondevold and Mona Iehl May 25, 2025

In this cross-posted episode from Math Chat, host Mona Iehl interviews Christina Tondevold about developing number sense in elementary students. Christina shares her journey from a "procedural" math student to becoming a math coach and founder of Build Math Minds.

The conversation explores the eight components of number sense: four early numeracy concepts (subitizing, verbal counting, object counting, and cardinality) and four number relationships (spatial relationships, one/two more or less, benchmarks of 5 and 10, and part-part-whole). Christina explains how these concepts help move students beyond counting to more efficient math strategies.

Practical classroom strategies discussed include using sticky notes to assess students' visual number understanding, implementing subitizing activities, and strategically choosing numbers in word problems to reinforce key number relationships. Both educators emphasize the importance of allowing students to solve problems in ways that make sense to them, rather than forcing procedural approaches.

This episode provides valuable insights for teachers looking to build true mathematical understanding rather than just procedural knowledge in their students.

Check out Mona's podcast Math Chat

Enroll in The Flexibility Formula Course

Episode 202 - Going Beyond the Task When Building Thinking Classrooms with the Special Guests in Our Book Study May 18, 2025

In Episode 202: Going Beyond the Task When Building Thinking Classrooms, we reveal the exciting lineup of special guests for our summer book study on 'Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom Grades K-5' by Peter Liljedahl and Maegan Giroux. Starting July 14th, each week will feature a video with reading prompts followed by live Q&A sessions with experts including first-grade teacher Tammy McMorrow, co-author of the book Maegan Giroux, and Official BTC Consultant Kim Rimbey. Join now at BuildMathMinds.com/bookstudy25 to receive a 20% discount code plus free shipping within the US, and participate in these valuable learning opportunities with educators who are transforming mathematics classrooms.

Episode 201 - Our Summer Book Study - Exploring Tasks for the Thinking Classroom May 11, 2025

In Episode 201, I share two exciting summer learning opportunities for fellow Recovering Traditionalists as we prepare to pause the podcast until August. First, enroll in The Flexibility Formula online courses (K-2 or 3-5) to transform how you build math fluency with your students. BuildMathMinds.com/courses

Second, join our free summer book study on "Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom Grades K-5" by Peter Liljedahl and Maegan Giroux, starting July 14th. Register now at BuildMathMinds.com/bookstudy25 to receive a publisher discount (20% off with free US shipping) and access to exclusive weekly videos featuring insights from myself, Rosalba Serrano, and special guests. We'll explore Part 1 (BTC Practices in Review) and Part 4 (From Page to Practice), focusing on implementing thinking tasks and creating your own curriculum resources. This essential companion to Building Thinking Classrooms will help you prepare for next year's math instruction with practical strategies and ready-to-use templates.

Episode 200 - The Three Essential Math Experiences: Number Routines, Word Problems, and Games May 04, 2025

In this milestone 200th episode of The Build Math Minds Podcast, I share the three essential math experiences every classroom needs: Number Routines, Word Problems, and Games. Drawing from research-backed practices in the IES/WWC guides, I explain why these activities are crucial for developing conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and application in mathematics. Learn how Number Routines make implicit math concepts explicit, how Word Problems should help students understand mathematical structures beyond keywords, and how Games provide engaging practice that builds fluency. To celebrate this 200th episode milestone, I'm offering a free Google file with examples of all three experiences that you can download at BuildMathMinds.com/200. After 200 episodes, these core principles remain unchanged - Routines, Word Problems, and Games help Build Math Minds!

Episode 199 - The Many Ways to Show Numbers with Fingers Apr 27, 2025

In this episode, I explore the fascinating world of finger use in math and specifically how we represent numbers differently. After noticing that Dan Finkel and I show the number 3 with completely different finger configurations, I dive into why these variations matter for children's mathematical understanding. Through personal stories about my own children's attempts to show the number 5, I highlight how fixed representations can limit children's number sense. Join me to discover why showing quantities in multiple ways—whether using fingers, ten frames, or rekenreks—helps develop deeper mathematical thinking and flexibility. A must-listen for teachers and parents wanting to build stronger number foundations with young learners.

Episode 198 - Tips for Using Games to Build Math Minds with Dan Finkel Apr 20, 2025

In this episode, Christina Tondevold welcomes special guest Dan Finkel, founder of Math for Love and creator of popular games like Prime Climb and Tiny Polka Dot. Dan shares his three essential principles for effectively implementing mathematical games in the classroom: games should involve meaningful choices, math should be the engine driving the gameplay, and games should be simple to learn and quick to play. Through personal stories and classroom examples, Dan and Christina explore how games transform math from a dreaded chore into an engaging learning experience. The episode concludes with a demonstration of the "31 Game," a simple yet strategic counting game that exemplifies how mathematical play can build number sense, encourage strategic thinking, and create a classroom culture where students aren't afraid to show what they don't know. Perfect for educators looking to reinvigorate their math instruction between standardized testing periods!

Join the Build Math Minds PD site to access the Mini Courses

https://buildmathminds.com/bmm/

Dan's website Math For Love

https://mathforlove.com/

Dan's game Prime Climb

https://amzn.to/3Y3jN5y

Dan's game Tiny Polka Dot

https://amzn.to/44sfRiI

Episode 197 - Upleveling Missing Part Games Apr 13, 2025

In this final episode of our three-part series on upleveling missing part activities, I share ways to transform two popular math games: Salute and Number Sandwiches. Learn how to modify these traditional games to help your students build a deeper understanding of number relationships through missing part problems. These upleveled versions create opportunities for students to work with equivalent expressions while maintaining the fun and engagement of game-based learning. Perfect for elementary math teachers looking to enhance their daily math lessons with games that challenge students to think more deeply about mathematical relationships.

