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Ever poured your heart into a math lesson only to hear a groan or a “Can’t you just tell us how to do it?” from your students? You’re not alone. In this episode, Mona—a former teacher turned math coach—dives into what’s really behind those reactions and how to shift them.

Ready to turn things around? Mona shares three actionable routines straight from her Word Problem Workshop that help kids engage, take risks, and actually enjoy thinking in math:

1. Start with the Grapple – Let kids wrestle with one rich word problem—no hints, just space to think.
2. Show Your Thinking – Use visuals and whiteboards to highlight the process, not just the final answer.
3. Celebrate Multiple Strategies – Use student sharing time to explore the diversity of ideas, not just the “correct” one.

👉 Explore the course at monamath.com/wpw

👋 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If this episode gave you a new perspective on what to do when kids don’t want to think in math class, share it with a friend, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review—it helps more teachers find actionable support.
And don’t forget to DM Mona on Instagram @hellomonamath—she’d love to hear how your students are showing up in math right now!

📒 Word Problem Workshop BOOK coming later this year!

Create a classroom of problem solvers with this 5 step daily routine. Through diving deeply into one problem each day you can increase student engagement, problem solving, & math proficiency!

You don't have to wait for the book...

Word Problem Workshop Online Course is avaliable now!

I'll show you how to...

• engage every student in daily problem solving
• utilize a proven routine that allows students to collaborate, reflect, take risks, and use mistakes as opportunities.
• confidently facilitate a students lead problem solving workshop

Join today right HERE!

Send us a text

Ever looked at your stack of printed math worksheets and thought, “There’s got to be a better way”? You're not alone. In today’s episode, we’re flipping the script on word problems—and showing you how just a few small tweaks can stretch your students' thinking without stretching your copy limit.

In this episode, I dive into how to extend student thinking using the problems you already have—no extra pages required. You’ll learn what actually makes a word problem “good,” why how you use a task matters more than what the task is, and three easy ways to tweak your current word problems for deeper student reasoning.

Whether you're a new teacher looking to build problem-solving confidence or a seasoned educator tired of one-size-fits-all worksheets, this conversation will leave you encouraged, inspired, and ready to transform your math block into a space for real thinking.

✨ Resources and Links Mentioned:
🔗 Register for the Mini Workshop – June 20th

🔗 Episode 150: 35 Questions to Get Students Thinking in Math Class

🔗 Download the Free 35 Questions Printable

📲 Stay Connected:
Follow Mona on Instagram → @hellomonamath
Visit the website → monamath.com

✨ Subscribe and leave a quick review to help more teachers find the show—and keep the math buzz going strong!

📒 Word Problem Workshop BOOK coming later this year!

Create a classroom of problem solvers with this 5 step daily routine. Through diving deeply into one problem each day you can increase student engagement, problem solving, & math proficiency!

You don't have to wait for the book...

Word Problem Workshop Online Course is avaliable now!

I'll show you how to...

• engage every student in daily problem solving
• utilize a proven routine that allows students to collaborate, reflect, take risks, and use mistakes as opportunities.
• confidently facilitate a students lead problem solving workshop

Join today right HERE!

Send us a text

Is your math classroom a space of empowerment—or quiet struggle? In this episode, we’re unpacking what it really means to teach math equitably, with the brilliant Dr. Pamela Seda. Whether you're new to equity work or already deep in the journey, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

In this episode, Jenn chats with Dr. Pamela Seda, math equity leader and creator of the ICUCARE® Equity Framework. You’ll learn how math can become a space of empowerment, why releasing control as a teacher can be the most powerful shift you make, and how to move from just “following the curriculum” to intentionally designing for equity.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, math coach, or education leader, this conversation will leave you thoughtful, energized, and ready to take one step toward deeper equity in your own space.

✨ Resources and Links Mentioned:

• 💻 Pamela's Website - https://www.sedaeducationalconsulting.com/
• 📧 Email - pamseda@sedaeducationalconsulting.com
• 📘 Choosing to See
• 💻 FB Group - Choosing to See Math Equity

📲 Stay Connected

👉 Follow me on Instagram: @monamath
🌐 Visit my website: monamath.com

❤️ Like What You Heard?

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Math Chat Podcast so you never miss an episode.
If this episode helped you, leave a quick ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review—it means the world and helps more teachers find us!

📒 Word Problem Workshop BOOK coming later this year!

Create a classroom of problem solvers with this 5 step daily routine. Through diving deeply into one problem each day you can increase student engagement, problem solving, & math proficiency!

You don't have to wait for the book...

Word Problem Workshop Online Course is avaliable now!

I'll show you how to...

• engage every student in daily problem solving
• utilize a proven routine that allows students to collaborate, reflect, take risks, and use mistakes as opportunities.
• confidently facilitate a students lead problem solving workshop

Join today right HERE!