Dear Educator,

As we enter the final stretch of the school year, this episode of PD for the Soul invites you to shift from information to transformation.

You’ve gathered benchmark data, you've seen your students grow—and now it’s time to make every instructional moment count. In this episode, we explore how to finish strong by using data to drive targeted instruction, balance pacing with purposeful reteaching, and build student confidence as they approach end-of-year assessments.

We also introduce a powerful, practical routine to support your math block: the Three Reads Strategy. This routine helps students develop deeper understanding and problem-solving stamina when approaching word problems. Here's a quick overview:

• Read 1: What is the situation about?
  Guide students to identify context and relationships—not just race to the numbers.
• Read 2: What is countable or measurable?
  Encourage them to annotate, discuss quantities, and clarify units and values.
• Read 3: What strategy should I use to solve?
  Listen for their reasoning and references to strategies learned in class.

As you implement this in your classroom, observe how your students annotate and explain their thinking. For those who’ve struggled with problem-solving, encourage them to lean into one strategy and really master it. Depth over breadth builds the kind of confidence that lasts.

Whether you're reteaching, remediating, or ramping things up for rigor, this episode is here to support you in closing the year with clarity, impact, and purpose.

You’ve done so much this year—let’s finish strong, together.

Send us a text

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.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• YouTube
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In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked yet powerful elements of effective math instruction: consistent representations. Too often, in the rush to prepare students for tests, we skip over the very tools that help them understand, retain, and apply what they’ve learned. The result? Students who forget concepts days—or even hours—after they’re taught.

Drawing on insights from The Math Pact and Visible Learning, we explore why consistency in language, visuals, and manipulatives isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. From unpacking common misconceptions to rethinking how we use concrete models, you’ll walk away with practical ideas to help your students make connections that stick.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, coach, or leader, this episode is your reminder that how we represent math is just as important as what we teach.

🎯 Topics covered:

• Why students forget and how to counter it
• Moving from C-R-A to connected models
• What makes a representation “stick”
• Unpacking math myths that hurt instruction
• Strategies for planning with purpose and coherence

Hit play and let’s talk about how to make math meaningful—and memorable.

🔁 Ready to do better now that you know better? Let’s Make Math Happen

Send us a text

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.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• YouTube
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Dear Educator,

Teaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling, a passion, and, at times, an all-consuming responsibility. We pour so much of ourselves into our students, our classrooms, and our craft that we often forget to check in on ourselves. But here’s the thing: we can’t pour from an empty cup.

In this episode, From Surviving to Thriving: How Maslow’s Hierarchy Shapes Teacher Well-Being, we’re taking a moment to reflect—not just on what we do, but on how we feel. Our thoughts shape our emotions, and our emotions influence our actions. When we acknowledge this cycle, we gain the power to shift from merely surviving the demands of teaching to truly thriving in our work and our lives.

Let this be a reminder that prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Because when you take care of yourself, you show up as the best version of yourself for your students, your colleagues, and your community.

With care,

Laneshia

Check out the resources mentioned in today's episode below:

• Self-Care Assessment
• Mastering Sleep Hygiene

Connect with Dr. Poole-Jones on facebook.

Send us a text

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.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• YouTube
• TikTok

Join the Math Collective!

Hey Educators, welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through The Math Pact: Achieving Instructional Coherence and Visible Learning for Mathematics. Last time, we discussed the impact of language on student understanding. Today, we’re shifting our focus to notation—a seemingly small detail that can make or break comprehension in math classrooms.

Are the symbols we use actually reducing cognitive load for students, or are they unintentionally adding confusion? We’ll explore critical topics like:
✅ The true meaning of the equal sign and why so many students misunderstand it
✅ Why it’s time to ditch the “alligator mouth” when teaching inequalities
✅ The importance of consistency in notation—like using italics for x and properly writing units of measurement
✅ The impact of mathematical precision on student confidence and long-term success

Mathematics is a gateway to opportunity, and our students deserve clarity. By refining our language and notation, we can empower them to truly understand math—not just do it.

🔗 Check out this helpful resource on metric area measurement: https://www.mathsisfun.com/measure/metric-area.html

📌 Standards for Mathematical Practice:
1️⃣ Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
2️⃣ Reason abstractly and quantitatively
3️⃣ Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others
4️⃣ Model with mathematics
5️⃣ Use appropriate tools strategically
6️⃣ Attend to precision
7️⃣ Look for and make use of structure
8️⃣ Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning

Let’s commit to doing better—because now, we know better. Keep making math happen, and I’ll see you next time!

Send us a text

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.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• YouTube
• TikTok

Dear Educator,

We’ve all felt the pressure—the pacing guides, the curriculum maps, the looming deadlines. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush, covering as much content as possible in the shortest amount of time. But here’s the truth: depth matters more than speed.

In this episode, Teacher Moves: How Planning with Clarity and Purpose Leads to Impact and Growth, we’re taking a step back to reflect on our role as educators—not just as instructors, but as scientists. Every day, we observe our classrooms, analyze student needs, and make intentional decisions that shape learning experiences. The most effective teaching isn’t about checking off topics; it’s about strategically choosing what will lead to real, lasting understanding.

So, let’s lean into the power of planning with purpose. Let’s commit to going a mile deep instead of a mile wide. Because when we teach with clarity and intention, we don’t just cover material—we build knowledge that sticks, skills that transfer, and confidence that lasts.