Episode 196 - Repackaging Style Word Problems: Transforming Missing Part Word Problems Apr 06, 2025

In this second installment of our three-part series on Missing Part Activities, we explore 'repackaging tasks' - a powerful approach to traditional missing part word problems. While educators are familiar with finding unknown parts in word problems like "Christina has $12, she spends some now she has $7. How much did she spend?", repackaging tasks push mathematical thinking further by having students redistribute quantities across equivalent expressions. Through practical examples in both multiplication and addition contexts, I demonstrate how these problems help students develop a deeper understanding of equality, number properties, and flexible thinking strategies. Learn how incorporating these enhanced word problems alongside your regular curriculum builds stronger mathematical minds.

Part 1 is Episode 195 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZZKctj2pns

Episode 195 - Upleveling Missing Part Activities to Build Deeper Mathematical Thinking Mar 30, 2025

In this episode, we explore how to elevate your 'Missing Part' math activities beyond the basic type like 5 + __ = 12' into more problems that help students develop a deeper understanding of mathematical equality and build foundational number properties. Get a quick way to implement these enhanced activities in your classroom. Perfect for elementary educators looking to strengthen their students' mathematical thinking without explicitly teaching formal properties. This is the first in a three-part series on upleveling Missing Part activities for more meaningful math instruction.

Episode 194 - The Truth About Mental Math - It's Not Just In Your Head Mar 23, 2025

In this episode, we explore the common misconception about mental math in mathematics education. Featuring insights from Pam Harris' newly published book 'Developing Mathematical Reasoning: Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms,' we discuss why mental math isn't about doing calculations without paper—it's about developing quality thinking strategies.

Episode 193 - Beyond the Template - Making the Lesh Translation Model Meaningful Mar 16, 2025

In this episode, I follow up on last week's introduction to the Lesh Translation Model with an important caution. While I previously shared a template for The Translation Task, today I explore concerns raised by John Mason in the 1987 book "Problems of Representation in the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics." Mason warns that frameworks like the Lesh Model can become "mechanical schemes for generating yet more useless student activity" when implemented without proper attention. I offer two specific ways to prevent this template from becoming routine and mindless. This episode emphasizes the importance of thoughtful implementation over mechanical application of educational frameworks. For more information and to download the Translation Task Template, visit BuildMathMinds.com/193.

Episode 192 - A Math Task All Teachers Should be Doing Mar 09, 2025

In Episode 192, "A Math Task All Teachers Should be Doing," I discuss the Lesh Translation Model, a powerful framework that was frequently featured at the 2025 Virtual Math Summit. This model, which dates back to 1979 but was highlighted in NCTM's 2014 book "Principles to Actions," identifies five different ways to represent mathematical concepts: Manipulatives (objects), Realistic (real-life contexts), Pictorial (drawings), Language (verbal descriptions), and Symbolic (numbers/equations). I explain how these representations are interconnected and how developing multiple representations helps students build a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. The episode introduces the Translation Task, where students are given one representation of a concept and asked to create the other representations. Grab the free download of the Translation Task template at BuildMathMinds.com/192 to start doing the task immediately with your students to strengthen mathematical understanding through multiple representations.

Episode 191 - Math Teaching Strategies: Highlights from the 2025 Virtual Math Summit Live Sessions Mar 02, 2025

Highlights from the 2025 Virtual Math Summit

Get a look into the 2025 Virtual Math Summit's six live sessions that are transforming mathematics instruction in classrooms across the country. This episode captures the essence of innovative teaching approaches from some of the most influential voices in math education today.

Discover how Peter Liljedahl and Maegan Giroux are revolutionizing classrooms with their "Building Thinking Classrooms" approach, including their counterintuitive advice to create "bad examples" that spark genuine problem-solving. Listen as Pam Harris demonstrates how simple "helper problems" can build powerful number relationships without relying on mindless algorithms.

You'll gain practical insights from Shannon Olson on effectively connecting the five types of mathematical representations, and witness Kim Rimbey's fascinating exploration of how ten frames can develop deep place value understanding across all grade levels. NCTM President Latrenda Knighten shares engaging strategies for incorporating children's literature and instructional routines to enhance mathematical discourse, while Ann Elise Record demonstrates why visual models are far more effective than the misleading "keyword" approach for tackling word problems.

This episode isn't just about theory—it's packed with classroom-tested strategies you can implement immediately to deepen your students' mathematical understanding and confidence.

Show Notes:

Building Thinking Classrooms through non-examples and "just-in-time" teaching
Moving beyond algorithms to develop mathematical relationships
Connecting contextual, physical, visual, symbolic, and verbal representations
Using ten frames to develop place value understanding across grade levels
Enhancing mathematical discourse through children's literature and instructional routines
Visual modeling approaches for word problems that transcend "keyword" strategies

Featured Speakers: Building Thinking Classrooms Peter Liljedahl & Maegan Giroux, Pam Harris, Shannon Olson, Kim Rimbey, NCTM President Latrenda Knighten, and Ann Elise Record

Note: March 3rd is the last day to watch the 2025 Virtual Math Summit sessions for free. Extended access is available through BuildMathMinds.com/bmm

Episode 189 - Making Math Irresistible: 4 Expert Strategies for Student Engagement in Elementary Math Feb 16, 2025

Get four powerful strategies for making mathematics engaging and accessible for elementary students from expert presenters at the 2025 Virtual Math Summit. Dr. Raj Shah reveals the psychology of engagement through video game design principles, while Kristin Acosta demonstrates how to use everyday images to spark mathematical discussions. Jeff Gobin shows how digital manipulatives can make abstract concepts concrete, and Tyler Tarver shares research on leveraging educational videos effectively in mathematics instruction. Whether you're looking to increase student participation, reduce math anxiety, or create more engaging lessons, this episode provides practical, research-based strategies you can implement immediately in your classroom. Learn how to meet students where they are while guiding them toward deeper mathematical understanding through visual, digital, and traditional approaches to learning.

Featured Speakers: Dr. Raj Shah, Kristen Acosta, Jeff Gobin, and Tyler Tarver

Discover how to transform your math instruction and make mathematics accessible and engaging for all students. Register for free at VirtualMathSummit.com to watch the full versions of these sessions February 22nd & 23rd.

