Explore every episode of the podcast Making Number Sense Make Sense: A Math Podcast for Early Elementary Teachers
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep 41: How to Plan a Building Thinking Classroom Style Math Task | 27 May 2024 | 00:11:04 | |
The hardest part about Building Thinking Classrooms is finding the tasks when you want to spice it up a bit! In this episode, I'm walking you through how I approach coming up with ideas for tasks! Want the task I talked about? You can get the 2nd Grade Cash Out Task here! K and 1st Grade versions are below. Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! Helpful Links Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 40: Closing Circle For A Strong Math Community! | 20 May 2024 | 00:08:08 | |
Since you seemed to enjoy Math Games for Morning Meeting, this is a companion episode, not a math specific episode but helpful to create a respectful community so that all our academic work and be more successful! I'm going over packing up routines, closing circle routines, and how kids leave the classroom during dismissal. Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! Helpful Links Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 31: All About 10 Frames | 11 Mar 2024 | 00:08:55 | |
This week we are talking all about 10 frames! Ten frames are a math tool that can help students develop anchors to 5 and 10 which are important pre-place value skills! I levels of the concept of 10, and 5 frame, 10 frame, and 20 or double ten frame activities you can use in your classroom today! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form!
Helpful Links Time Stamps 0:37 What is a 10 Frame? 1:52 Levels of Concept of 10 4:03 Activities with 10 Frames Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 30: 5 Math Games for Morning Meeting or Circle Time | 26 Feb 2024 | 00:08:00 | |
Morning meeting is a great way to connect with your students and build a classroom community. There are times when you just play to play, but if you want to sneak in some math in the morning meeting, I have versatile 5 games for you to do just that! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form!
Time Stamps 1:00 In-and-Out Dance-A-Thon 2:33 What Number Am I Writing 3:52 Team Building 5:52 Catch My Pattern 6:47 What’s My Number Helpful Links Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 29: Worked Examples in the Elementary Math Classroom | 12 Feb 2024 | 00:10:07 | |
Do you find your students are making the same mistakes over and over again? Using a worked-out example is a great way to have your students discuss different problem-solving strategies and techniques and helps them apply what they have learned to new problems! Learn about different worked examples and the impact they can have! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Time Stamps 1:50 Fading Examples 2:44 Prompting Self Explanation 5:05 Comparing Examples 7:22 Which Type Do I Use 8:30 Conclusions
Helpful Links Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep: 28 Math Activities for the 100th Day of School | 29 Jan 2024 | 00:09:01 | |
Are you looking for some math ideas for the 100th day of school? In this episode, I break down my favorite STEAM activities for the 100th day that your students will love! Every year, I get multiple student requests to keep the “centers” for math workshop because they enjoyed it so much! Whether you take one idea or the whole bundle, these ideas are sure to be a hit with your students! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! | |||
| Ep 27: The 100’s Chart Games, Centers, and Missing Number Activities | 22 Jan 2024 | 00:09:38 | |
Do you have a 100’s chart collecting dust up on your wall? I did too but it was a mistake! The 100s chart is a great tool for developing number sense! In this episode, I get into games you can play with the 100s chart, problem-solving tasks, hands-on math center, no prep math centers, and more all with the 100 and 120 charts! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Timestamps My history with the 100’s Chart 2:40 100’s Chart Morning Meeting and Group Games 5:43 Problem Solving With the 100 Chart 6:28 100 Chart Centers and Activities 8:08 Bonus! Helpful Links Blog Post YouTube Video Choral Counting Podcast Episode 100 Chart Fill in the Chart Worksheets Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep: 26 Book Recommendations to Learn How Kids Learn Math | 15 Jan 2024 | 00:09:51 | |
