Making Math Moments That Matter

How Do I Teach Grade-Level Math When My Students Are All Over the Map?


Listen Later

Struggling to meet the needs of every math learner in a single classroom?
Many teachers feel overwhelmed when students show up with wildly different entry points—especially when they're trying to teach to grade-level standards with integrity. This episode dives into a familiar challenge: how to support diverse learners in Tier 1 math instruction without lowering expectations or relying on interventions alone. You’ll hear how one school tackled this barrier head-on by equipping teachers, building systems, and redefining what support looks like in real classrooms.

Listeners Will:

  • Understand how the concrete–representational–abstract (CRA) model creates access for all math learners
  • See how one coach removed barriers by aligning tools, time, and teacher collaboration
  • Learn why committing to “some, not all” can lead to system-wide impact over time
  • Hear practical coaching moves that build trust, buy-in, and shared ownership
  • Reflect on the leadership structures that allow great teaching to spread


Press play to explore what real Tier 1 math access looks like—and how to start building it in your own school or district.

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 


Show Notes Page

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.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Making Math Moments That MatterBy Kyle Pearce & Jon Orr

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

418 ratings


More shows like Making Math Moments That Matter

View all
TED Radio Hour by NPR

TED Radio Hour

21,949 Listeners

Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

Freakonomics Radio

32,317 Listeners

Planet Money by NPR

Planet Money

30,789 Listeners

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! by NPR

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

38,813 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

113,344 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

56,982 Listeners

The Indicator from Planet Money by NPR

The Indicator from Planet Money

9,575 Listeners

Everything Happens with Kate Bowler by Everything Happens Studios

Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

5,092 Listeners

The Build Math Minds Podcast by Christina Tondevold

The Build Math Minds Podcast

139 Listeners

Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ® by Supported by Great Minds

Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ®

443 Listeners

Science of Reading: The Podcast by Amplify Education

Science of Reading: The Podcast

665 Listeners

Math is Figure-Out-Able! by Pam Harris, Kim Montague

Math is Figure-Out-Able!

257 Listeners

SmartLess by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

SmartLess

58,926 Listeners

Think Thank Thunk by Kyle Webb

Think Thank Thunk

23 Listeners

Math Chat by Mona Iehl

Math Chat

36 Listeners