Register for the Virtual Math Summit: https://virtualmathsummit.com/

Upgrade to have extended access to Virtual Math Summit sessions at VirtualMathSummit.com/upgrade

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/189

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

Episode 188 - The Science of Making Math Stick: Using Brain Research to Combat the NAEP Score Crisis Feb 09, 2025

How can we help our students retain what they learn in mathematics? The latest 2024 NAEP scores show that only 39% of 4th grade students and 28% of 8th grade students are performing at or above the Proficient level in mathematics, suggesting many students aren't retaining fundamental concepts. In this episode, Christina shares research-backed strategies from two Virtual Math Summit presenters, Jen Hunt and Michaela Epstein, that can help combat these concerning trends. Learn about The Forgetting Curve, how working memory impacts math learning, and why practices like math games and spaced practice are scientifically proven to help students retain mathematical concepts. Discover three practical strategies you can implement tomorrow to help your students better retain what they learn in mathematics. Plus, get insights into how dual coding theory and dopamine play crucial roles in mathematical learning and retention. These brain-based strategies can help your students build lasting mathematical understanding.

Featured speakers: Jen Hunt and Michaela Epstein

Register for free at VirtualMathSummit.com to watch these transformative sessions February 22nd & 23rd.

Register for the Virtual Math Summit: https://virtualmathsummit.com/

Upgrade to have extended access to Virtual Math Summit sessions at VirtualMathSummit.com/upgrade

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/188

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

Episode 187 - Problem Solving Success: 3 Experts' Ideas from the 2025 Virtual Math Summit Feb 02, 2025

In this episode, get an inside look at three powerful sessions from the 2025 Virtual Math Summit focused on transforming math problem solving in elementary classrooms. Listen to clips from John SanGiovanni sharing a unique routine that shifts focus from answers to understanding, Danielle Moore demonstrating practical strategies for building student independence through CGI instruction, and Christine Riad exploring how classroom culture impacts students' problem-solving confidence. These pre-recorded sessions, along with Ann Elise Record's live session mentioned in episode 186, will give you practical tools to address common struggles students face when solving math problems. Learn how to help students move beyond just asking "Is this addition or subtraction?" to becoming confident mathematical thinkers. Register for free at VirtualMathSummit.com to watch these transformative sessions February 22nd & 23rd.

Register for the Virtual Math Summit: https://virtualmathsummit.com/

Upgrade to have extended access to Virtual Math Summit sessions at VirtualMathSummit.com/upgrade

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/187

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

Episode 186 - Live Elementary Math PD Sessions You Won't Want to Miss: 2025 Virtual Math Summit Preview Jan 26, 2025

In this episode, get a sneak peek at the live sessions happening at the 2025 Virtual Math Summit. Learn about sessions from renowned math educators including Pam Harris on moving beyond algorithms, Shannon Olson on connecting mathematical representations, Kim Rimbey's innovative approach to ten-frames, Latrenda Knighten's strategies for mathematical discourse, and Ann Elise Record's deep dive into visualizing problem-solving structures. These live sessions, happening February 22nd-23rd, are designed to give you practical, classroom-ready strategies you can implement immediately. Register for free at VirtualMathSummit.com and learn about options for extended viewing of all sessions at VirtualMathSummit.com/upgrade.

Register for the Virtual Math Summit: https://virtualmathsummit.com/

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/186

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

Episode 185 - Tasks for Building Thinking Classrooms - Virtual Math Summit 2025 preview Jan 19, 2025

In Episode 185, we dive into Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC), one of the most transformative approaches in mathematics education. Learn why this popular teaching method is more than just vertical surfaces and random groups - it's about creating environments where students truly think and engage with mathematics. This episode addresses a common misconception about BTC and previews the Peter Liljedahl & Maegan Giroux's 2025 Virtual Math Summit opening keynote. Plus, get insights from their new book 'Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom.' Whether you're new to BTC or looking to deepen your practice, this episode gives you some important things to contemplate so you can implement thinking classrooms effectively.

Register for the Virtual Math Summit: https://virtualmathsummit.com/

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/185

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

Episode 184 - Don't Discount the Use of Games in Your Classroom Jan 12, 2025

Transform both your math AND reading instruction with two powerful game-based resources! In this episode, discover how to implement engaging games that provide meaningful practice without the typical hassles of game setup and complicated rules. Learn about Reading Simplified's "Switch It" game for building foundational reading skills, and explore the versatile "Evergreen Games" for math practice that can be adapted for any math concept throughout the year. These games offer the perfect balance of fun and learning, allowing students to get multiple repetitions while actually enjoying the practice!

Key Takeaways:

Learn about two free game resources for math and reading
Discover how to adapt games for different math concepts
Understand why games are more effective than worksheets
Access templates you can use all year long

Request Switch It! from Reading Simplified here: https://readingsimplified.com/switch-it/?utm_source=Affiliate&utm_campaign=BMM

Get the Evergreen Games Template document here: buildmathminds.com/games

Register for the Virtual Math Summit: https://virtualmathsummit.com/

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/184

Episode 183 - The Count - Uncovering Mathematical Structure in Elementary Classrooms Dec 15, 2024

The Count is an activity from John SanGiovanni's book that turns simple counting into a deep mathematical exploration. In this episode, learn how this routine helps elementary students engage with Math Practice #7 by looking for and making use of mathematical structure. We'll break down how a seemingly simple counting sequence can develop number sense, encourage mathematical thinking, and create a low-pressure environment for pattern recognition.

Key Takeaways:

Learn what "The Count" activity is and how to implement it
Understand how counting can develop deeper mathematical thinking
Questions to help students look for and use the patterns created by the structure of numbers

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/183

Get the special offer to join the Build Math Minds PD site at https://buildmathminds.com/special

Episode 182 - Visual Patterns: The Secret Weapon for Teaching The Math Practices Dec 08, 2024

Discover how Visual Patterns can transform mathematical thinking in your elementary classroom! Listen in as we explore Fawn Nguyen's powerful activity that engages students in all 8 Standards of Mathematical Practice. Learn how a single activity can help students reason, argue, model, and see the hidden structures in mathematics. This episode is a must-listen for educators looking to make math more engaging, meaningful, and accessible for their students.

