Today we speak with Janelle Fortmuller, a grade 5/6 teacher from Alberta. Janelle shares insights, key learnings she had around lesson design and planning in her math class. 

Janelle shares her transformation from a teacher who pre-taught all the strategies and algorithms to a confident, flexible teacher who engages her students in problem solving every day. 

This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through problems of practice and together we brainstorm possible next steps and strategies to overcome them. 

 

You’ll Learn: 

• How to make connections among strategies when consolidating your lessons
• Reframing the false notion that we have to show students formulas steps and algorithms before they can solve problems
• How to get out of the way and let your students demonstrate their brilliance

Resources: 

• MathisVIsual.com
• WouldYouRatherMath.com
• Problem Based Tasks 
• Follow Janelle on Twitter @janelle3904 
• Listen to Marilyn Burns on Episode 149
• Janelle is currently learning how to Transform Her Textbook Into a Curiosity Machine

Follow Janelle’s lead and take the MMM Online Workshop

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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.