Are we underestimating what young math learners can do with algebra — just because they’re young?

If you've ever watched a student skip the reasoning and jump straight into "finding the answer," you're not alone. In this episode, Yvette Lehman shares a raw, real experience that started with a misstep and turned into a breakthrough. Through a single change in how she worded a math prompt, she unlocked deeper thinking and powerful generalizations — from 10-year-olds. Whether you're a math educator, coach, or just curious about how to get students thinking beyond procedures, this story will resonate.

You’ll discover:

• How tweaking your questioning might be the game-changing move your students need
• How math task wording can unintentionally trigger misconceptions in developing math thinkers
• How to support students who are learning to generalize patterns involving indirect variation
• How to adjust math tasks to surface conceptual understanding—not just rule-following
• The value of student work moderation to support teacher learning and next steps
• Why visual patterns are a powerful tool for diagnosing and extending math thinking

Hit play now to hear how small shifts in language can lead to big mathematical breakthroughs — even for your youngest learners.

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!

Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.

Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.

Take the assessment

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.

In this episode, Jon Orr and Yvette Lehman unpack the difference between long-term objectives and short-term key results. Through a real coaching conversation, they explore how to define milestones that reflect real progress—even when the win is simply establishing a structure or doing what you said you’d do. Not all results have impact right away—and that’s okay.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The difference between long-term objectives and short-term key results
• Why short-term wins are sometimes structural—not just outcome-based
• How to define key results that align with your bigger goals
• Why documenting action (not just outcomes) matters in early stages
• How to avoid the trap of confusing big metrics with key milestones

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!

Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.

Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.

Take the assessment

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.

It’s early in the school year. You’re reviewing student math work and noticing some red flags—math concepts that should be solid just aren’t there. But when you check their file, you see As and Bs from last year. So what now?

In this episode, we unpack the tension many educators face: How do you trust your math professional judgment while navigating a system that sends mixed messages? How do you raise concerns for math progress without being seen as “the bad guy”? And how do you advocate for students without damaging trust with them—or with families?

We offer honest reflection, practical ideas, and a few words of reassurance for educators who are trying to do right by kids while staying true to their instincts.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why early-year assessment in math doesn’t always align with previous report cards
• How to trust your professional judgment in math class without jumping to conclusions
• Strategies for addressing math learning gaps while preserving student and family relationships
• What to consider before labeling a student “at risk”
• How to start the year with clarity, compassion, and confidence

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!

Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.

Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.

Take the assessment

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.

Book talks have become a popular way to spark professional learning, but in many cases, they don’t go far enough to create real change—especially in math. In this episode, we explore how to take math book talks to the next level by transforming them from simple discussions into actionable learning opportunities.

We’ll break down the difference between a book talk and a book do, share what we’ve seen work in districts across North America. If you want your next math book study to inspire more than just conversation, this one’s for you.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The difference between a math book talk and a math book do
• How to structure book studies for real, actionable professional learning
• Why bringing in outside voices can shift mindsets and foster change
• Examples of how districts are using math book talks to strengthen instructional practice
• Practical tips for making your next math book talk more impactful

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!

Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.

Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.

Take the assessment

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.

It’s a familiar challenge— when it comes to deciding which math operation to use, students get stuck. In this episode, we explore one of the often overlooked reasons: a lack of understanding around mathematical structure and behaviour.

We dive into what’s really needed for students to confidently choose the appropriate operator, with a focus on structure—not only strategies or models. Using division and subtraction as examples, we highlight the different images, actions, and interpretations that shape how students approach problems—and why recognizing these distinctions is essential for meaningful math learning.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why students often struggle to select the appropriate math operator
• The critical role of understanding mathematical structure and behaviour
• How different interpretations of operations like division and subtraction can confuse students
• Practical steps teachers can take to support better operator selection
• The teachers role to connect the behaviour to the symbolic representation

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!

Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.

Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.

Take the assessment

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.

Is your math coaching program truly transforming classroom practice—or just treading water?