Key Takeaways:

Understand how Visual Patterns support mathematical thinking
Learn strategies to engage students across all Math Practice Standards
Discover a low-prep, high-impact math resource

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/182

Episode 181 - Exploring Patterns Through Number Routines Dec 01, 2024

The predictability of mathematics is one of the things I love about math. There are some great activities you can do in your classroom with your students to help them see & USE that predictability. Last week I shared one (Leaping Numbers) and this week I'm sharing another: Finding One and All. This is a great number routine that is similar, yet different, to Number Strings and is a wonderful way to get your students engaged in Math Practice #7: Look For and Make Use of Structure.

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/181

For Build Math Minds Members, log in here to access the done-for-you routine: https://pd.buildmathminds.com/

If you aren't a member you can join here: https://buildmathminds.com/bmm/

Episode 180 - Leaping Numbers: a great math activity for exploring patterns Nov 24, 2024

Want a fun, engaging, and mathematically powerful activity to help keep your students engaged in math until the holiday break? In this episode I'm sharing a new activity by one of my favorite creators, Steve Wyborney, Leaping Numbers. This activity is a great way to get your students doing Standard of Math Practice #7: Look For & Make Use of Structure.

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/180

Episode 179 - A Math Hack That Isn't a Hack Nov 17, 2024

Math tricks or hacks are everywhere, but which ones should you actually use with your students? I came across one this week on social media and thought I'd use it as an example to give you some ideas on how to approach the use of math tricks in your classroom.

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/179

Episode 178 - Students who struggle with Less Than problems Nov 10, 2024

This week's episode comes from a question that was sent in about helping students who struggle with math problems that are written differently than kids typically see them. These types of "less than" math problems are strange because kids don't often encounter them in that way even in their own lives. I'm giving you two tips to help students so that these types of problems aren't so difficult for them.

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/178

Episode 177 - Math Misconceptions Nov 03, 2024

Math Misconceptions might just look like mistakes that your students are making, but they are usually slightly different. Mistakes happen when we don't remember, or remember incorrectly, whereas Misconceptions are rooted in understanding…we believe this is the way it is. Mistakes happen from time to time, and are usually not anything to get too worried about. But Misconceptions stem from a person's understanding of something and if it isn't addressed it will forever be misunderstood. In this episode I'm introducing you to our series of short videos we have put together to start a conversation about math misconceptions kids have in the elementary grade.

Watch the Math Misconceptions videos in this Playlist on YouTube:

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/177

Episode 176 - Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms Oct 27, 2024

In this episode I'm introducing you to a not-yet-released book about the traps of math algorithms, but it's actually so much more than that. It's about women supporting women and lifting someone up when you see they are doing good instead of trying to tear them down.

To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to: https://buildmathminds.com/176

Episode 175 - Always Building Relationships - Rounding Numbers Series Oct 20, 2024

Rounding numbers should be way more than just a procedure where we ask students to look to see if the number behind is a 5 or higher. Helping elementary students round should be based upon their number sense. In this last episode of the Rounding Numbers series, I'm giving you an acronym to remember to help your students with rounding numbers: ABR. To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to:

BuildMathMinds.com/175

Episode 174 - Helping Students Understand Magnitude of Numbers - Rounding Numbers Series Oct 13, 2024

Rounding numbers should be way more than just a procedure where we ask students to look to see if the number behind is a 5 or higher. Helping elementary students round should be based upon their number sense. In this 2nd episode of the Rounding Numbers series, I'm giving my 2nd tip on how to help your students round with understanding. To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to:

BuildMathMinds.com/174

Episode 173 - Using Number Lines to Round Numbers - Rounding Numbers Series Oct 06, 2024

Rounding numbers should be way more than just a procedure where we ask students to look to see if the number behind is a 5 or higher. Helping elementary students round should be based upon their number sense. In this first episode of the Rounding Numbers series, I'm giving my first tip on how to help your students round with understanding. To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds

To get any links mentioned in the episode go to:

BuildMathMinds.com/173

Episode 172 - Is Emotional Teaching a Thing??? Sep 29, 2024

I think we've all heard and know about Emotional Eating, but have you ever felt like you've done Emotional TEACHING? Not sure it's a thing, but it kind of feels like it should be. Listen in to my random thoughts and then let me know in the comments over on the YouTube video or the show notes page if you've ever done Emotional Teaching? I give an example of Teaching Emotionally in math, but your example could be from any content area.

Episode 171 - Summer Book Study for Elementary Math Educators Jun 02, 2024

Episode 170 - The Importance of Play May 26, 2024

My kids and I play a lot. Sports, card games, board games, but they all have a preset goal…to win. According to a book I'm reading, true play does NOT have a preset goal. So it got me wondering how much true play my kids, and I, actually do. I'm making it a goal to include more opportunities for us to truly play. In this episode I'm sharing my ideas on what I will be doing this summer to play (and getting my kids to join in) plus I give you the Seven Principles of Self-Active Play they lay out in the book I'm reading. Get any links mentioned in this video at BuildMathMinds.com/170

Episode 169 - Math Fluency Through Flexibility May 19, 2024

If you've struggled with how to help your elementary students build their math fluency, there is one thing I encourage you to do: Help your students build their flexibility with numbers.

Textbooks try to directly teach strategies to students thinking that is how they will build flexibility, but you spend months doing that and then later in the year they act like they have no idea what you are talking about. That's when we revert back to just making kids memorize.

In this episode we take a look at my book Fluency Through Flexibility…because fluency doesn't happen from memorization or teaching a ton of different strategies, it happens when kids build connections & relationships around the numbers so they can use those to help them solve any math problem. Get any links mentioned in this video at BuildMathMinds.com/169

Episode 168 - Use Math Manipulatives - No Matter The Age May 12, 2024

When I first started teaching I don't think I ONCE used a math manipulative with my students. It was all about learning and memorizing procedures and I didn't know they needed to actually understand the math. Now, I'm a Recovering Traditionalist and I know that kids need to understand the math, not just DO it, and to help them understand they need to work with math manipulatives.

