Episodes

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Today we’re diving into a topic that’s near and dear to every math teacher’s heart—engaging students with real-world math applications. We’ve all heard the classic, “When am I ever going to need this?” question, and today, I’m here to give you the tools to answer that in a way that not only satisfies your students but also sparks their interest in math. In This Episode, We’ll Cover: Why Connecting Math to the Real World Matters: How real-world applications ca...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In today’s episode, Kristen Moore breaks down the essentials of creating a positive classroom culture. From setting clear expectations to co-creating norms and establishing a social contract, this episode is packed with tips to help you foster a supportive, respectful, and collaborative environment in your classroom. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: Setting and sharing your classroom non-negotiables. Co-creating class norms for increased student ownership. The power o...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode, we continue our back-to-school series with a focus on effective classroom management strategies. We’ll explore how to set up clear classroom rules, routines, and procedures to ensure a productive and positive learning environment. Drawing insights from renowned educators Harry Wong and Angela Watson, we delve into must-have routines that will help you start your school year on the right foot. Today's Topics: Classroom Management Overview:Impo...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the essential strategies you need to set your students up for success during the first week of school. From setting clear expectations and practicing routines to easing into math content with low-floor tasks, we’ve got you covered. I’ll share actionable tips for how to make the most of those crucial first days, including what I’m doing in my classroom to build a positive, math-focused environment. Whether you’re looking...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this week's episode, we kick off our back-to-school series by focusing on setting up your classroom for success. Join Kristen Moore as she shares essential tips on organizing your teacher workspace, arranging student desks, and creating an engaging overall classroom feel. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a new teacher, these practical tips will help you create a productive and welcoming math classroom. Today’s Topics: Teacher Workspace: Discover how t...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Discover how a consistent class structure can transform your teaching and reduce student anxiety. Welcome to another episode of The Modern Math Teacher podcast! In today's episode, Kristen Moore dives into the importance of consistency in classroom cadence and how it can transform your teaching and benefit your students. Today's Topics: Why establishing a routine is crucial for maintaining expectations and reducing student anxiety. How a predictable classroo...

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...