Episodes

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Don’t let overwhelm stop you from integrating new innovative and effective teaching practices in your math classroom. In this episode, we're tackling the challenge of "fitting it all in" when it comes to integrating various effective teaching practices in your classroom. We understand that it can be overwhelming to incorporate new methods, but we're here to help you find balance without overloading yourself or your students. Today’s Topics: Blended Instructio...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Welcome back to Poolside PD! Today, we’re diving into Project-Based Learning (PBL) in middle and high school math classes, discussing key elements, challenges, and practical tips. PBL can make math engaging and meaningful by connecting it to real-world problems. Grab your favorite summer drink, sit back, and let's get started! Today's Topics Overview of Project-Based Learning:Definition and importance of PBL. Making math concepts tangible and relevant throug...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Join us this week as we dive in to the history and power of Problem Solving. Look before the Building Thinking Classrooms book took the math world by storm, other educational experts were leading the way with problem solving and the power of teaching through problems. It's time to uncover the history and power of problem solving in math education Today's Topics Problem Solving and Problem Based Learning Defined Teaching Problems and the Problems of Teaching ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Welcome back to another STEAMY episode of "Poolside PD"! Today, we're diving into integrating mastery-based practices into a STEAM-focused classroom. Grab your favorite summer drink, sit back, and let's get started! Today's Topics: Overview of Mastery-Based Practices in STEAM and cross-curricular Classrooms Navigating Cross curricular content in math classrooms Utilizing Technology to enhance the integrated experience Practical Tips + Best Practices Assess...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Welcome to another episode of Poolside PD! Today, we're diving into standards-based grading—what it is, common challenges, and practical strategies. If you want to suggest a topic, find me on socials @MoorethanJustX or leave your idea in the Modern Math Teachers Facebook group. 🌞📚 Today's Topics: Overview of Standards-Based Grading (SBG) Challenges + Solutions to SwitchingConverting to a Traditional Gradebook Overwhelming Number of Standards Supporting the...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In today's Poolside PD, we talk taboo: grading practices as Kristen asks listeners "Do Your Grading Practices Make the Grade?". We skim the surface on equitable grading practices to ensure your grades truly reflect student knowledge and understanding. Drawing from Joe Feldman's Grading for Equity we explore how to make grading more accurate, bias-resistant, and motivational. Plus, we introduce the concept of ungrading—ditching traditional grades in favor of de...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this Poolside PD episode, we dive into enhancing our "Building Thinking Classrooms" by mastering two critical areas: consolidating from the bottom through student discussions and creating meaningful notes. Join Kristen as we explore a simple but effective way to support consolidation and a practical 6-step plan for student-centered note-taking that will transform your classroom. Whether you're looking to refine your consolidation techniques or improve your ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! ☀️Welcome to the first week of Poolside PD 2024! ☀️ This week we talk all about the Modern Classrooms Project-- what it is and if it is right for your classroom. 🧐 Kristen shares insight into how each of the components of a Modern Classroom work for her and some of her mentees. Today's Topics Include: Blended Learning- how tech plays a role in transitioning teachers out of a lecture based model Self-Pacing- tools you can use to keep students progressing, e...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Reflection doesn't just happen at the New Year, it happens at the end of the school year too! Join in on the REPLAY from 2023 to revisit our favorite reflection questions to wrap up the year! Today's Topics: The importance of reflecting on your current experience Reflecting on planning, teaching and classroom management The importance of student feedback in the reflection process How to make changes based on your reflections Simple 3 Step Reflection Quest...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Games are one of the best ways to teach your students about probability. And having a project where students create their own game and get to play them together? That's the ultimate! Whether you call it a probability fair, or a probability carnival, this project means highly engaged learning is happening. Today's Topics: How to launch the project Ways to modify for low floor high ceiling probability Wrapping up the project with a reflection and debrief If...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Looking to bring the real world to your geometry classroom? This is the PERFECT end of year geometry project! With an emphasis on geometric modeling and formula usage, your students will engage in analyzing product packaging and redesign a better, more efficient and eco-friendly wrapping for their product! This project is a student favorite because of the freedom they get to choose products that matter to them, the ability to reason and problem solve about a...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Shoutout to all you amazing listeners, I appreciate you! <3 If you want to share your appreciation make sure to leave a rating or review! I read and appreciate each and every one. The pre-summer slump is in full swing this time of year! And we've got a quick and easy survival guide to navigate you through it-- with 3 ideas to motivate and engage, and 3 ideas to maintain the order. Today's Topics 3 Strategies to Boot Motivatio...