In this episode, I'm sharing 3 key things to watch out for when working with math manipulatives. We need to be using math manipulatives at any age however we need to make sure we do it properly or they can easily become just like any other rote procedure we tend to teach kids in mathematics. Get any links mentioned in this video at BuildMathMinds.com/168

Episode 167 - Mental Math does NOT mean doing it in your head May 05, 2024

Growing up I thought doing Mental Math meant doing the algorithm in my head. Times have changed and now many educators have kids solve math in different ways but during Mental Math it's still only having kids to do math in their head. That's not exactly what Mental Math should be about. In this episode we explore what doing Mental Math really should be like. Get any links mentioned in this video at BuildMathMinds.com/167

Episode 166 - A Child's Progression When Grouping to Count Items Apr 28, 2024

If you've ever watched a child during a counting collection and thought "Ugh! Why are you grouping the items like that?!?" Well, there's probably a reason.

There is a progression kids go through when organizing items they are counting. Now even though this information comes from a book about Early Childhood Education, it still applies to those of you in 3rd-5th as you work to help them group items in ways that lead to multiplicative thinking.

Watch this week's video about The Progression of Grouping to help you understand why kids might be grouping items a certain way and how to help them. Get any links mentioned in this video at BuildMathMinds.com/166

Episode 165 - Geometry in PreK-2 is more than just knowing names of shapes Apr 14, 2024

It is commonly thought that Geometry in the early grades is just about getting kids to name and identify shapes. There are actually 4 big ideas talked about in the Navigating Through Geometry book. One of which is the work around two- and three-dimensional shapes but it is so much more than just naming & identifying shapes. In this episode we take a look at what knowledge kids in PreK-2 should be developing around shapes and the types of experiences you can provide to help them develop it. Get any links mentioned in this video at BuildMathMinds.com/165

Episode 164 - The Power of Using Inverse Operations to Subtract & Divide Apr 07, 2024

There are 4 main strategies children tend to use to solve addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems. These math strategies are not tricks. Their foundations are built on number relationships and properties of operations. In the Math Strategy Sessions we have already explored 3 of the strategies and our next session is focused on helping kids use and understand the Inverse Operation Strategy (https://buildmathminds.com/strategy-sessions to register). This is more than just helping kids know Fact Families, it's about helping them understand the meanings of the operations and the connections between Addition-Subtraction and Multiplication-Division. Helping your students develop the Inverse Operation Strategy will last them the rest of their lives. In this episode I'm sharing the first books I read that highlighted the importance of helping kids develop the strategy. I never learned I could solve a subtraction problem with addition (or division with multiplication) until I was an adult. Kids should be building this understanding way before I did. Get any links mentioned in this video at BuildMathMinds.com/164

Episode 163 - Helping Your Students to Be a Successful Student Mar 31, 2024

There are lots of Problems of Teaching when you are helping young kids learn mathematics. One of the hardest ones is helping your students to be successful learners, constantly trying to manage a large classroom of students who often are not very productive. In the book Teaching Problems and the Problems of Teaching by Dr. Magdalene Lampert, there was a line in the chapter Teaching Students to Be People Who Study in School, that still has me thinking: "...if we view students' productive or unproductive actions in the classroom as expressions of who they think they are, then classroom management merges with something that might be called 'academic character education.'" That whole section of the book got me thinking of things you could do in your classroom to help your students be students who study mathematics, which in turn helps them to be successful learners. Listen for my 4 ways to help your students be successful learners of mathematics. Get any links mentioned in this video at BuildMathMinds.com/163

Episode 162 - Approximation, Precision, & Accuracy in Measurement Mar 24, 2024

In this video I'm sharing a part of a book that made me go "Hmm, I've never really thought about that!" It has to do with just how precise we can actually be when measuring items. One of the Standards of Mathematical Practice is "Attend to Precision" which is about being precise in all mathematical vocabulary and content, but just how precise should we make students be when it comes to measurement? Get any links mentioned in this video at BuildMathMinds.com/162

Episode 161 - A candy bar is better than a pie…when it comes to fractions Mar 17, 2024

I love pies, Pecan Pie especially, but I don't love them during math time. Pies, well circles in general, are an overused visual when it comes to the teaching of fractions. In this video we take a look at visual fraction models that are much better to use and will be helpful to your students as they progress into other mathematical concepts like percentages, ratios, etc. Get any links mentioned in this video at BuildMathMinds.com/161

Episode 160 - Tips for Getting Kids to Talk in Math Class Mar 03, 2024

After the 2024 Virtual Math Summit, there was so much mention of using Sentence Stems I wanted to dig a bit deeper into them. In my research I stumbled upon an old blog post by one of my favorite Math-y people, Sara Van Der Werf. In this podcast episode I'm sharing a piece of her blog post that talks about one tweak you can make to Think/Pair/Share (or Turn & Talk) to help get your students more engaged in the math discussion. Take a listen and go to buildmathminds.com/160 for any links mentioned in the episode.

Episode 159 - The Number Strings Queens Feb 25, 2024

Cathy Fosnot and Pam Harris are The Queens of Number Strings (or Problem Strings as Pam would call them). I'm way too excited about the fact they are teaming up to do a one-day workshop all about using Problem Strings for Automaticity, Fluency, and Beyond. If you've been doing number strings and want to go more in depth on how to use them in your classroom, I highly recommend going to this workshop. Go to https://buildmathminds.com/159 to get links to items mentioned in the episode.

Episode 158 - Virtual Math Summit Preview: Preventing Teacher Burnout Feb 18, 2024

Before the 2024 Virtual Math Summit starts next week, enjoy this preview of a Pre-Summit Session by Rosalba Serrano on Preventing Teacher Burnout. Rosalba shares a ton of information and ideas to help you with burnout but I specifically picked this clip because one of the ideas she shared is one that my family uses a lot: Control the Controllables.

