162: More Isn’t the Answer

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.

🔄 Ready to Shift? Here’s How to Make It Happen

You don’t need a new curriculum—you need a new lens. Here are Mona’s three actionable tips to shift from an add-on mindset to a student-centered math approach:

1. Ask yourself: Does this help students think?
   If it’s busy work, skip it. If it builds reasoning, keep it.
2. Look for overlap, not extras.
   Use new strategies that align with what you're already doing—not that compete with it.
3. Give yourself permission to pass.
   Just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it fits your teaching style or your students’ needs.

🎧 Listen + Subscribe

Ready to make math teaching lighter, deeper, and more joyful?
🎧 Tune in now to hear the full episode
💌 Subscribe to the Math Chat podcast so you never miss an idea that makes your math block better
⭐ Leave a review to help more teachers stop adding more and start teaching with clarity and purpose
📥 Join Word Problem Workshop HERE!

📒 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!