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. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Discover practical instructional routines from Shannon McCaw’s 2025 NCTM Spring Conference session to elevate meaningful mathematical discourse. Learn how structured discourse routines and sentence frames can increase student engagement—especially during direct instruction.

With many districts focusing on mathematical discourse, Shannon shared practical instructional protocols to help students engage in meaningful conversations. Learn how structured routines, sentence frames, and intentional strategies can boost participation—especially during direct instruction. 

If keeping students engaged in discourse is one of your biggest pebbles, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you can implement right away!

What Listeners Will Get From This Episode:

• Students engage more in discourse when provided with familiar structures and sentence frames.
• Practical instructional protocols to make direct instruction more interactive and engaging.
• Implementing small, structured routines can lead to big improvements in student participation.

Show Notes

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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.