Get registered so you can watch Rosalba's full session before the summit starts: VirtualMathSummit.com/register.

Episode 157 - Virtual Math Summit Preview: Challenges and Benefits of Building Kids' Thinking Feb 11, 2024

The 2024 Virtual Math Summit is in two weeks! Here's a preview of 3 sessions from Jenny Foreman, Loren Thorpe, and myself talking about the challenges and benefits of working on getting your students to think and not just compute during math class. To see the full list of speakers, their presentations, and to get registered go to VirtualMathSummit.com/register. To get any links mentioned in this episode, go to the show notes page at BuildMathMinds.com/157.

Episode 156 - Virtual Math Summit Preview: Things to Think About When Doing Number Routines Feb 04, 2024

The 2024 Virtual Math Summit is this month! Here's a preview of 3 sessions from Michaela Epstein, Rosalba Serrano, and Nicole Thompson & Jessica Batinovic giving you tips, ideas, and inspiration to make our Number Routines the best they can be for your students. To see the full list of speakers, their presentations, and to get registered go to VirtualMathSummit.com/register. To get any links mentioned in this episode, go to the show notes page at BuildMathMinds.com/156.

Episode 155 - Virtual Math Summit Preview: Teaching Math with Newcomers in Mind Jan 28, 2024

The 2024 Virtual Math Summit starts in less than 1 month! Check out this preview of Dr. Jim Ewing's keynote session about Teaching Math with Newcomers in Mind. To see the full list of speakers, their presentations, and to get registered go to VirtualMathSummit.com/register. To get any links mentioned in this episode, go to the show notes page at BuildMathMinds.com/155.

Episode 154 - Virtual Math Summit Preview: Helping Students Understand Multiplication Jan 21, 2024

The 2024 Virtual Math Summit is coming soon. This week's episode gives you a preview of 4 sessions that focus on helping students build their understanding and fluency of multiplication. Check out this preview of Shannon Olson, Juli Dixon, Thuc-Khahn Park, and Brittany Hege's sessions. To see the full list of speakers, their presentations, and to get registered go to VirtualMathSummit.com/register. To get any links mentioned in this episode, go to the show notes page at BuildMathMinds.com/154.

Episode 153: Virtual Math Summit Preview: Tips for Creating Student-Centered Classrooms Jan 14, 2024

The 2024 Virtual Math Summit is just around the corner. This week's episode gives you a preview of 4 of the sessions. To see the full list of speakers, their presentations, and to get registered go to VirtualMathSummit.com/register. I'm a huge supporter of Student-Centered Classrooms and so for this episode I grabbed some clips to share with you that give you ideas for ways to create that in your math class. Tammy McMorrow, Latrenda Knighten, Ed Nolan, and Mona Iehl each have presentations at this year's Virtual Math Summit that help bring your students to the center. To get any links mentioned in this episode, go to the show notes page at BuildMathMinds.com/153.

Episode 152 - Why don't you talk about Time & Money? Jan 07, 2024

I get asked why I don't do much training about Time & Measurement. I do have some videos, you can see them in my Playlists at the YouTube channel, but there is a real reason why I don't talk about those concepts as much as others. So in this video you get my thoughts (based upon what other math educators & researchers have to say) about why we shouldn't spend a bunch of time teaching time & measurement in math class.

Episode 151 - What Do Students Need to Know About Division? Dec 17, 2023

This essential understanding about division is something even adults struggle with: Division is defined by its inverse relationship with multiplication. Our textbooks want us to teach division as its own separate operation but a key to helping students understand and become proficient in division is to teach it in conjunction with multiplication. In this episode I'm sharing an excerpt from one book in the Putting Essential Understandings into Practice series. To get any links mentioned in this episode go to buildmathminds.com/151

Episode 150 - A Quick Math Story Problem Activity Dec 10, 2023

Want a quick & easy to implement activity that will show you how much your students know about the math operations and about math story problems? I've got it for you in this week's Build Math Minds podcast. This idea comes from the book Taking Action: Implementing Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices by DeAnn Huinker and Victoria Bill. You can find a link to it and any other resources mentioned at the show notes page buildmathminds.com/150

Episode 149 - Things to Say Instead of IDK Dec 03, 2023

The two ends of the spectrum when teaching math seem to be "here are the exact ways to solve this problem, follow it exactly," and "you figure it out, I'm not telling you anything." Neither of these tend to work. Instead it's about finding a balance between these. We need to give some guidance, but not too much. We want them to figure out ways to solve problems on their own but we can't let them flounder.

The book 7 Steps to a Language-Rich, Interactive Classroom by John Seidlitz & Bill Perryman gives educators, as the title says, 7 steps and the first one is: teach students what to say when they don't know what to say. This also applies when a student doesn't know where to start with a math problem. So this week's episode is helping students have Things to Say Instead of IDK.

Join the Build Math Minds PD site: https://buildmathminds.com/bmm

7 Steps to a Language-Rich, Interactive Classroom by John Seidlitz & Bill Perryman

Build Math Minds YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/buildmathminds

Episode 148 - Why Is Understanding Fractions So Hard? Jun 19, 2022

Episode 147 - Practice Makes Permanent Jun 12, 2022

Here in the United States, it is the end of the school year and teachers are contemplating what work they should send home with students for them to do over the summer. In today's podcast, I get into why I'm not a big fan of general problem packets over the summer and how the phrase "practice makes perfect" is a little inaccurate.

Episode 146 - Standard Algorithms Compared to Computational Strategies Jun 05, 2022

I've been on a kick about math fluency lately and how a lot of textbooks have their teaching of fluency wrong. Growing up, fluency to me meant being good at the algorithm. Being able to follow the steps that the teacher laid out for students was the sign of being fluent. But, as textbooks have started teaching new strategies, students and parents are left feeling confused. In today's episode I wanted to share this chart I found in an article by Randall Charles because it highlights the importance of letting kids use strategies instead of just the traditional algorithm.