With purpose,

Laneshia Boone

Connect with Coach Kasha below:

• Website 
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Send us a text

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.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• YouTube
• TikTok

Join the Math Collective!

The words we use in math classrooms shape how students think about and understand mathematical concepts. In this episode, we explore how inconsistent language—like saying “reducing” fractions instead of “simplifying” or using “plug in” instead of “substituting”—can create unnecessary confusion. We’ll break down common missteps, discuss the power of precise terminology, and share strategies for reinforcing clear, consistent language that deepens comprehension. Tune in to learn how small shifts in the way we talk about math can lead to big gains in student understanding!

Send us a text

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.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• YouTube
• TikTok

Dear Educators,

We all want our students to thrive, but what does it really take to bridge academic gaps and ensure equity in our classrooms? In this episode, we’re diving into the power of intentional teaching—because success in our classrooms isn’t just about delivering content; it’s about making sure students know how to be successful.

Too often, we assume students already understand what it takes to excel in our classrooms. But have we truly taken the time to train them on what success looks like? Have we made our expectations explicit and provided the structure they need to rise to the challenge?

Beyond setting expectations, we also have to ask ourselves: How do we know that they’re learning? Assessment isn’t just about grades—it’s about gathering the right data, interpreting it meaningfully, and using it to adjust our instruction. And feedback? It’s not just something we give—it’s something students deserve in a timely manner. How long does it take us to respond to their efforts? How quickly do we close the loop between struggle and success?

At the heart of it all, students want to be seen and heard. Relationships fuel engagement, and engagement fuels achievement. If we want students to show up for the learning, we have to show up for them first. That means making space for their voices, acknowledging their efforts, and creating an environment where they feel safe to take risks and grow.

PD for the SOUL is introducing our own version of the Hippocratic Oath—we pledge to do no harm in our instruction. Every decision we make, from our grading policies to the way we deliver feedback, has the power to either uplift or discourage. Are we making choices that empower students? Are we designing instruction that builds them up rather than shuts them down?

Join me for this essential conversation on Bridging Academic Gaps: Strategies for Equity and Engagement, where we unpack the moves that create real impact in the classroom. Because when we teach with clarity, purpose, and care, we don’t just close gaps—we open doors.

Let’s make math happen!

To connect with Dr. Lamb, visit:

• Facebook 
• Instagram
• Website

Book a Call with Dr. Lamb

P.S. Dr. Lamb talked about students being able to work independently towards their goal. If you'd like to receive a copy of the 7th grade digital tool that I taught my students to use to meet their own needs, click here.

Send us a text

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.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• YouTube
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Join the Math Collective!

In this episode, we’re diving into the final three strategies of The Formative 5: Show Me, Hinge Questions, and Exit Tasks—three powerful techniques that can transform how we assess and respond to student learning in real time. I’ll share insights from my own observations, practical ways to implement these strategies, and the impact they can have on student engagement and understanding.

We’ll explore:
✅ How Show Me helps students demonstrate their thinking and deepens conceptual understanding.
✅ Why Hinge Questions are pivotal moments that guide instructional decisions.
✅ The role of Exit Tasks in measuring student learning and planning next steps.

These small yet intentional moves can make a huge difference in student outcomes. Tune in, take notes, and let’s keep making an impact!

📩 Don't forget! Our first monthly newsletter drops on March 1, packed with resource links, book recommendations, and cross-grade connections to strengthen your instruction. Stay tuned!

P.S. here's a copy of my observation planning and facilitation document. Let me know what you think.

Send us a text

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.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• YouTube
• TikTok

Dear Educators,

I see you. I see the dedication, the energy, and the passion you bring to your students each day. But I also see the weight of the work—the challenge of balancing instruction, engagement, and student growth while making sense of the data that tells their stories.

In this episode of PD for the Soul, we’re diving deep into the power of data—not as a burden, but as a tool for transformation. Principal Lisa Gillespie shares how her team uses data strategically, from weekly dives to post-benchmark reflections, ensuring that every teacher is equipped to make informed instructional decisions. But here’s the key: data isn’t just for leadership teams. It’s for you, in your classroom, every single day.

So today, I’m inviting you to shift your perspective. Instead of letting data overwhelm you, let it guide you. Go granular—choose one specific piece of data, focus on the component that matters most, and let it shape your next steps. Reflect on last year’s experiences, the lessons learned, and how they can inform the moves you make this year.

Because being a reflective educator isn’t just about looking back—it’s about moving forward with purpose.

Take a deep breath, tap in, and let’s build something great together.

With appreciation,
Laneshia
Host of PD for the Soul

Send us a text

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.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• YouTube
• TikTok

Go Straight to Part 2!

In this episode, we’re diving into two powerful formative assessment strategies from The Formative 5 by Francis (Skip) Fennell, Beth McCord Kobett, and Jonathan Wray: observations and interviews. These tools go beyond simply gathering data—they allow us to truly understand how our students think and process math. Whether it’s recognizing proportional relationships or uncovering student misconceptions, you’ll learn actionable ways to bring these strategies to life in your classroom.

Looking for more tools to transform how you teach math in the middle? Download my guide to, "Transforming Math in the Middle," for practical tips on connecting domains, building conceptual bridges, and empowering students through meaningful instruction.

🎧 Tune in to learn how you can use formative assessments to deepen your understanding of student thinking and take your teaching to the next level.

📥 Download the free guide here!

Send us a text

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.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• YouTube
• TikTok