Make Math Happen
Make Math Happen (formerly known as PD for the SOUL) is the podcast for educators ready to move with intention and teach with impact. Hosted by math coach and equity-focused educator Laneshia Boone, each episode bridges practice and purpose to help you design instruction that centers students, builds capacity, and makes learning stick—especially for those pushed to the margins.
Every week, you’ll get strategies that work in real classrooms, grounded reflections that challenge the status quo, and conversations with educators who are making bold moves in math education. From planning with purpose to using charts that anchor learning, from building strong routines to disrupting expired rules, this podcast is where meaningful math instruction comes to life.
You’ll walk away with ready-to-use tools, fresh insight, and the confidence to make every lesson count.
Because when we move with care, plan with clarity, and teach with courage, we make math happen.
Make Math Happen
Reading Between the Numbers: How Literacy Powers Math Success
Dear Educator,
Math and literacy—two core subjects, often taught in silos, but deeply intertwined in practice.
In this episode of PD for the Soul, titled “Reading Between the Numbers: How Literacy Powers Math Success,” we’re breaking down the invisible wall between words and numbers. Joined by the brilliant Latoya King, English and Language Arts Curriculum Specialist, we explore how reading comprehension, vocabulary, and literacy practices shape a student's ability to reason mathematically, solve problems, and communicate their thinking with clarity.
We often say math is its own language—but how often do we actually teach it that way?
If students are struggling to understand the words in a problem, they can’t access the math behind it. That’s why this conversation is essential—not just for math teachers, but for every educator committed to closing learning gaps and creating confident, capable problem solvers.
Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
- A deeper understanding of the foundational connection between literacy and math
- Collaboration ideas for ELA and math teachers to support students together
- Strategies for breaking down word problems, developing vocabulary, and using literacy practices like annotation and summarizing in the math classroom
- Ideas for schoolwide shifts that center literacy across content areas
We challenge you to look at your next math lesson through a new lens:
- What are the reading demands?
- Where might students be stuck not because of the math, but because of the language?
- What small adjustments can help them navigate both with confidence?
Whether you're in the classroom, leading professional development, or building bridges between departments, this episode is for you.
Let’s keep the conversation going—because when we strengthen literacy, we amplify math success.
With gratitude and purpose,
Laneshia Lamb-Boone
Host of PD for the Soul
Keep making math happen!
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Make Math Happen podcast! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, subscribe on your favorite listening platform, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.
You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.
Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.
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