Episode 145 - Math Textbooks Have the Teaching of Fluency All Wrong May 29, 2022

In the last episode of the podcast, I shared the three ideas that make up computational fluency. Flexibility is often the piece that is missing in our fluency instruction, but recently textbooks have tried to incorporate more of it, but in the wrong way. In this week's podcast, I go over some of the shortcomings in the ways textbook's teach fluency and what we should really be focusing on when we're teaching fluency.

Episode 144 - What is Computational Fluency? May 22, 2022

The Flexibility Formula courses that I offer have a huge focus on how we can help kids develop number sense, but the main reason to focus on number sense is really to help your students become flexible thinkers; to build their flexibility in mathematics. In episode 144, I talk about how my courses started and the research that inspired them. Come take a listen as I discuss the concepts that make up computational fluency.

Episode 143 - Summer Reading List for Elementary Math Teachers 2022 May 15, 2022

Each of you listening to this podcast have different goals for your professional development. You have different things you are wanting to read about to help your students next year have an even better math experience in your classroom. So I've compiled a bunch of different lists on Amazon so you can choose from books for specific areas you want to focus on. Come check out Episode #143 where I share my summer reading lists for elementary math teachers for 2022.

Episode 142 - Nothing Lasts Forever May 08, 2022

Have you ever felt like the thing you're going through will never end? There is no doubt that hard times can wear us out and make us feel helpless. Then, it can seem like the good times don't last long enough. Whether it's good or bad times, it's important to remember that nothing lasts forever. In this week's episode, we are talking about how to think about going through the hard times, and the good times by remembering that Nothing Lasts Forever.

Episode 141 - Get The Most Out of Math Games May 01, 2022

Games are one of my favorite ways to have kids practice. They can do 50 problems in 5 minutes and not even realize it. But, one of the biggest complaints I hear about using games in the classroom is that teachers don't know what the kids are actually doing while playing the game. Are they doing the math or just goofing around?? Come listen to episode 141 where we're talking about getting the most out of math games and go through some recommendations.

Episode 140 - Alternatives to Math Tests Apr 24, 2022

As many of you are currently in the thick of standardized testing, it reminds you that testing shouldn't be like this….but if not this, then what? This week, while sitting in my car waiting for one of the hundred, or so, practices my kids had to finish, I opened up the recent issue of the NCTM journal Mathematics Teacher: Learning & Teaching PK-12. The very first article is about using word problems as a way to assess in mathematics. In episode 140, I go through some of this issue to give you some ideas for some alternatives to math tests. Also, The Build Math Minds PD site membership is open for enrollment!

Episode 139 - Should We Stop Giving Tests in Math? Apr 17, 2022

Should we stop giving tests in math class? This question was recently tweeted by Chris Luzniak and I found the comments under it very thought provoking. So, I thought I'd share some of them with you in today's podcast. Tell me what you think about them in the comments over at buildmathminds/139.

Episode 138 - More Than a Test Apr 10, 2022

Testing season is upon us and as always, it is stressful. I wish there were easy tips or tricks I could give you to help make it awesome but unfortunately, that doesn't exist. In episode 138, I give some simple reminders on what to focus on as your student's go through testing. But the biggest reminder is that your work of helping these kids be mathematicians is more than a test.

Episode 137 - Math in Children's Literature Apr 03, 2022

This week I finally got a chance to crack open the book Mathematizing Children's Literature: Sparking Connections, Joy, and Wonder Through Read-Alouds and Discussion by Allison Hintz and Anthony T. Smith. I haven't even read the whole thing yet because a paragraph from the first page struck me so deeply that I knew I had to share it with you all. In this week's episode, I share a snippet from that book and get into my own shortcomings using children's books as learning tools.

Episode 136 - Problem Solving In Math Mar 27, 2022

Have you ever dove right into something you had no idea how to do? As hard as we try not to, we often ask our students to do just that. When I first started my Recovering Traditionalist journey and implementing more student focused experiences, I thought it would be great but there were definitely some growing pains. In today's podcast, I'm talking about how the book Introduction to Problem Solving by Susan O'Connell helped me learn how to encourage kids to start problem solving on their own. Come take a listen!

Episode 135 - The Tip of the Iceberg Mar 20, 2022

In today's podcast, I'm sharing an article that presents a visual image I once saw that plays a huge role in how I think about building our understandings of mathematics. I really think about it all the time so I thought it was time to share it with you. That image is the tip of the iceberg. Come take a listen as I get into how the visual representation of the iceberg can help us think about the things underneath the surface that we don't often consider when we say a kid is struggling to do something.

Episode 134 - Pencil or Pen? Mar 13, 2022

Pencil or pen? So many educators are adamant that kids MUST use pencils in math class so they can erase their errors. In today's episode I'm wondering if pens could actually be better. Perhaps there is value in keeping mistakes on the page as our student's work to get to answers.

Episode 132 - The Connecting Pillar with Stacey Ellis, Matt Halpern, & Dawn Dibley Feb 27, 2022

I've been doing a series of episodes sharing some summit sessions that address each of The Flexibility Formula. Episode 130 we took a look at Understanding, episode 131 we dove into Observing, and today's episode we are going to look at the Connecting pillar with Virtual Math Summit presenters Stacey Ellis, Matt Halpern, and Dawn Dibley. Each of them gives us strategies to connect with our students in unique ways that you may not have thought of before. Come take a listen!

Episode 131 - Observing Math Understanding with Michelle Chu & Kristen Emmel Feb 20, 2022

The free 2022 Virtual Math Summit is just around the corner on February 26th & 27th. Each session addresses one of the five pillars of the Flexibility Formula. In today's episode, we're going to focus on the Observing pillar by looking at session snippets from Michelle Chu and Kristen Emmel. Michelle talks about making instructional decisions in the moment based on what you're seeing in real time and Kristen talks about using number sense routines to assess students.