If you are looking for some recommendations of places to look to increase your knowledge of math pedagogy, center ideas, and more this episode is for you! I share with you how I first got my hands on a professional development book that I actually used and some others if you are looking to take your math knowledge to the next level. Math can be a subject a lot of people don't feel comfortable teaching or learning and these books can give you the background and confidence to continue your journey as an amazing math teacher! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Helpful Links/Time Stamps 4:05 Teaching Student-Centered Mathematics Pre-K-2/ Teaching Student-Centered Mathematics 3-5 5:15 Math Recovery Series 7:15 Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain 8:00 Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics 9:10 Juli Dixon Culturally Responsive Teaching and Building Thinking Classrooms Crossover Episode Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 25: Getting Students to Engage in Math Class | 09 Jan 2024 | 00:10:36 | |
We all have off days, but sometimes your students are just not participating the way you would like in math and problem-solving. In this episode, I am sharing some tips you can try to help boost participation in your classroom! Time Stamps 0:56 Non-Curricular Tasks 2:25 When in doubt, theme it out! 2:55 Ask questions 3:50 Give them a Job 6:00 Mistakes Help Our Brains Grow Helpful Links 4 Non-Curricular Tasks Starter Pack Blog Post YouTube Video NRICH.org Task My mistake task! Please fill out the Google Form if you have episodes you’d like to hear from me! Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 24: Mindfulness in Math Class | 20 Nov 2023 | 00:19:05 | |
If your students aren't available for learning, it doesn't matter how perfect your lesson is. In today's episode, I’m talking about Trauma Informed Practice and implementing mindfulness in the classroom. I’m giving you practical tips, examples, and a peek into the importance of a trauma-informed classroom. Thank you to all of you who attended my Making Math Moment Talk I had a blast! This will be the last episode of 2023, fill out the Google Form if you have episodes you’d like to hear from me! I’ll catch you in 2024! Time Stamps 1:00 My start with Trauma Informed Practice 3:40 Creating a Trauma-Informed Classroom (Infographic) 5:00 Social Emotional Learning, Mindfulness, Zones of Regulation 8:00 Implementing Mindfulness 10:00 Examples of Mindfulness Activities/ Breathing Techniques 13:58 Calm Down Corner/Peace Corner/ Relaxation Station Helpful Links Videos Fall-Hamilton Elementary: Transitioning to Trauma-Informed Practices to Support Learning. Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 23: Making Math Moments Virtual Summit Top Picks! | 06 Nov 2023 | 00:07:05 | |
Get my complete counting stages presentation slides! In this episode, I am giving you a sneak peek into the sessions I have my eye on in the Making Math Moments Virtual Summit. I’m looking at sessions on ✅Closing a Building Thinking Classrooms Math Lesson ✅Culturally Responsive Math Education ✅Math Play ✅ Children's books for math problems ✅Coding! There are so many amazing sessions, register to get in on this amazing opportunity! Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! Helpful Links Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 22: Facile Number Sequence the Final Counting Series Episode Part 6 | 30 Oct 2023 | 00:06:32 | |
Register for the FREE Making Math Moments Virtual Summit 2023! Get my complete counting stages presentation slides! In this week's episode, we’ll look into the last counting stage Facile Number Sequence. In this stage, of counting, we will really see students who are flexible in the way they solve problems!They can use a variety of non-count by ones strategies and we’ll go into what they are! Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! Helpful Links Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 39: Introducing the Addition and Subtraction Symbols | 13 May 2024 | 00:07:10 | |
Truth. Kids don't need addition and subtraction symbols to do addition and subtraction symbols. But when they do, give them a little…spice. Today we’re talking about how to give those squiggles meaning! Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! Helpful Links Addition and Subtraction Lessons Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 21: Intermediate Number Sequence Stages of Counting Series Part 5 | 23 Oct 2023 | 00:09:44 | |
Register for the FREE Making Math Moments Virtual Summit 2023! Get my complete counting stages presentation slides! In this week's episode, we’ll look into the next counting stage Intermediate Number Sequence. In this stage, of counting, we will really start to see all of our hard work come together as students become more confident and successful problem solvers, specifically with subtraction! Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! Helpful Links Blog Post Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 20: Initial Number Sequence: Stages of Counting Series Part 4 | 16 Oct 2023 | 00:09:44 | |
