Solving for the Undefined: A Math Teacher Podcast

Today we are joined by Juliana Tapper. Tune in as we dive into the roots of math anxiety and trauma, and explore practical strategies for helping students overcome these challenges in the classroom. Not only that, but continuing with the theme of "hot takes", we take critical look at traditional tools like cold calling, fluency drills, and explicit instruction! Check out Juliana's book Teaching 6-...

One of my favorite and sometimes hardest things to do in the classroom is let students explore math. In today’s episode I am going to be sharing how you can harness the power of discovery and hands-on learning. Let’s get started. Educator Exponential is happening this Friday! It's one-of-a-kind virtual conference for 5th -8th grade math teachers who want to learn discovery and hands-on ways to tea...

Guided notes strive to help students better learn and participate in math class. But what if they are actually hurting more than helping? This is the first in a series of "hot-takes" for things that need a facelift in the math classroom. Let's get started. Check out the links and resources for today's episode here: https://misskuipersclassroom.com/how-guided-notes-have-failed-our-students/ Mention...

For me, one of the most dreaded questions from a student is “What do I do now?” Mostly because in the moment it stresses me out. Maybe I didn’t think students would finish this quickly or I didn’t plan something else. In today’s episode, I am sharing something I do to prepare in advance for these scenarios without creating a whole new chore. Let’s get started. For all the links and resources talke...

Who doesn’t love using whiteboards? I have fond memories as a kid going to my mom’s classroom during the summer while she set up for the school year and just drawing on her whiteboards with my sister. It was care-free fun because if I made a mistake in my drawing, it could easily be erased and fixed. In today’s episode, I am going to be sharing how to harness that care-freeness of whiteboards to h...

Have you done a “turn and talk” with your students? How did it go? Getting students to talk academically with each other can take some work. In today’s episode I am going to be sharing a fun way to get students up and moving AND talking to one another about math. Let’s get started. For links and resources talked about in this episode, head to the show notes here: https://misskuipersclassroom.com/7...

Don’t let August and September fool you. The number of students prepared for class when the bell rings dwindles as the school year progresses. So how can we help students get all their needed supplies out and ready to go without asking a bajillion times? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down my 1 minute hack that has saved my sanity the past two school years. Let’s get started. For all the links a...

I don’t do warmups in my math classes. At least not in the traditional sense where there is a problem on the screen from yesterday’s lesson or previous content. But I do like the idea of starting off with a bite-sized problem that helps put my students’ minds in math mode. So I’ll be sharing exactly how to do that in today’s episode. Let’s get started. To find all the links and resources talked ab...

Last episode we talked about the 5 pillars of an effective math classroom, with the final pillar being teamwork. Now using teams in your classroom sounds great in theory, but how do you actually get that ball rolling? In today’s episode I am going to share how I set my teams up for success starting the 1st day of the school year. Let’s get started. Check out my FREE Building Effective Teams traini...

Moving into this new school year, we all want to lay the best foundation possible. But once that foundation is laid, how do we raise up our students into mathematicians? In today’s episode, I am going to be sharing the 5 pillars I use in my classroom to mold my students into mathematicians. Let’s get started. Check out my FREE Building Effective Teams training: https://www.misskuiper.com/training...

Have you ever wondered how to kindle that spark of curiosity, igniting a passion for numbers that goes far beyond rote practice and skill drills? Well, wonder no more, because Kristen from Moore than Just X and I have got some alternative approaches up our sleeves that will transform your teaching methods from traditional to extraordinary. Whether you're a seasoned math teacher looking for fresh i...

I'm sure as teachers, we can all think of something in the education system that just doesn't measure up, like how little students are taught about measurement. And that's why I invited Kelly Hogan on the show to share about how we can close that gap in our students learning. inch by inch. Let's get started. Links Toy Theater Website Listen to Kelly's podcast, The Mathematically Enthused Teacher P...

“This isn’t how I did math when I was in school! Why does it have to be so complicated?” Every time a parent or grownup has this complaint, I have to take a BIG DEEP BREATH.  In today’s episode, we are going to be addressing how to talk to parents about “new math”. Let’s get started! Links FREE Download to give to parents and grownups Study on parent Involvement in children's math work Follow...