Many districts wrestle with whether coaching is worth the investment or how to maximize its impact. If you've ever wondered why some schools see real progress while others stall while striving for sustainable math improvement—despite similar coaching setups—this episode unpacks the hidden reasons behind that divide. Whether you're a district leader, math coach, or teacher leader, this conversation reveals the often-overlooked factors that can make or break your coaching strategy.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why spreading math coaching support thin across many teachers often leads to minimal gains.
• The four critical phases of teacher change—and why math coaching is essential in the final, most powerful stage.
• How restructuring your math coaching model can build momentum and create a ripple effect across your district.

Press play now to rethink your approach to math coaching and unlock deeper, more sustainable impact in your math classrooms.

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!

Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.

Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.

Take the assessment

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.

Is it possible for teachers to have both autonomy in their math classroom and alignment with district goals? In this episode, we challenge the idea that autonomy and alignment are opposing forces. Instead, we explore how they can work together to create strong, consistent math programs while still honouring professional judgement and instructional creativity.

From pacing guides to new resources, we reflect on how district structures can feel restrictive—but don't have to be. When done well, alignment provides clarity, consistency, and support, without sacrificing a teacher’s voice or expertise.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why autonomy and alignment are not opposites—but parts of the same system
• How strong alignment can actually support, not diminish, teacher autonomy
• Real examples of how districts and teachers can find the right balance
• How to shift the narrative around pacing guides and new resources
• Why system-wide alignment benefits students without disempowering teachers

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!

Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.

Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.

Take the assessment

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.

In this episode, we reflect on a challenge many math leaders face: the risk of presenting ourselves with false authority. Whether we’re facilitating professional learning, supporting instructional coaches, or engaging in school- or district-wide math conversations, strong convictions can easily be mistaken for certainty.

But leading meaningful change in mathematics education requires something different—humility, curiosity, and a deep commitment to learning. We unpack what it means to hold space for growth (both for ourselves and those we support), how to notice when we may be signaling certainty instead of inquiry, and why leading in math from a place of openness—not ego—is essential.

This is a reflective episode for anyone striving to lead math learning more authentically and build a culture where mathematical thinking, risk-taking, and professional growth are safe, shared, and ongoing.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why presenting with false authority can unintentionally shut down curiosity and collaboration
• How to lead from a place of learning, not knowing
• Practical ways to model humility and openness in your leadership
• The difference between strong conviction and rigid certainty
• Why reflecting on your privilege and positional power deepens your impact as a math leader

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!

Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.

Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.

Take the assessment

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.

Math Screeners… Diagnostics… Assessments… It’s easy to get lost in the language of math data. In this episode, we unpack the similarities and differences between math screeners and diagnostics, share where we stand on the topic, and offer insights from real classroom experiences.

We’ll talk about the benefits we’ve seen, the challenges that can trip up implementation, and how to use these tools to support—not overwhelm—math instruction. Most importantly, we want to hear from you! What’s been your experience with math screeners and diagnostics? The good, the bad, and the ugly—we’re here for all of it.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The key differences between math screeners and diagnostics
• When and how to use each tool to support student learning
• Common challenges educators face with implementation
• Insights from real classrooms on what works (and what doesn’t)
• An invitation to share your own experiences to help grow our community knowledge

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!

Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.

Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.

Take the assessment

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.

We know school administrators play a crucial role in driving long-term math improvement—but what happens when you're a coach or teacher leader trying to create change without formal authority?

In this episode, we dive into the practical side of leading from the middle. If you're trying to build a team, clarify roles, and move math goals forward—this conversation is for you. You’ll hear actionable ideas for engaging principals in the work, building shared ownership, and creating momentum even when it feels like the responsibility falls on your shoulders.

Because here's the truth: sustainable change doesn’t happen alone—and if you're waiting for someone else to set up the team, it might never happen.

Key Takeaways:

• How to lead from the middle and engage administrators without formal authority
• Why shared ownership is critical for sustainable school-level change
• Practical strategies to build teams, clarify roles, and establish shared responsibility
• What coaches can do today to influence leadership alignment around math goals
• Real talk about what happens when you wait for someone else to lead the work

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!

Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.

Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.

Take the assessment

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.