Register for the FREE Making Math Moments Virtual Summit 2023! Get my complete counting stages presentation slides! In this week's episode, we’ll look into the next counting stage Initial Number Sequence. In this stage, of counting, we will really start to see all of our hard work come together as students become more confident and successful problem solvers. We’ll Talk About… ✅Addtion strategies to look for ✅Other indicators of this stage ✅Centers to Support getting students to the next stage ✅The Making Math Moments Virtual Summit! Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! Helpful Links Blog Post Fill in the Missing Number Center Fill in the Missing Number No Prep Worksheets How Many Candies? Counting On Center Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 19: Figurative Counters: Stages of Counting Series Part 3 | 09 Oct 2023 | 00:10:42 | |
Register for the FREE Making Math Moments Virtual Summit 2023! Get my complete counting stages presentation slides! Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! In this week's episode, we are continuing our deep dive into learning trajectories for counting and how to teach counting and develop counting skills for young students. Counting is an area where students need a lot of practice to really develop their number sense and ability to count accurately. Today's focus is Figurative Counters. I’ll go over what a figureative counter is, what to look for, and give you some ideas of math centers and activities you can do to support students in this level of counting. Helpful Links Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 18: Perceptual Counters: Stages of Counting Series Part 2 | 02 Oct 2023 | 00:12:42 | |
Register for the FREE Making Math Moments Virtual Summit 2023! Get my complete counting stages presentation slides! In this week's episode, we are continuing our deep dive into learning trajectories for counting and how to teach counting and develop counting skills for young students. Counting is an area where students need a lot of practice to really develop their number sense and ability to count accurately.Today's focus is Perceptual counters. I’ll go over what a perceptual counter is, what to look for, and give you some ideas of math centers and activities you can do to support students in this level of counting. ➡️Free Rekenrek Activites Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! Helpful Links Blog Post Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep: 17 Emergent Counters: Stages of Counters Series Part 1 | 25 Sep 2023 | 00:09:21 | |
Register for the FREE Making Math Moments Virtual Summit 2023! Get my complete counting stages presentation slides! Do you have students who are having trouble counting? This series will explore the stages of counting, how to identify the stages of your students, and what to do to support them through this stage and into the next one! Helpful Links One to One Correspondence Blog Post Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 16: Building Culturally Responsive Thinking Classroom: BTC Meets Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain | 18 Sep 2023 | 00:11:14 | |
While getting a refresher on Culturally Responsive Education, I realized how much the strategies in Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain match up with Building Thinking Classrooms, but Culturally Responsive Teaching was written at least 5 years before BTC. Math is often a subject that is not known to be “Culturally Responsive.” Then why does BTC seem to work so well? In this episode, I outline the similarities and encourage you to try it in your classrooms through the lens of Culturally Responsive Education. Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! Helpful Links Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 15: Choral Counting: Number Sense Routines Series | 28 Aug 2023 | 00:10:01 | |
Rounding out our number sense routine series is Choral Counting. This routine is great for focusing on specific number sequences that may be tricky for your students!I talk about what a choral count is, how to do a choral count, different ways to record your counts, and some ideas for varying your counts to support different areas of our number system. Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! Helpful Links
Let's Connect! InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel | |||
| Ep 14: 8+ Rote Counting Ideas: Number Sense Routines Series | 21 Aug 2023 | 00:13:09 | |
