Send us a text

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!

Send us a text

What if the questions you ask in math class could be the key to unlocking deeper thinking and real understanding? Today, we’re diving into the one question teachers ask me all the time: “What do I ask to get my students to explain their thinking?”

Let’s turn those blank stares into lightbulb moments.

🎧 Episode Summary

In this episode, Mona breaks down the 7 types of questions that spark rich math talk and deeper understanding during Word Problem Workshop. You’ll learn:

• Why the right questions matter more than the right answers
• How to stop students from grabbing numbers and start thinking critically
• Go-to examples you can use in your next lesson

Whether you're a classroom teacher, coach, or math specialist, this episode will leave you feeling energized and ready to shift the way your students think, solve, and reflect.

✨ Resources and Links Mentioned:

🎯 Main Freebie: 35 Questions
📅 Mini Workshop: Word Problem Workshop

📲 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!

Send us a text

Ever asked a math question and been met with total silence? Or felt like only a few kids are driving the whole conversation? You’re not alone — and today we’re fixing it.

In this episode, Mona dives into the subtle mistakes that can shut down rich math discussions — and the practical shifts that can turn things around.

You’ll learn:
✅ What common habits unintentionally stifle student thinking
✅ Why these missteps matter more than you think
✅ Small, doable tweaks to spark deeper conversations

Whether you’re a K–6 math teacher, instructional coach, or administrator, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to lead powerful discussions where every student thinks, listens, and learns.

✨ Resources and Links Mentioned:

• 🎯 [Main CTA]: Grab the Word Problem Workshop book + training here: monamath.com/book/
• 📌 Check out the full episode notes + practical tools at: monamath.com/podcast
• 🎥 Want to see the discussion structures in action? Explore the WPW Teacher Training.

📲 Stay Connected:

• Follow me on Instagram: @monamath
• Visit the website: monamath.com

⭐ Subscribe & Review:

Love this episode? Tap “Follow” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a quick review!

Your feedback helps more amazing educators discover the show — and it means the world to us.

Thanks for hanging out with me on Math Chat — let’s keep building classrooms full of problem-solvers! ✨

📒 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

You don’t need a full-on classroom overhaul to start seeing change. In this episode, we’re talking about the “pebbles” — those small irritations or roadblocks in math class — and how you can start removing them with intentional, doable steps.

🎙️ Episode Overview

In this episode, Jon and Kyle chat about what’s really getting in the way of change in the classroom. You’ll learn how to identify your “pebbles,” what steps you can take to shift your teaching, and why your system might be working exactly as it’s designed — for better or worse.

Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this conversation will leave you feeling reflective and ready to make meaningful tweaks in your teaching journey.

✨ Make Math Moments with Jon and Kyle

• 💻 https://makemathmoments.com/
• 🎙️ Spotify
• ⭐️ YouTube

📲 Stay Connected

• Follow on Instagram: [@hellomonamath]
• Visit the website: [monamath.com]

🎷 Love this episode?

Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! It helps other thoughtful, motivated educators find the show — and keeps the ideas and inspiration coming your way.

Thanks for tuning in to Math Chat Podcast ✨

📒 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

Struggling to get your whole school on board with stronger math instruction? You’re not alone!

In this episode, I’m sharing the framework I developed after seeing what actually works to transform school wide math culture — without burning out your teachers.

In this episode, Mona dives into the SHAPE framework — a 5-part approach to building a consistent, student-centered math program across an entire school. You’ll learn:

• Why quick-fix PDs often fail to move the needle
• How to shift teacher mindsets by showing, not telling
• What sustainable, scalable math success really looks like

Whether you're a school leader, math coach, or teacher who wants more clarity, this conversation will leave you feeling energized and ready to take the next step toward meaningful, lasting math change.

✨ Resources and Links Mentioned:

• 📣 Mona's Services

📲 Stay Connected:

• Follow on Instagram: [@hellomonamath]
• Visit the website: [monamath.com]

🎷 Love this episode?

Please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Your support helps more educators like you discover the show — and helps us keep bringing practical, inspiring content straight to your earbuds. 🎧

Thanks for tuning in to Math Chat Podcast!

📒 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 school choosing a new math curriculum? Before you dive into samples, demos, and committee meetings, listen in! I’m sharing the top three mistakes schools often make—and how you can avoid them to select a curriculum that truly supports students and teachers.

🎧 Episode Summary:
In this episode, I (Mona!) dive into the nitty-gritty of math curriculum selection. You’ll learn:
✅ The #1 step most schools skip (and why it matters)
✅ How to balance content quality with usability features
✅ Why curriculum alone isn’t the magic fix—and what to focus on instead

Whether you're a school leader, instructional coach, or classroom teacher, this episode will leave you empowered and ready to choose a math curriculum that aligns with your vision and sets your school up for success.

✨ Resources and Links Mentioned:
🔗 Main CTA: Book a call or learn about PD & coaching packages for 2025–2026: monamath.com/services
📥 Sign up for Mona Mail & grab tomorrow’s full Curriculum Selection Criteria List: monamath.com/newsletter
🎧 Related Episode: 33 - Math Culture Starts with a Strong Math Vision

💻 Learn more about my work with schools and coaching support: monamath.com

📲 Stay Connected:
Follow me on Instagram → @monamath
Explore resources and more → monamath.com

📒 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!