Honest 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
148 episodes since 2023
130: 3 Things You’re Missing in Math Community
What does it take to build a math community?On this episode, we're talking about 3 things I don’t want you to miss in math class to help you forge a community of mathematicians that work together to problem solve through discussi...
September 16, 2024
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Episode 130
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17:58
129: Start the School Year with High Math Engagement
You’re starting the school year and it’s time to set the bar high. Let’s talk about how you can get every child engaged now so that they stay engaged all year. In this episode, I'm sharing 3 ideas to get every student engaged in math cl...
September 09, 2024
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Episode 129
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11:06
128: What are the 5 strands of math proficiency?
What does it actually look like for our students to be proficient in math? In this episode, we are talking about the 5 strands of math proficiency and breaking each of them down so we can design our math instruction to help students build their...
September 02, 2024
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Episode 128
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29:08
127: Classroom Management, an Interview with Jenna from That Strong Teacher
Are you thinking through your classroom management strategies for the new school year? I have the expert you need to hear from on the show today! Jenna shares practical tips so that you can feel confident in your classroom manageme...
August 26, 2024
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Episode 127
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33:45
126: The only classroom "rule" you need for classroom management in Math Class
Have you been thinking about how to establish clear expectations and a strong foundation for classroom management this school year? I’m not a big fan of rules… and this rule is the best rule. On today's episode, I'm telling you about th...
August 19, 2024
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Episode 126
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13:07
125: 3 Mistakes to Avoid when Planning for the Year
Are you thinking about planning out your school year? On this episode, we’re going to talk about how to plan for your year that includes more than just your scope and sequence.We chat about these 3 planning mistakes and w...
August 12, 2024
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Episode 125
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13:01
124: Word Problem Workshop - What is it & Why you need it this school year
Are you looking for a way to support your students in building problem solving skills, a deep understanding of math and a positive math mindset? In this episode, we are talking about Word Problem Workshop - my step-by-step plan for teac...
August 05, 2024
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Episode 124
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11:07
123: Curriculum vs. Teacher Created - The Pros & Cons
Do you struggle with not having the time to create every math task yourself but knowing that what your curriculum has to offer just isn’t enough?Take a deep breath, this episode is for you! We are diving into:
July 29, 2024
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Episode 123
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12:17
122: Schoolwide math norms you need!
What are schoolwide math norms and why are they important?In this episode, we’re breaking down schoolwide math norms because they are a problem or nonexistent in almost EVERY school. We are chatting about:
July 22, 2024
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Episode 122
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10:31
121: What is student-centered learning?
What is student-centered learning and why should we use it in math? A student-centered math classroom has students doing the work – the thinking, doing, exploring, figuring out. The teacher is the guide on the side in that exploration a...
July 15, 2024
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Episode 121
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19:21
120: Want a math coach or Math PD but can't afford it? Do this!
Are you looking for a math coach or to grow as a math teacher? In this episode, we are talking about resources for teachers to use to grow their skills and knowledge (in case you are looking for summer learning opportunities!)
July 08, 2024
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Episode 120
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11:41
119: Math Teacher Power Moves to Empower Mathematicians
Math teacher friend, you are powerful. I’m here to remind you of the 6 best teacher moves you can make in the math classroom in this upcoming school year! This episode will empower you to see your math teaching for what it truly is....
July 01, 2024
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Episode 119
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13:06
118: The Opposite of I Do, We Do, You Do in Math Class
Does the gradual release model belong in math class? In this episode, I'm going to argue that we do the opposite of the "I Do, We Do, You Do" instructional approach in math. Instead, I am going to walk you through teaching practices I'v...
June 24, 2024
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19:06
117: Collaborative Math Coaching with Nicora Placa
Are you a math coach or looking to step into a coaching role? If so, learning from other math coaches is a great way to build your skills as a coach. In this episode, I'm interviewing one of the greatest math coaches, Nicora Placa, on h...
June 17, 2024
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Episode 117
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38:17
116: Simple Steps to Help Students Access the Math Word Problem
Do you have students who struggle to access word problems in math? The truth is our students struggle to get started on word problems because they don’t have access. This episode breaks down what access to word problems is and simple wa...
June 10, 2024
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Episode 116
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10:58
115: Trigger Warning for People Entering My Thinking Classroom
Are you looking to create a math classroom that allows students to lead even as visitors come in? In this episode, we are talking about my rules for others as they enter my classroom. These rules allow my students to have the oppo...
June 03, 2024
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Episode 115
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10:36
114: Practical Teaching Ideas for Teaching Black History 365, an Interview with Dawnavyn James of @QueendomTeaching
Are you looking for practical ideas for teaching Black history in your classroom? I have the perfect interview for you about how to incorporate past and present Black history into your classroom from a teacher who truly understands the classroo...
May 27, 2024
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Episode 114
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37:37
113: The Only 3 Questions You Need to Ask
What questions do you need to ask during math? And no, you don't need a long list of questions to have great math discussions in your classroom. This episode is about simplifying the questions you ask during math and listening to s...
May 20, 2024
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Episode 113
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11:10
112: Do Less to Let Kids Lead
Do you want to do LESS as a teacher? This episode is about how doing less as a teacher can help our students to do more - while using our time to make the biggest impact possible. We are chatting about...
May 13, 2024
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Episode 112
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10:57
111: Effective Math Conferences
Have you ever had a math conference with a student when you ask them to describe their thinking and you are met with a blank stare?This episode is about effective math conferences during grapple time. We need a plan for our math conferen...
May 06, 2024
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Episode 111
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13:29
110: Building Thinking Classroom with Maegan Giroux
Are you a primary teacher implementing Building Thinking Classrooms? I have the expert you want to know on the show today!! Maegan Giroux is the co-author of the about-to-release Building Thinking Classroom Tasks book for elementary! <...
April 29, 2024
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Episode 110
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45:32
109: New Math: How to Get Everyone On Board
Do you hear people talking about "New Math," but you're at a loss for how to convince them it's not so bad? This episode is about getting your school community on board with "New Math." It's good for kids, so we've all got to give i...
April 22, 2024
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Episode 109
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9:58
108: Testing Season: How to not stress about standardized tests
Standardized Test Stress is REAL. Today we're chatting about 3 ideas you can implement now to reduce standardized test stress.In this episode we will chat about: Our goals for standardized tests 3 wa...
April 15, 2024
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Episode 108
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10:37
107: Math Discussions: 3 Ways to Get Students to Engage
There is no point in having a math discussion if students aren’t listening to each other. It is a pointless, waste of time. You’re probably like dang, Mona, that’s harsh. And it is. But I don’t want you wasting your time i...
April 08, 2024
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11:03
106: Using Math Manipulatives in Upper Elementary with Brittany Hege of Mix and Math
Are you an upper grade teacher that is struggling to help your students engage with math meaningfully and build an understanding of math concepts?? Things like multiplying or dividing fractions. If so, this is the podcast episode for you! <...
April 01, 2024
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40:29