One of my least favorite standards to work on is counting to 100. 🧮 It takes a long time and it's abstract and the students who need to practice the most often don’t when we count together. So how do we get students to practice counting when they don’t want to? In this week’s episode, I give 8 ideas for rote counting, counting backward, and skip counting! Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! Helpful Links Get the Number Sense Routines Bundle! Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 13: Quick Images: Number Sense Routines Series | 14 Aug 2023 | 00:06:19 | |
Continuing with our number sense routines series, is a tried and true routine students will love!I talk about what Quick Images is, how to implement it, and 4 ideas to extend this fast-paced number sense routine! This routine is great for practicing ✅subitizing ✅one to one correspondence ✅number sense ✅academic conversations & more! Helpful Links Quick Images Blog Quick Images Video Quick Images Mega Bundle Get the full Number Sense Routines Bundle! Let's Connect! Instagram | |||
| Ep 12: Which One Doesn’t Belong: Number Sense Routines Series | 07 Aug 2023 | 00:09:05 | |
This episode starts a series on the Podcast about Number Sense Routine you can implement in your classroom today! If you’ve seen Sesame Street, you may recognize this number sense routine. In this episode, I talk about why you even need a number sense routine, how to do the Which One Doesn’t Belong routine, and the benefits this powerful 5-minute routine can have in your classroom! Helpful Links Which One Doesn’t Belong Slides Which One Doesn’t Belong Blog Post Which One Doesn’t Belong YouTube Video Get the Number Sense Routines Bundle! Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 38: Quick and Easy Subtraction Games up to 12 | 29 Apr 2024 | 00:06:54 | |
Subtraction games can be tricker than addition because we don’t want students working with negative numbers in Kindergarten or First grade! This episode shares 5 print-and-play math games you can use in your classroom tomorrow! Your students will practice math facts, writing equations, working independently and with partners, freeing you to circulate or work with small groups! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Timestamps 1:06 - Spin and Subtract 2:15 - Spin, Roll, and Color 3:14 - Build, Roll, and Break 4:00 - Spin, Roll, and Remove 4:32 - Jump Around Helpful Links Addition and Subtraction Games Bundle Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 11: Hands on Morning Work For Early Elementary | 31 Jul 2023 | 00:09:18 | |
Are you over worksheets for morning work? I share some ideas for hands one morning work your students will love! Get the Full Bundle! Get the Morning Work Freebie HERE! Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 10: Should There Be Homework in Kindergarten? | 24 Jul 2023 | 00:05:58 | |
How do you feel about homework in kindergarten? If you don’t love kindergarten homework I have a solution for you that your students will love!Helpful LinksGet the Homework Games!Read the blog post!Watch the video version!Let's Connect! InstagramWebsiteYouTube Channel | |||
| Ep 9: Thinking for Starting Building Thinking Classrooms? Start Here! | 17 Jul 2023 | 00:11:53 | |
Are you ready to try? Try this Free Task! You may have read the Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics book and are pumped to start, but are not sure where. This episode is for you I talk about my experience and what you need to think through before starting. This methodology will transform your math classroom and your students as problem solvers. Watch them go from hesitant and afraid to make mistakes to jumping in head first, and doing math in a way that makes sense to them that is more valuable than any algorithm you could teach! In this podcast, I talk about spaces, materials, tasks, and more! Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! Helpful Links Building Thinking Classrooms Tasks Starter Pack See my other posts about BTC or watch the videos in the Building Thinking Classrooms playlist! Let's Connect! Feel free to reach out on Instagram to learn more! | |||
| Ep. 8 All About Rekenreks | 10 Jul 2023 | 00:09:51 | |
Would you like to try some of these activities for free?Do you have rekenreks sitting around your classroom and are wondering what to do with them? I remember getting given some with ESSRS funds and was like, what am I going to do with this? I dove in and did some research so you don't have to and let me tell you, my students love using them!This episode is for you! I talk all about what number racks or rekenreks are, how to use them, and what they are great for! I also give you some ideas of how to use them in your room to practice:
Don’t forget to Grab the Free Bonus!