You know the saying practice makes progress? That is especially true in the math classroom because students need intentional math practice on a regular basis. So why not make it fun by turning it into a game? In today’s episode we are joined by Asia Hines who is going to give us the rundown on how to play Ghosts in the Graveyard. Let’s get started. Show notes: https://misskuipersclassroom.com/ep-7...

If I could eliminate that one aspect of math class, I would get rid of notes. I hate standing and doing notes under the document camera. And so I did. I no longer facilitate notes in my classroom. And you might be thinking I’m crazy or you might be intrigued at the possibility of relieving yourself from that duty as well. Whether you fall into that first category, the last one or somewhere in betw...

Have you ever wondered how teachers transform their classrooms into forensics labs, an operation room or do a Starbucks classroom transformation? In today’s episode, we are joined by Katy and Natalie who are here to share how they create memorable classroom transformations for their students. Show notes : https://misskuipersclassroom.com/ep-69-classroom-transformations-making-a-meaningful-math-exp...

Recently, I asked you all what you wanted to hear on this podcast. And one of you asked: how can you level practice with low level and extension on the same page? So in today’s episode I will be sharing one of my favorite ways to level practice questions to meet and grow all of my students. Let’s get started. Show notes: https://misskuipersclassroom.com/ep-68-leveled-practice-to-reach-and-grow-all...

Ready for the beginning of the school year? If you’ve been a teacher for a while, you might already have a routine for the beginning of the school year. So whether you are a new teacher or looking to revamp your first week agenda, let me share my favorite first week activities that involve teamwork, math, and a whole lot of fun! Let’s get started. Show notes: https://misskuipersclassroom.com/ep-67...

As a teacher, who wouldn't want to save time? So that’s why I invited Lauren Ellis on to the show to share a few tips on how we can easily systematize things in our classroom to allow us to work more efficiently. Let’s get started. Mentioned in this episode: Seven Math Teacher Must Haves Do you have the 7 math teacher must haves for student success? Check your work by downloading my free guide now...

Feeling guilty for having to take a sick day? Kelsey Sorenson is here to talk about the best way to prep for a sub and how to move past the feelings of guilt. You won't want to miss this one. Links Join the Educate and Rejuvenate Conference! Connect with Kelsey on Instagram Free Sub Planning Starter Kit Mentioned in this episode: There's a TPT Bonus Sale happening! We’re here to give you an extra...

The foundation of any good data strategy is the assessments you give your students. In today's episode, we are joined by Cassandra Harris (@simplyorganizedwithcassandra), the go-to expert on gathering, organizing, and understanding student data. Let's get started! Links Follow Cassandra on Instagram Get your free guide "10 Tips for Organizing Student Data" Join the Data Made Simple waitlist Alabam...

The end of the year is no cake walk…but I’ll tell you what is! This review game. In today’s episode, we are continuing our series on review games that get student thinking and learning. Let’s get started. Links Pythagorean Theorem Review Game Slides Check out the Review Game Slides from Miss Kuiper's Classroom Connect with Johanna on Instagram Join the community of math teachers here! --- Support...

Are you looking for a new way to simultaneously meet the needs of your lower learners, on grade level learners, and your learners who need a challenge? In today’s episode, we are joined by Kelsey Hardwick who is here to share how math centers can be the tool that helps meet every students’ needs. Let’s get started. Links Kelsey's Ultimate Math Centers Guide Read more about the benefits of math cen...

Back in episode 56, we talked about leveling up your curriculum to meet the needs of your students and engage them. But what happens when that isn't enough? In today's episode we are joined by Annette Kuperus (@countonkupe) who is sharing the behind the scenes on creating your own interactive math resources. Let's get started! Links Learn more from Annette! Connect with Annette on Inst...

As teachers, we are bombarded with people telling us what needs to be done in our classrooms. But when we're ready to take on something new, where do we even begin? In today's episode, I am sharing the 3 things every math classroom should have and therefore a good place to start when you're ready to make a change. Let's get started! Links Join A Fraction of Math Teachers Facebook G...