Math Chat
Mona, of Mona Math, reveals the mysteries of how to teach elementary math even if you aren't a math person. Discover how you can develop a buzzing student led math classroom. We cover all things math identity, classroom culture, and student centered instructional practices to help you empower students to love and understanding math deeply.
Episodes
Imagine walking into a classroom where math doesn’t just happen on the board, but is a lively conversation in every corner. Mark Golden’s math classroom, especially during Word Problem Workshop (WPW), is where students actively engage, ask questions, and challenge each other’s thinking. The sounds of excited voices collaborating, the visuals of students working on complex problems together, and the palpable energy of ...
In this episode of Math Chat, we dive deep into planning for Word Problem Workshop (WPW) and how to maximize your preparation time. Instead of focusing on what students will do, we’re shifting the focus to how students will engage with and solve math problems. Want to learn how to plan math lessons that encourage deep thinking and problem-solving? Keep reading!
When planning math lessons, we typically spend time thinki...
In this episode of Math Chat, we welcome Amanda, a teacher who has completely transformed her math instruction through Word Problem Workshop (WPW). Together, we dive into the powerful shifts she’s made in her teaching practice, and how these changes have influenced her students’ growth, confidence, and love for math. If you're looking for inspiration and practical tips for your own classroom, this episode is for ...
In this episode, we dive into the power of reflection in the Word Problem Workshop (WPW). If you're an educator seeking to enhance student learning through meaningful discussions, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Learn how adding just one simple step—Reflect—can shift your classroom dynamic and help your students internalize what they’ve learned.
How Reflection Makes Learning Stick
That’s when I int...
In this episode, we sit down with Meghan Princehorn, a school social worker, to talk about the powerful connection between social emotional skills and success in the classroom—especially in math. Meghan shares insights from nearly two decades of collaboration and practical strategies you can use right away.
We explore the “window of tolerance” and how it affects a student’s ability to learn, problem-solve, and think cl...
Talking is my thing—I love it! But in the classroom, I’ve learned it’s not just about giving students time to talk. It’s about teaching them how to discuss math in ways that deepen understanding, build confidence, and move learning forward. In this episode, we dive into the power of math discussions in Step 4 of Word Problem Workshop.
Picture it: students in a circle, shoulder to shoulder, all voices visible and heard....
What does it really take to create a classroom where students not only learn math but also trust themselves, their peers, and their teacher? In this episode, I sit down with educator Ed Spicer to talk about building a math classroom community where students are independent, curious, and unafraid of hard things.
A Classroom That Changed Everything
When I first visited Ed Spicer’s 1st grade classroom, I was floored. His s...
Does your math class feel like only a handful of students ever raise their hands while the rest stay silent? Or maybe your students avoid sharing out of fear of being wrong? You’re not alone—many teachers face this challenge. In today’s episode, we’re diving into Step 3 of Word Problem Workshop: the Share, and how it can transform your math classroom into a motivated community of problem-solvers.
When I taught both 1st...
What happens when we stop teaching math as a set of steps to memorize and instead create space for students to explore, question, and discover? In this episode, we dig into how shifting our approach to math instruction can transform classrooms—and mindsets.
This episode is packed with insights and practical strategies for making math class more engaging, joyful, and effective. Tune in to hear the full conversation, sub...
We’ve all heard about the importance of productive struggle in math—but what does it actually look like in practice? In this episode, I share why Grapple Time is one of the most powerful parts of Word Problem Workshop, how to prepare students to persevere, and the exact four teacher moves you can make while students are solving.
Wondering what this looks like day-to-day? I walk you through my four concrete teacher move...
It’s a common belief: “My students can’t read, so they need to master simple math first before tackling word problems.” But what if this thinking is actually holding students back? In this episode, we challenge the unproductive idea that kids must learn the basics first, and instead explore how word problems can be the foundation for building math proficiency.
The Word Problem Workshop (WPW) is structured with five pre...
You’ve probably heard the saying “Go slow to go fast” — but what does that actually look like in a math classroom? In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges teachers face: balancing the pacing guide with the reality of diverse learners. We’ll dig into why slowing down might actually be the most powerful way to accelerate math proficiency for all students.
🎧 Listen now, subscribe to the podcast, and...
It’s back-to-school season, and if you’re running on caffeine and sheer willpower, this episode is for you. The copy machine is acting up, your prep time is shrinking, and yet—you’re slowly building something amazing with your new class.
In today’s episode, we’ll talk about launching word problems in math from the very first week to set the tone for a year of problem-solvers, not just answer-getters.
Feeling overwhelme...
If you’ve ever had a student say, “I’m just not a math person”, you know how powerful that belief can be. Math identity—how students see themselves in relation to math—can either open the door to learning or slam it shut. In this episode of Math Chat Podcast, we explore how to shift those fixed beliefs by reframing what math is and who it’s for.
The Word Problem Workshop (WPW) framework is designed to help all learners...
Starting the school year can feel overwhelming—but what if teaching routines didn’t have to be boring? In this episode, I’m showing you how to set up essential classroom routines and build a strong classroom community right from day one. You’ll walk away with ideas you can use immediately to make lining up, group work, and transitions smooth and stress-free.
Want to skip the trial and error? I’ve created a 28-routine C...
If your math block feels more like crowd control than joyful problem solving, this episode is for you. We’re talking about how proactive math classroom management strategies can help you stop reacting to behavior and start building a smooth, focused learning environment where students thrive — especially during challenging math work.
🛠️ Simple Steps to Implement Proactive Math Classroom Management
Ready to take action?...
Have you ever felt like every new math strategy or program is just more to juggle? From colorful problem-solving cards to trendy new resources, it's easy to feel like you're constantly adding to your plate — without seeing deeper learning stick. In this episode, Mona Iehl shares how she stopped the cycle of piling on and started using a student-centered math approach that truly transformed her classroom.
🔄 R...
What do horoscopes and homework have in common? More than you think—especially in the world of inclusive math education. In this episode, Mona sits down with Vanessa Vakharia, aka The Math Guru, to talk about smashing stereotypes, redefining math identity, and using creativity (yes, even astrology!) to reimagine math class as a space for joy and empowerment.
🎧 Tune In, Smash the System, and Reimagine Math Education
Thi...
Have you ever stared at your lesson plans, pacing guide, and testing calendar and wondered: How am I supposed to fit all of this in? If so, this episode was made for you. Host Mona Iehl, math coach and creator of Word Problem Workshop, helps you shift from cramming content to making room for deep thinking, math talk, and student growth.
We’ve all asked it: How do I fit it all in? But Mona flips the script and offers a ...
If you're trying to reach every student by creating multiple versions of your math lesson—this episode is for you. Host Mona Iehl, math coach and creator of Word Problem Workshop, shows you how to differentiate effectively without doubling your workload. The secret? One well-chosen, open-ended problem—and the right mindset to support it.
Many of us grew up believing that differentiation meant creating different wo...
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