I encourage you to try some of the free activities and consider investing in the activity bundle or mega bundle! Some teachers like you said, “Thank you so much for creating this resource! I loved how easy it was to implement into my classroom and my students really enjoyed it. ”“I have used this with my kindergarten students and they really enjoyed it. I found it to be engaging and educational. I would recommend it to other teachers to use in their classrooms as well. It’s a good resource to have and will help benefit your students’ kindergarten learning experience.”If you try the freebie, send me a DM and let me know how you like it!Blog Post All About RekenreksYT Video: All About RekenreksWant to see some rekenrek centers in action? Watch this video!FREE Rekenrek ActivitiesRekenrek Activity BundleRekenrek Activity Mega Bundle (with clip art so you can create to fit your needs!) | |||
| Ep. 7 Building Thinking Classrooms in Results Kindergarten- One Year Later | 26 Jun 2023 | 00:16:32 | |
After a year of using the Building Thinking Classrooms framework, how did it work in Kindergarten? In this podcast, I talk about my results with these math problems for kindergarten, some things I am curious about, and what I would change if I were to start over! Are you ready to try? Try this Free Task! Timestamps 1:00 Results 6:30 Curiosities, Things I noticed 10:10 Things I would change for next time! 12:32 Try a Task! 14:03 Sharing with Colleagues Helpful Links Get the Building Thinking Classrooms Book! Need some Tasks? Get started with this starter pack or read about them in this BTC task blog post! Watch this podcast on Youtube! Let's Connect! Send me a message on Instagram Check out the Blog for more ideas! | |||
| Ep. 6 Counting, Progress Monitoring and Visual Goal Setting | 24 May 2023 | 00:07:31 | |
In this week's episode, I talk all about a quick assessment and data-tracking resource to support you and your students in creating counting and number sense goals and seeing their growth. This data-tracking resource is for you available in English and Spanish! Math conferencing and goal setting is a powerful tool giving your students focus and creates positive momentum with achievable, bite-sized goals!This kindergarten counting data tracker is unlike other assessments that give you no direction or information you can’t fully use. This visual goal-setting resource will let you know exactly which skills your students have mastered and give them and you a target to work towards! Your students can color in mastered content as they go to see how much growth they are making as mathematicians.Blog Post: YouTube VideoVisual Goal Setting Sheet and Progress Tracker | |||
| Ep 5. What is Subitizing? Why do I need to know that?! | 18 May 2023 | 00:13:03 | |
Learn more about subitizing, and get your kids excited about math! Subitizing is a useful skill for young mathematicians to learn and will help them develop number sense! In this episode, you'll learn the definition of subitizing and activities and games to reinforce the concept. With subitizing, you can teach your students how to easily recognize number patterns, and groups of objects they can use as they grow as mathematicians. Timestamps: :33 Subitizing is like a turtle covered in flowers 🐢🌺 1:55 Subitizing Definition 2:48 Perceptual VS Conceptual Subitizing 3:38 Why is subitizing important? 4:40 35 +12=? 7: 25 Subitizing in your math block 8:35 Quick Images 9:50 Quick Images Freebie! 10:53 Recap 11:45 Weekly lol break! | |||
| Ep 4: One to One Correspondence Strategies and Activities | 08 May 2023 | 00:10:28 | |
One-to-one correspondence isn't as easy as it sounds! There is so much involved in learning to count that we don't even think about as adults! In this episode, I go over what one-to-one correspondence is, strategies to help your students with their one-to-one correspondence, and some ideas of one-to-one correspondence activities you can add to your math centers to help! Timestamps :20 Math Story Tidbits 1:19 Teaching foundational skills isn't as easy as it seems 2:05 Counting is hard 3:16 Definition of one-to-one correspondence4:10 Strategies to help with one-to-one correspondence 4:26 Strategy1 5:23 Strategy 2 6:25 Strategy 3 6:50 Practice Makes Progress 7:25 Play is Key! 8:20 Math Center Ideas Helpful Links Blog Post IG: numbersensemakesense | |||
| Ep 3: 5 Amazon Must Haves for the Math Classroom! | 01 May 2023 | 00:07:18 | |