Episode 130 - Building our Understanding with Dr. Ange Rogers, Duane Habecker, & Shannon McCartney Feb 13, 2022

If you've spent a lot of time with my content or have ever taken one of my PD courses, then you've probably run into the Flexibility Formula. The formula is a framework that helps us avoid turning kids into calculators and every session in this year's Virtual Math Summit addresses at least 1 of the 5 pillars. This week, we're getting sneak peeks into sessions from Dr. Ange Rogers, Duane Habecker and Shannon McCartney that address the Understanding pillar and help kids understand large numbers.

Episode 129 - Taking it a Step Further with Fractions & Subitizing Feb 06, 2022

Sometimes, it can be easy to be pretty focused on things we could do better in our classrooms. But just like we want to do with our students, let's take some time to think about how we can take what we're already doing and take it further. In today's episode, I dive into more Virtual Math Summit sneak peeks. This time, from Dina Mendola and me! Dina gets into how we should be thinking about fractions and I talk about one of my favorite topics: subitizing. Registration is still open for the Virtual Math Summit so go get signed up! Yes, it's still free.

Episode 128 - Doing Things Differently with Rosalba Serrano, Marian Small & Shannon Kiebler Jan 30, 2022

Changing up the strategies we use in our math classrooms can be a really useful way to shake up the status quo, push kids further in their learning, and show us where we can improve as teachers. In this episode, I'm sharing sneak peeks into Virtual Math Summit sessions from Rosalba Serrano, Marian Small, and Shannon Kiebler as they encourage us to do things differently in our math classrooms. The Virtual Math Summit is free for educators so go get signed up at VirtualMathSummit.com/register .

Episode 127 - Thinking vs Mimicking Jan 23, 2022

When I was going through school, mimicking the teacher was definitely the norm. For good rule followers, that can be really easy. But is teacher mimicking really our goal as teachers? If we only want students to mimic, then we're not giving our kids space to think independently, and solve problems in a way that works for their brain. In today's podcast, I share some sneak peeks from Pam Harris' and Dr. Doug Clement's sessions from the upcoming Virtual Math Summit where they share some of their ideas on how we can help our relationships with our students be less robotic when it comes to getting the right answer.

Episode 126 - Powerful Moments in Math Class with Mike Flynn Jan 16, 2022

In life, we naturally experience all kinds of highs and lows that stick with us, and influence the way we see the world. In today's episode, Virtual Math Summit speaker Mike Flynn gives us a sneak peak into one of his presentations where he talks about how the "Pits and Peaks" of life influence our psychology and the way we think about our experiences. More importantly, he tells us about how we can actively use those realizations to help build better experiences for our students inside the classroom.

Episdoe 125 - Less Expectation, More Appreciation Jan 09, 2022

When it comes to teaching in the classroom, it can be easy to get caught up in the expectations we have for our students. But have you considered the consequences of being hyper focused on expectations? If we look at students through a lens of "we expected you to have THIS and THAT, but you don't" it starts us off on the wrong foot with how to help the kids. If instead we look at students through a lens of appreciating where they currently are, we are starting on solid ground and can work up from there. Today's episode goes into details on why focusing on appreciation in our classrooms is so important.

Episode 124 - Math problems with more than one answer (Part 3) Jan 02, 2022

Today, we're going to wrap up our series on math problems with more than one answer. If you missed part 1 and 2, go check out episodes 121 and 123. Math problems with more than one answer give us the ability to really expand how we ask our students to engage with the problems themselves, and with each other. In particular, they give us an opportunity to allow students to work on Math Practice Standard #3: Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. Today's podcast episode explores why that's so important and gives example problems.

Episode 123 - Math Problems with More Than One Answer (Part 2) Dec 26, 2021

A couple weeks ago I talked about how 26 ÷ 6 can have multiple answers. This week, I'm back for part 2 of diving deeper into the idea that math problems can have more than one answer. Specifically, we're going to look at "Open Middle Math Problems." Listen in for some great examples of these problems across different grade levels.

Episode 122 - Teaching Division with Remainders Even in The Early Years Dec 19, 2021

Partitive division is typically the natural way that kids think about division and the way that most textbooks start teaching kids division. However, it only gives kids a partial understanding of division. Quotative division problems give kids a deeper understanding of division and help kids focus in on understanding the remainder in the problem. Typically, we think division is only for 3rd grade and up, but division situations come up often for kids in their life and so they naturally experience division very early on. No matter what grade level you teach, this episode will give you a better understanding of teaching division and teaching division with remainders.

Episode 121 - Math Problems With More Than One Answer (Part 1) Dec 12, 2021

We all know that there are many ways to solve any math problem. But have you considered that there are math problems with more than one answer? While I was getting my masters degree, I learned some valuable lessons from that which I wanted to share with you today. Take a listen as I dive into why it's important to open our minds to the idea that math isn't just about getting one correct answer.

Episode 120 - My Favorite Mathy Gifts for 2021 Dec 05, 2021

As we get closer to the holidays, our time is ticking to get some great gifts for our loved ones. I've found all kinds of reading based gifts but sometimes, the math ones can be a little tougher to find. So, I figured I'd try to help out and share some of my favorite math-based gifts that me and my kids absolutely love. A couple of my choices may even surprise you!

Episode 119 - Managing Small Group Work Nov 28, 2021

Managing small group work when no other adults are around to assist can be a great challenge. Especially considering the vast differences in mathematical understandings educators are experiencing in the classroom this year. So how can small group work be structured to benefit all kids in the classroom no matter where they are in their understanding? The Build Math Minds Facebook group community delivered a ton of super helpful strategies to help answer that question and I wanted to share some of those in today's podcast episode.

Episode 118 - Making Thinking Visible Nov 21, 2021

Thinking is an active and internal process that we should intentionally help our students learn how to share. In order to encourage our kids to share their thinking, we must consider how they (and we) listen, the types of questions we ask as teachers and they ask as students, how ideas are documented, and more. In today's episode, I get into some amazing ideas about how to get students to share their thinking processes by Making Thinking Visible.

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