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! As we near the end of the school year, I can feel the excitement building, and I'm sure you can too. Today, we're diving into some fantastic math activities to keep your students engaged and enthusiastic as we countdown to summer break. Today's Topics: Hands-On and Outdoor Math ActivitiesExploring engaging math activities that go beyond the classroom walls. Incorporating hands-on experiments and real-world applications. Activity Ideas for the Classroom and...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! As we wrap up another round of standardized testing in my district, I can't help but reflect on the challenges of re-engaging students in math post-testing season. So, buckle up, because we're about to explore some strategies to reignite that math spark in our classrooms! Today's Topics Students after Testing: fatigue, relief, and a need for re-engagement. Reigniting the Excitement: Incorporating creativity, innovation, and personalization into math instruct...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Let's dive into 8 strategies to check for understanding as we approach the end of the school year. With spring in full swing and time at a premium, I'm here to share assessment techniques that seamlessly integrate with project-based learning and problem-solving approaches. Today's topics include: Formative Assessment in Action:Explore five dynamic ways to formatively assess student learning, including exit tickets, think-pair-share, and quick writes. Project...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Today, we're continuing our "The Best of Both Worlds" mini-series. Today’s topic? Combining the Modern Classrooms Project with Project-Based Learning—a match made in educational heaven! These two powerhouses have powered my classroom for four years and I'm excited to share with you how they do that Today's Topics: Overview of Modern Classrooms Project Introduction to Project-Based Learning and the phases of PBL Synergizing and scaffolding for PBL success wi...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Welcome toThe Best of Both Worlds" mini-series on The Modern Math Teacher podcast! 🌟 Today, we're diving deep into the exciting combo of the Modern Classrooms Project with Building Thinking Classrooms, exploring how these innovative teaching approaches can revolutionize your classroom. As teachers nationwide embrace both instructional methods, the question arises: Can we truly have the best of both worlds? The answer is hell YES! 💡Join Kristen as she shares ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Today's topic is all about effective math instruction, with a focus on lesson planning that drives student learning. Today's Topics: Determining the Focus of Your Unit: Explore the importance of holistic unit planning, considering curriculum goals, student needs, and available resources to maximize impact. Lesson Planning in Project-Based vs. Practice-Focused Units: Learn how to tailor lesson plans to fit the chosen approach, whether it's hands-on project-ba...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode, we explore the transformative power of project-based learning (PBL) in math education. Join us as we uncover the benefits of PBL, share inspiring success stories, and provide practical tips for designing impactful projects in your classroom. Today's Topics: Benefits of Project-Based Learning: Discover how PBL boosts student engagement, attendance, and achievement, while fostering complex thinking and 21st-century skills. Teacher Success Stor...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Today, we're breaking free from the monotony of traditional drill and kill worksheets and delving into the realm of engaging math practice strategies. Say goodbye to boredom and hello to innovation! 💡📊 In this episode, Kristen shares four math practice methods guaranteed to make procedural practice more meaningful and enjoyable. Get ready to transform your math classrooms and elevate your students' problem-solving proficiency! Today's Topics: Thin Sliced Prob...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Welcome back to another insightful episode of "The Modern Math Teacher" podcast! In our previous episode, we dissected the three domains of math standards – procedural fluency, conceptual understanding, and real-world applications. Today, we're delving into a crucial decision every math teacher faces – choosing between project-based learning and traditional practice. Your lessons are about to get a major upgrade! Today's Topics: ⚖️Deciding Between Project and...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Today, we're diving deep into the very foundation of our teaching – the math standards. Navigating through over 100 high school math standards can be a challenge, but I've got you. We're here to unpack them and discover how they can be the key to creating effective and engaging lessons. Today's Topics: The Three Domains of Math Standards + Examples of Each from Middle and High SchoolProcedural Skills- enhance your students procedural fluency Conceptual Under...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Today's episode, titled "From Uncertainty to Excitement: Implementing PBL," serves as a comprehensive guide for turning the ambiguity surrounding PBL into a wellspring of enthusiasm and practical know-how. Today's Topics: Summarizing the PBL Journey in episodes 29-34 Understanding your classroom dynamics and the importance of cultivating a positive math community for successful PBL. Choosing the right project, aligning topics and targets, personalizing proj...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Today, we're delving into the heart of project-based learning, unraveling its power while dispelling lingering myths. Let's connect the dots between its benefits and the misconceptions that may be holding you back. Today’s Topics Benefits of Project-Based Learning: ⭐️Engagement and Motivation: Unveiling how PBL enhances student engagement with examples like the "Save for Success" project. ⭐️Real-World Relevance: Illustrating the practical applications of PBL...