192 Your First Five Days Matter More Than Your Next Five Months
Let’s chat—send me a text! The first week of school isn't just about procedures, seating charts, and syllabus review. It's when students begin forming beliefs about what mathematics feels like—and who they believe they are as mathematicians. In this episode, I share how my thinking about the first week has changed over the years, why students walk into our classrooms carrying mathematical identities, and how we can intentionally design experiences that foster confidence, curiosity, and belong...
The first week of school isn't just about procedures, seating charts, and syllabus review. It's when students begin forming beliefs about what mathematics feels like—and who they believe they are as mathematicians.
In this episode, I share how my thinking about the first week has changed over the years, why students walk into our classrooms carrying mathematical identities, and how we can intentionally design experiences that foster confidence, curiosity, and belonging from day one.
In this episode you'll learn:
- Why the first week is about more than classroom procedures
- How students' mathematical identities influence learning
- The connection between classroom culture and instructional design
- Simple questions to help you intentionally design the first week
- Why belonging is one of the most important things we teach
🎁 Free Resource
Download the Gold Standard Project Planner and start designing intentional learning experiences:
👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/projectplanner
This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.
Connect with Kristen:
- Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustx
- Join the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers Movement
More About the Modern Math Teacher Podcast
Kristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.
Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!
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