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? Here’s where Mona gets super practical:
Step 1: Set Up Predictable Systems
Start with your most chaotic moments (e.g., math block entry, cleanup, carpet time) and turn them into predictable routines. The clearer your instructions, the calmer your classroom.
Step 2: Master Your Transitions
Transitions don’t have to be chaotic. Mona shares specific scripts and cues to create smooth, consistent shifts that preserve your instructional time and reduce behavioral hiccups.
Step 3: Build Norms with Your Students
When students help co-create the expectations, they’re far more likely to follow them. Mona shares how to engage students in developing classroom norms — and points to previous episodes that dig even deeper.
Grab the TPT product Math Norm Posters & Plans here https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Norms-6205708
🔁 Listen + Subscribe + Join the Movement
If today’s episode on proactive math classroom management strategies sparked new ideas, don’t keep them to yourself:
✅ Subscribe to Math Chat wherever you get your podcasts
✅ Leave a review — it helps more teachers find strategies that work
✅ Read it here: 3 Steps to Set Predictable Math Routines
✅ Tag Mona on Instagram @hellomonamath and let her know how proactive routines are transforming your classroom
📒 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!
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!