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In today’s episode, we’re diving into a powerful strategy for increasing student engagement: mathematical discourse. If you’ve ever struggled to get your students talking about math, this episode is for you! I’ll be sharing practical tips on how to use the 5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematical Discussions to encourage deeper understanding and active participation in your classroom.

💡In This Episode, We’ll Cover:

• The Power of Math Discourse: Why fostering student conversations about math is essential for their learning and engagement.
• The 5 Practices:
  • Anticipating: How to predict student responses before the lesson begins to guide your planning.
  • Monitoring: Techniques for observing and supporting student thinking during the lesson.
  • Selecting: Strategies for choosing which student responses to highlight to enrich the class discussion.
  • Sequencing: How to order student work presentations to maximize learning.
  • Connecting: Methods for tying together different student strategies to emphasize key concepts.
• Implementing the Practices: Step-by-step advice on how to start small with these practices and gradually build them into your teaching routine.
• Overcoming Challenges: Solutions for common obstacles, like reluctant participation and managing time effectively during discussions.

Why Math Discourse Matters:

• How structured discussions can boost critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration among your students.
• Tips for creating a classroom environment where every student feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.

📙Resources Mentioned:

• 5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematical Discussions by Margaret Smith and Mary Kay Stein

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!

*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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Today, we’re tackling a topic that can truly transform your classroom—Project-Based Learning (PBL). If the idea of PBL feels daunting, don’t worry! In this episode, I’m breaking it down into simple, manageable steps so you can start incorporating PBL into your lessons without feeling overwhelmed.

💡In This Episode, We’ll Cover:

• What PBL Really Is: A straightforward introduction to Project-Based Learning and why it’s more than just another teaching trend.
• Getting Started with PBL:
  • Begin with a Mini-Project: How to introduce PBL with a small, manageable project, like using linear models to track growth or speed.
  • Integrate PBL Elements: Tips on adding a PBL twist to your existing lessons without reinventing the wheel, like turning a lesson on systems of equations into a business planning project.
  • Use Ready-Made Resources: How the Project Based Algebra Teachers membership can save you time with ready-to-go projects like “Save for Success,” where students plan their future careers.

Why PBL Is Worth It:

• The benefits of PBL for both students and teachers, from boosting student engagement to making classroom management easier.
• How PBL encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, all while lightening your planning load in the long run.

Practical Tips for PBL Success:

• Aligning projects with your curriculum standards so PBL fits naturally into your teaching.
• Breaking down projects into manageable milestones with clear timelines to keep students on track.

💻Resources Mentioned:

• Gold Standard Project Planner
• Pitch Profit Project
• Project Based Algebra Teachers Membership

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!

*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 can transform even the most disengaged students into active learners.
• Resources to Support You: From free problem-solving tasks by Math Medic to AI tools like ChatGPT and Khanmigo, we’ll explore ways to quickly integrate real-world math into your lessons.
• Practical Examples: Easy-to-implement activities like “Budgeting for a Trip” and sports statistics analysis that bring math to life.
• Tips to Get Started: How to start small, connect to current events, and involve your students in the learning process.

Resources Mentioned:

• Math Medic
• ChatGPT
• Khanmigo
• Project Based Algebra Teachers Membership

🎉 Special Offer: Founders pricing for the Project Based Algebra Teachers membership ends this Friday! Don’t miss out on locking in your access to a treasure trove of real-world math projects and activities.

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!

*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 of a social contract in building a strong classroom community.
• Practical strategies for keeping norms alive all year.
• Resources to help you implement these ideas in your classroom.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Capturing Kids Hearts
• Class + Social Contract Activity + Posters
• Whole Class Behavior Management Bundle

💬 Join the Conversation: What are your go-to strategies for building a positive classroom culture? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join our Facebook group, The Modern Math Teachers.

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!

*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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:
  • Importance of clear classroom rules, routines, and procedures
  • Insights from Harry Wong and Angela Watson
• Must-Have Routines:
  • Beginning + Ending Class Routines:
    • Greeting students and entry routine
    • Visual flow and daily agenda
    • Exit routines
    • Middle of Class Routines: Routines for Group Work and a Thinking Classroom:
      • Group work expectations
      • Problem-solving routines
      • VNPS routines
  • Handling Technology Responsibly:
    • Phone pockets vs. out-of-sight approach
    • Technology trades and phone charging bank

Related Resources:

• Harry Wong’s The First Days of School
• Angela Watson’s 40 Hour Teacher Workweek
• EdTomorrow’s First 5
• Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms

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!

*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 for new ideas or just want to refine your approach, this episode is packed with insights to help you start the school year strong.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• How to set clear expectations without overwhelming your students.
• Engaging ways to practice classroom routines while building connections.
• The importance of starting math content with low-floor tasks that set a positive tone.
• A peek into my own first-week plans to inspire your classroom strategy.

Resources:

• Ostrich Llama Problem

👉 Join the Conversation: Share your favorite first-week activities and ideas in the comments, or connect with us in The Modern Math Teachers Facebook group!

🎧 Listen to more episodes: Stay tuned for more back-to-school tips and strategies all throughout August!

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!

*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 to keep your desk organized and clutter-free using practical storage solutions and digital tools. Learn about the Teacher Friday Workbox from Organize 365 and its benefits.
• Student Workspace: Explore different desk arrangements to enhance student interaction and learning. Tips on organizing student supplies and creating designated turn-in areas.
• Overall Classroom Feel: Learn how to create a calm and focused classroom environment using a cohesive color scheme, flexible furniture arrangements, and effective lighting and music. Get inspired with our classroom decor bundles available on TpT.

Links Mentioned:

• Classroom Decor Bundle- Brights
• Classroom Decor Bundle- Pastels
• Classroom Decor Bundle- Neutral + Earth Tones
• Classroom Decor Bundle- Jewel Tones

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!

*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 classroom structure can create a safe and secure learning environment.
• Sample cadences for both 50-minute and 80-minute class periods, including entry routines, active problem-solving tasks, mini-lessons, in-class practice opportunities, and exit tickets.

Sample Classroom Cadences Covered:

• 50-Minute Class Period:
  • Entry Routine/Warm-Up (5 minutes)
  • Active Problem Solving or Thinking Task (15 minutes)
  • Mini Lesson/Consolidation/Notes (10 minutes)
  • In-Class Practice Opportunities (15 minutes)
  • Exit Ticket/End of Class Routine (5 minutes)
• 80-Minute Class Period:
  • Entry Routine/Warm-Up (10 minutes)
  • Active Problem Solving or Thinking Task (20 minutes)
  • Mini Lesson/Consolidation/Notes (15 minutes)
  • In-Class Practice Opportunities (25 minutes)
  • Exit Ticket/End of Class Routine (10 minutes)

Resources Mentioned:

• EdTomorrow’s First Five

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!

*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!