Math Chat
Mona, of Mona Math, reveals the mysteries of how to teach elementary math even if you aren't a math person. Discover how you can develop a buzzing student led math classroom. We cover all things math identity, classroom culture, and student centered instructional practices to help you empower students to love and understanding math deeply.
Episodes
187 episodes
169: Step 2 Word Problem Workshop - Grapple
We’ve all heard about the importance of productive struggle in math—but what does it actually look like in practice? In this episode, I share why Grapple Time is one of the most powerful parts of Word Problem Workshop, how to prepare stu...
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Episode 169
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19:55
168: Step 1 Word Problem Workshop - Launch
It’s a common belief: “My students can’t read, so they need to master simple math first before tackling word problems.” But what if this thinking is actually holding students back? In this episode, we challenge the unproductive idea th...
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13:42
167: Go Slow to Go Fast - How Word Problem Workshop Transforms Math Proficiency
You’ve probably heard the saying “Go slow to go fast” — but what does that actually look like in a math classroom? In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges teachers face: balancing the pacing guide with the reality of diver...
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Episode 167
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23:16
166: Kickstarting Problem Solving from Day One
It’s back-to-school season, and if you’re running on caffeine and sheer willpower, this episode is for you. The copy machine is acting up, your prep time is shrinking, and yet—you’re slowly building something amazing with your new class. <...
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Episode 166
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20:55
165: Changing the ‘I’m Bad at Math’ Mindset—One Task at a Time
If you’ve ever had a student say, “I’m just not a math person”, you know how powerful that belief can be. Math identity—how students see themselves in relation to math—can either open the door to learning or slam it shut. In thi...
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Episode 165
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17:32
164: Classroom Routines Made Easy
Starting the school year can feel overwhelming—but what if teaching routines didn’t have to be boring? In this episode, I’m showing you how to set up essential classroom routines and build a strong classroom community right from day on...
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Episode 164
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16:25
163: Student Led & Self–Regulated (3 Management Tips Inside)
If your math block feels more like crowd control than joyful problem solving, this episode is for you. We’re talking about how proactive math classroom management strategies can help you stop reacting to behavior and start building a smo...
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14:47
162: More Isn’t the Answer
Have you ever felt like every new math strategy or program is just more to juggle? From colorful problem-solving cards to trendy new resources, it's easy to feel like you're constantly adding to your plate — without seeing deeper learn...
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Episode 162
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8:17
161: Vanessa - The Math GuRu
What do horoscopes and homework have in common? More than you think—especially in the world of inclusive math education. In this episode, Mona sits down with Vanessa Vakharia, aka The Math Guru, to talk about smashing ste...
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Episode 161
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22:31
160: The Math Block — A Mindset Shift for Fitting It All In
Have you ever stared at your lesson plans, pacing guide, and testing calendar and wondered: How am I supposed to fit all of this in? If so, this episode was made for you. Host Mona Iehl, math coach and creator of Word Problem...
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10:34
159: One Problem, Many Levels - How to Differentiate Without 5 Versions of the Lesson
If you're trying to reach every student by creating multiple versions of your math lesson—this episode is for you. Host Mona Iehl, math coach and creator of Word Problem Workshop, shows you how to differentiate effectively without...
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Episode 159
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16:47
158: SEL in Math Can Boost Student Success
In today’s episode, Mona welcomes special education teacher and SEL expert Allie Szczecinski to unpack a topic that’s often overlooked in math: social emotional learning (SEL). With over 15 years of experience and a brand-new book...
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Episode 158
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22:14
157: Yes, It’ll Be Noisy—And That’s a Good Thing
Is your math block filled with silence so thick you can hear pencils stretching? This episode is for you. Host Mona Lehl is flipping the script on what a “focused” math class sounds like—and spoiler alert: it’s not silent. Real math th...
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Episode 157
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9:53
156: What Great Math Teaching Looks Like—Even If You’re Just Getting Started
If you've ever scrolled past a flawless math lesson on Instagram and thought, “That could never be me,” this episode is for you. Host Mona—former teacher, math coach, and author of the upcoming Word Problem Workshop—gets real ...
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Episode 156
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9:00
155: You Already Have What You Need—Here’s How to Use It Differently
Hey teacher friend! Have you ever stared at your math curriculum thinking, “This is... fine, I guess?” You don’t hate it—but it’s definitely not lighting a fire for student thinking. In this episode, Mona, a math coach and author, shar...
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13:32
154: Leading a Successful Math Program with Katie Thomas
In this episode, we unpack a big question: What’s your vision for math classrooms? From years of visiting classrooms and leading professional development, our guest shares a powerful answer rooted in three values: joy, curiosity, an...
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Episode 154
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32:13
153: What to Do When Kids Don’t Want to Think in Math Class
Ever poured your heart into a math lesson only to hear a groan or a “Can’t you just tell us how to do it?” from your students? You’re not alone. In this episode, Mona—a former teacher turned math coach—dives into what’s really behind those reac...
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12:04
152: How to Extend Student Thinking (Without More Worksheets)
Ever looked at your stack of printed math worksheets and thought, “There’s got to be a better way”? You're not alone. In today’s episode, we’re flipping the script on word problems—and showing you how just a few small tweaks can stretc...
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Episode 152
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12:14
151: Shifting to Student Centered Math, with Dr. Pamela Seda
Is your math classroom a space of empowerment—or quiet struggle? In this episode, we’re unpacking what it really means to teach math equitably, with the brilliant Dr. Pamela Seda. Whether you're new to equity work or already deep in the journey...
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22:20
150: 35 Questions to Get Students Thinking in Math Class
What if the questions you ask in math class could be the key to unlocking deeper thinking and real understanding? Today, we’re diving into the one question teachers ask me all the time: “What do I ask to get my students to explain thei...
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13:29
149: Common Mistakes That Shut Down Math Discussions (And What to Do Instead)
Ever asked a math question and been met with total silence? Or felt like only a few kids are driving the whole conversation? You’re not alone — and today we’re fixing it.In this episode, Mona dives into the subtle mistakes that ca...
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14:37
148: Plucking Pebbles - Small Shifts That Transform Math Instruction with Jon Orr & Kyle Pearce
You don’t need a full-on classroom overhaul to start seeing change. In this episode, we’re talking about the “pebbles” — those small irritations or roadblocks in math class — and how you can start removing them with intentional, doable steps.
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33:39
147: Beyond the Curriculum - SHAPE-ing Math Success at the School Level
Struggling to get your whole school on board with stronger math instruction? You’re not alone! In this episode, I’m sharing the framework I developed after seeing what actually works to transform school wide math culture — ...
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16:31
146: Curriculum Selection - 3 Common mistakes to avoid
Is your school choosing a new math curriculum? Before you dive into samples, demos, and committee meetings, listen in! I’m sharing the top three mistakes schools often make—and how you can avoid them to select a curriculum that truly supports s...
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14:59