Ep 4: 5 Amazon Must Haves for the Classroom Teacher appreciation is right around the corner, and I don’t know about you but I have had parents ask me if I have an Amazon wishlist. I don’t think you should have to spend your own money on your classroom but if someone else wants to buy you something… Do you have a few dollars to spend with some PTA money? I've gathered a list of 5 Amazon finds that are versatile, fun, and inexpensive for the math classroom. This episode provides you with five amazing finds that are sure to bring some fun and creativity to your math lessons. From math manipulatives to 10 frame dice and number dice, these fun educational tools will bring a whole new level of excitement to your elementary math classroom. Not only will these math finds help to excite and engage your students, but they will also help them to better understand key math concepts in an engaging way! Timestamps :18 Disclamer 1:15 Find #1 1:45 Secret tip to save some 💸 2:10 Find #2 2:52 Find #3 3:36 Find #4 4:11 Find #5 5:33 Recap 6:04 Some 🤣 the 🧵of the week: I’d happily go to staff meetings if…. Helpful Links Check out the Blog Post or YT Video! Centers using some of these items!Roll and Write 10 Frames Let's Connect! Tips, Tricks, Stories from the Classroom plus a Rekenrek Freebie with tons of games and comes in English and Spanish! | |||
| Ep 2: 5 Steps to Setting Up Math Workshop for Success! | 24 Apr 2023 | 00:10:25 | |
Have you been wanting to do math center time in your classroom but are unsure where to start and how to make it run like clockwork? This episode is for you! I go over the 5 Steps to Success I have been using for 10 YEARS that have kept math workshop my students favorite part of the day! Timestamps :58 List of the Steps 1:24 Don’t do math during math workshop 3:00 Set Clear Expectations 5:20 Practice 6:54 Visual Station Chart 8:45 Revisit and Reteach as needed Helpful Links IG: numbersensemakesense | |||
| Ep 37: Print-and-Play Addition Games for Numbers to 12 | 22 Apr 2024 | 00:07:10 | |
I love a good game to have kids learning and practicing math! The applause my students give when in math center time is music to my ears! These addition games are pretty simple and don't include a lot of varied directions, perfect to free you up to circulate the room if you need to or pull students one one-on-one or in a small group because they're engaged in these fast-paced games that are accessible to them and easy to differentiate. Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Timestamps 1:14 - Spin and Add 1:46 - Roll A Two-Color Tower 2:57 - Ladybug Addition 3:41 - Add Them Up 4:46 - Sevens Helpful Links Addition and Subtraction Games Bundle Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 1: Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics in Kindergarten | 16 Apr 2023 | 00:17:01 | |
Try a task for free! ✨ Building Thinking Classrooms FREE Task Have you heard of the Book “Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics” by PeterIn this episode, I go over why I was looking for an effective way to teach problem-solving that would work for kindergarten, how I started using the Building Thinking Classrooms in my Kindergarten class, my results, and my next steps! If you are hesitant to try it out in an early elementary classroom this podcast is for you! Timestamps 1:34 What is a Thinking Classroom in this Context 4:33 Set Up, 3 Things you NEED to get started 5:46 Vertical Non Permenant Surfaces 6:22 Random Groups 8:00 Be deliberately less helpful 8:56 Starting Tasks/Non-Curricular Tasks 11:48 My First Official Math Task 13:00 Finding Tasks 14:14 Thin Slicing, Early Finishers 14:50 My Next Steps, Consolidating Learning 15:46 Big Goal Helpful Links Try a task for free! ✨ Building Thinking Classrooms FREE Task Building Thinking Classrooms Tasks Blog: https://bit.ly/41d4E1c Building Thinking Classroom Tasks Starter Kit: https://bit.ly/40iCWyQ Classroom Screen: https://classroomscreen.com/ Building Thinking Classrooms K-2 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/902047717151517/ Building Thinking Classrooms Book: https://amzn.to/40eC2Dc IG Handle: numbersensemakesense | |||
| Ep 19.5 Games for Counting On | 01 Jan 2024 | 00:05:11 | |
This episode comes from this YouTube video so you can see the games in action! Though some prefer to listen than watch! Your students may know their numbers to 20 in the figurative counter stage, but can they use them? In this video, you will learn 4 games you can play with your students to help them develop more sophisticated counting strategies. These games are perfect for students who are past the tricky teens and are starting to work on addition. Since the numbers are small, they can feel confident in their ability to answer, begin to solve problems, and develop a sense of how numbers work together! Helpful Links Hide and Count On!(partner game): ✨Save on the Figurative Counting - Counting On Bundle See the Games in Action in this YouTube Video! Looking for More Information about the counting stages? Get the presentation slides for free here! Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 0. A Math Origin Story | 09 Apr 2023 | 00:13:28 | |
