Making Math Moments That Matter
Helping you transform your K-12 math lesson plans by building confidence in effective teaching practices, guiding you to transform your math curriculum, and inspiring classroom strategies to engage all students.
As a teacher are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans where students don't want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings?
As a mathematics coordinator or leader are you wondering how to support teachers when implementing engaging math lessons that fuel student sense making?
Over the last 19 years, Kyle and Jon, the founders of MakeMathMoments.com have been engaging students, teachers, and district program leaders with effective mathematics pedagogy, accessible resources, and inspiring learning environments in K-12 math classrooms.
Now, in this podcast they coach you - K-12 classroom teachers and district leaders of mathematics through a 6 step plan that cultivates and fosters your mathematics program like a strong, healthy and balanced tree.
If you master the 6 parts of an effective mathematics program, the impact you have on students or teachers will grow and reach far and wide.
Every week, you’ll hear insight from practicing classroom teachers and leaders in math education so you’ll get the feedback, guidance, and fresh ideas you need to stop feeling overwhelmed, gain back your confidence, and inspire the students and fellow teachers you serve to enjoy the beauty of mathematics once again.
Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180
Making Math Moments That Matter
What Does “Strong Tier 1 Math Instruction” Actually Mean?
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We talk about Tier 1 instruction all the time in math education.
But here’s the question:
Do we actually have a shared understanding of what strong Tier 1 math instruction looks like… or are we all picturing something slightly different?
Because when terms like rigorous, engaging, and grade-level instruction aren’t clearly defined, things start to drift.
In one classroom, students might be working through step-by-step procedures, focused on accuracy and speed. In another, they’re exploring multiple strategies, discussing their thinking, and making connections.
And both are labeled “strong Tier 1.”
That’s where the tension lives—not in effort, but in alignment. If we’re not clear on what we mean, it becomes really difficult to support teachers, measure progress, or build consistency across a school or system.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn
- What Tier 1 instruction actually means within MTSS—and why it’s designed to support most learners
- Why staying at grade-level math matters, even when students are struggling
- What rigor really looks like in a math classroom (and what it’s often mistaken for)
- The difference between students completing math and students thinking mathematically
- How to recognize when students are reasoning, representing, and explaining—not just following steps
- Why access and entry points are essential for engagement
- How teams can reduce “interpretation drift” and build a shared understanding across classrooms
As you reflect on your own classroom—or the classrooms you support—consider this:
If someone walked in during a math lesson, what would they actually see and hear?
Would students be making sense of the math, explaining their thinking, and engaging with the task… or mostly following a set of steps?
That small shift in awareness is where stronger Tier 1 instruction begins.
K-12 Math Leaders - Strive for coherence around high quality math instruction in your school(s) with a Math Coherence Compass. Get a free template and training here: https://makemathmoments.com/compass/
Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/
Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process.
Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!
Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.