Hi! I'm Lara and I didn't used to be a math person. Through a winding series of events, I have developed a passion for early elementary mathematics! Learn about it in this episode and stay tuned for future episodes about developing number sense in math!Follow me on InstagramVideo Podcast/YouTube ChannelBlog: Making Number Sense Make SenseTimestamps:0:24 What to Expect0:40 Math Origin Story (I didn't think I was a Math Person)6:00 Counting is hard!7:00 Developing Number Sense Class, My math epiphany10:00 Podcast Goals, helping you on your math teacher journeyIntroduction Music Happy Calm Intro by Motion Elements | |||
| Ep 36: 6 Tips to Help Struggling Mathematicians | 15 Apr 2024 | 00:07:33 | |
Sometimes you have the perfect lesson and crickets. Or… most of your students get it, but there are a handful who don’t. What do you do for them? In this episode, I’m sharing tips to help your struggling mathematicians! Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! Helpful Links Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 35: Things I Learned From My Kindergarten Students About Life | 08 Apr 2024 | 00:07:31 | |
As teachers, it's our job to be the ones doing the “teaching” but there is a lot we can learn from our students too! Far beyond the most recent slang or trending dance on social media! Today I shared 4 things my students remind me of all the time! Any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 34: 4 Easy Ways to Differentiate Your Math Centers | 01 Apr 2024 | 00:07:42 | |
We know that differentiation is good for kids…but who has the time? These differentiation methods are quick and easy to implement in the classroom! You can see all of these ideas and differentiated centers on the blog! Are there any podcast episodes you want me to make? Let me know in this Google Form! Helpful Links Pick Build and Cover 10 Frames Number Rack, Rekenrek Differentiated Centers Pattern Block Roll, Count, and Cover Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 33: Array Math Centers and Multiplication Task | 25 Mar 2024 | 00:08:50 | |
In this episode, I share some hands-on array math centers and a Building Thinking Classrooms Math Task involving arrays and unknown factors! Big kids love centers too! Get a free repeated addition task! Escaping Ants! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Helpful Links Spin, Multipliy and Find the Array Empty The Board Multiplication Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 32: 10+ Ten Frame Activities | 18 Mar 2024 | 00:07:52 | |
Do your 10 Frame centers need a refresh? In this episode, I share 10 plus warm-ups, math stations, and print-and-go activities involving 10 frames! If you want to know more about the benefits of 10 frames you can check out episode 30, All About 10 Frames! Helpful Links | |||
| Ep 43: 1st Grade Tasks for Building a Thinking Classroom! | 13 Jan 2025 | 00:07:03 | |
Today, we’re diving into something that every early elementary teacher has faced: coming up with the perfect math task—especially for those curious First Graders. Sometimes, it feels like the hardest part, right? Well, no worries, because we’ve got some exciting, hands-on ideas to spark engagement and build math confidence in your students! We’ll talk about: 📖 Story-Based Problems that bring math to life with fun narratives. 🔢 FREE 100 Chart Mysteries where your students will outsmart the 100 Chart Thief. 🍕 Pizza Fractions at the Dough-licious Pizzeria. 📏 Nonstandard Measurement Adventures with the Cube Queen and Popsicle Stick King. 🎡 Data and Graphing at the Laugh-A-Lot Carnival. 🔺Composing Shapes with pattern blocks ⭐Save ⏱️ and 💸 on the 1st Grade Task Bundle!⭐ Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 42: Kindergarten Building Thinking Classrooms Math Tasks | 06 Jan 2025 | 00:09:01 | |
Sometimes coming up with a task for Kindergarten is the hardest part! In this episode, I share 7 tasks perfect for your kindergarten classroom in a building-thinking classrooms style! Dive into the world of playful, hands-on math tasks in this episode of Making Number Sense Make Sense! From counting and number writing with the mischievous dogs at Paw-some Pups Playhouse to solving addition problems with a broken cash register in "Cash Out," we’ll explore creative ways to engage young learners. Plus, hear how sorting toys, composing shapes, and comparing lengths bring math concepts to life through fun, story-driven activities. Whether you're teaching counting to 20, addition within 10 or 20, or tackling shape challenges, these tasks will have your students excited to learn and eager for more! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Helpful Links Counting and Number Writing Task Comparing Longer and Shorter Task Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 44: 2nd Grade Tasks for Building a Thinking Classroom! | 20 Jan 2025 | 00:07:06 | |
Looking for ways to make 2nd-grade math engaging and fun? In this episode, we’re sharing creative, story-based tasks that get your students excited about skip counting, place value, addition, subtraction, and more—all while building critical math skills! Here’s what we’re covering: 🍊 Skip Counting at the Orange You Sweet Orange Factory—help your students count baskets of oranges in multiples of 5, 10, or 100. 👾 Place Value Party Planning with the Aliens of Countaria—can your students decode the alien languages and save the “Outta This World” Block Party? 🏴☠️ Treasure Hunt Adventures with Pirate Captain Redbeard—solve length problems to navigate the treasure map and uncover hidden treasures! 🍫 Brownie Partitioning at the Brownie Bakery—partition rectangles into rows and columns to figure out brownie orders. 📏 Measuring with the Cube Queen and Popsicle Stick King—compare measurements and decide when to use larger or smaller tools. 🍦 Dreaming of Ice Cream with Whirl’d of Swirls—build rectangular arrays to keep up with growing ice cream orders. Links & Resources: 👉 Grab the full task bundle here! 👉 Check out the blog post here! Tune in and let’s make math an adventure! 🎉 Let's Connect! | |||
| Ep 45: Using AI to Help You Design Math Tasks! | 27 Jan 2025 | 00:06:45 | |
In this episode, we dive into how AI tools like ChatGPT can support teachers in crafting creative and engaging math tasks for Kindergarten, 1st-grade, and 2nd-grade students. While AI can’t replace the human magic you bring to your classroom, it can be a great brainstorming partner to help spark ideas, refine tasks, and create meaningful learning experiences.
💡 Final Thoughts: AI isn’t magic—it’s a tool. It won’t create slides, choose the perfect context, or capture your students’ unique needs. What turns an idea into a task your students love is you. Your creativity, expertise, and connection to your class are what make learning truly come alive. 📚 Looking for Pre-Made Thinking Tasks? Check out our Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade bundles for ready-to-use ideas tailored to Building Thinking Classrooms! ✨ Join the Conversation: Have you used AI to create math tasks? Share your experiences and tips with us on Instagram or lara@makingnumbersensemakesense.com Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! | |||
| Ep 46: Consolidation and Reflection For K-2 after Math Tasks and Problem Solving Sessions | 03 Feb 2025 | 00:05:49 | |
Transforming your classroom into a Building Thinking Classroom is an exciting journey—but when it comes to consolidating learning and reflecting on problem-solving tasks, it can feel tricky with younger students. Between stamina struggles, time constraints, and building those metacognitive skills, what’s a teacher to do? In this episode, we’re tackling those challenges with fun and effective strategies to wrap up your thinking tasks: 🌶️ Check Your Understanding Questions Use “mild,” “medium,” and “spicy” extension questions to give students a choice and push their thinking a little further. 🎲 Games for Consolidation Turn reflection time into play with quick, themed games that tie into your tasks and can double as math centers later! 📝 Meaningful Notes Help students record their learning in creative ways—like fill-in-the-blanks, circling items, or drawing—so they can revisit important strategies and takeaways later. 💡 The 4-Quadrant Method Break down strategies and reflections into bite-sized pieces for young learners to understand and remember. Whether it’s through playful games, choice-driven questions, or creative note-taking, these approaches will keep your students engaged and make math reflection meaningful and manageable. Links & Resources: 👉 Blog Post 👉 Grab Kindergarten, 1st Grade, or 2nd Grade Thinking Task Bundles here! Let's Connect! Let’s make consolidation time just as exciting as problem-solving! 🎉 | |||
| Ep 47: Increasing Buy-In From Your Team to Start Building Thinking Classrooms | 10 Feb 2025 | 00:14:11 | |
Today's episode comes from a listener email about getting buy-in from other teachers to give BTC a try! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form!
Helpful Links Let's Connect! Email me! lara@makingnumbersensemakesense.com | |||
| Ep 48: 3 Unexpected Ways to Increase Engagement In Math | 17 Feb 2025 | 00:06:39 | |
In this quick episode, we are diving into 3 unconventional ways to increase engagement in math class! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form!
Helpful Links Spin and Thread Graphing Project Addition and Subtraction Lessons Let's Connect! | |||