Solving for the Undefined: A Math Teacher Podcast
By Johanna Kuiper
She’s on a mission to solve those problems by helping teachers engage students academically using researched based strategies so students deeply understand and love math. And that’s what you can count on!
Solving for the Undefined: A Math Teacher PodcastJun 26, 2023
65. Keeping Your Subs Coming Back (Even During a Sub Shortage) with Kelsey Sorenson
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.
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64. Building Your Assessment Strategy with Cassandra Harris
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!
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63. The Cake Walk Math Review Game
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.
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62. Benefits of Using Math Centers with Kelsey Hardwick
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.
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61. Creating Interactive Math Activities for Your Students with Annette Kuperus
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!
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60. Three Things Every Math Class Needs
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!
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59. Building Student Self-Efficacy in Math
What if I told you that I found the key to your students' math success? It would be hard to believe, right? In today's episode, Jay Brown is bringing us all the details on how self-efficacy can speed up student learning and set them up for math success. Let's get started.
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58. The Paper Bag Review Game
Ready for state testing? I'm not! But whether we are ready or not, with state testing coming up, we are all looking for ways to creatively review everything that we have been learning this year. Today I am going to share a game that is going to have your students up & moving and solving math problems. It’s called the Paper Bag Review. Let’s get started!
Links
- Grab my free guide: Seven Math Teacher Must-Haves for Student Success
- Build better math community by joining Chaos to Community!
- Episode 47: How to Play the Unfair Game
57. Supporting Gifted & Talented Students in Your Math Classroom
Did you know that 10% of students are considered gifted? Not just in a “wow they are really smart!” way, but in a Talented and Gifted student (Tag, Gate, etc.) And if you have a class of 30, that’s roughly 3 kids. So how can you identify and provide support for them in the classroom? With the expertise of Kimberly Jayne, we are going to learn just that. Let’s get started!
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56. Making Your School Curriculum More Engaging
Raise your hand if you like your school's math curriculum. Yup...not many hands raised! That's because the majority of textbooks were not designed with our post-covid students in mind. So in today's episode, I am going to be sharing three ways to give your curriculum an upgrade. Let's get started!
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55. Simple Ways to Implement Choice in the Math Classroom
Today’s episode is one that I am thrilled to share with you because it is something that I know is not done enough in the classroom. With the expertise of Elaina Weaver, the classy teacher, we are going to learn how simple it truly is to implement choice in the classroom. Let’s get started.
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54. Adding Movement to Increase Engagement in the Math Classroom
It’s time to take a stand! Quite literally actually. In today’s episode, I am going to be sharing what I believe is the most overlooked way to get students’ brains thinking and engaged with math. And that is adding movement in the math classroom. Let's get started.
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53. The Math Workshop Model for Middle School
The one thing that all of us teachers need is more time. More time to plan, to grade, and to teach. One way to maximize teaching time in the classroom is by implementing the math workshop model.
In today's episode, Jamie Miller (@jamiemillermath) is sharing her expertise on what the math workshop model is, how to implement it, and the benefits it has on student collaboration. Let's get started!
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52. Cultivating Creativity in the Math Classroom
When you see math class in movies and tv shows, do you recall how it’s depicted? Typically as a boring direct instruction lesson full of algorithms. But anyone who truly knows math knows how frickin' cool it is! So in today's episode, I walk through 4 ways to bring creativity to the math classroom. With that, let's get started.
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51. Turning Worksheets into Games Students Want to Play
Put the magic back into math worksheets by turning them into games! In this episode, Brooklyn, from Brooklyn's Brightest, shares her expertise on two games that transform worksheets into games.
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50. Three Things I Wish I Knew
WOW! It is wild that we have reached 50 episodes of Solving for the Undefined Podcast. In celebration of this milestone, I am going to share 3 things I wish I knew about teaching math when I first started. Let's get started
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49. The Power of Rough Draft Thinking in the Math Classroom
Here's my 2nd best teacher tip: utilize rough draft thinking as an essential practice in your math classroom.
What started off as a random attempt to get students to try turned into the daily practice of rough draft thinking. And in today's episode, I share that experience and how you can replicate it for your students. Whether it's students below grade level or apathetic learners, this can be a game changer for them.
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48. Prepping Students for Life with Project Based Assessments
How often do you get this question from your students? When am I going to use this in real life?
In today's episode, we’re going to help answer that question. With Caroline’s expertise, we are going to be talking about how to create project based assessments using real world examples. Let's get started!
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47. The Unfair Game in Math Class
Looking for a math review game to wrap up a unit? The Unfair Game is the perfect game to keep students engaged while actually showing work on math problems. In today's episode, I share the rules, the setup, the pros and cons, and how to make it better. Let's get started!
Continue to build math community through my mini course: Chaos to Community!
46. Strategic Questioning in Math to Further Student Thinking
Wondering how to use strategic questioning in math to further student thinking? In this episode, Mona Iehl and I share how we do just that in our classrooms.
Links
- Show notes for this episode
- "Never Say What a Kid Can Say" Article
- Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl
- In the Moment by Jen Munson
- 5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematics Discussions
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45. Math Education Trend Predictions for 2023
What better way to start of 2023 than to predict what could happen this year? In today's episode I share 4 predictions I have about 2023 in regards to the math education space.
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44. Math Tasks for Critical Thinking
How soon after the bell rings do your students start to think critically about math? In today's episode, I share 4 tasks you can use to get your students thinking critically as soon as the bell rings. Let's get started!
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43. How Consistency is the Foundation for Student Success
Kids feel safer and perform better when there is consistency in the classroom. In today's episode, I share 3 ways to be consistent to help student be successful with math. Let's get started!
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42. How High Should Your Expectations be?
One of the four major correlations of positive student outcomes is teachers having high expectations for their students. But what does that look like?
In today's episode, we dive into what the research shows, what high expectations are, and how to live it out in the classroom. Let's get started.
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41. Cognitive Demand Students Need
Are the problems you're assigning students actually worth their time? If there's no cognitive demand, it might be a time waster. In today's episode, we explore what cognitive demand is and isn't, how to make problems better and how to scaffold without taking away the rigor.
Join us for another exciting episode of Solving for the Undefined Podcast. I'm glad you're here.
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40. Homework, Yay or Nay?
Homework is a complex topic that is highly debated in the education space. Today we talk about the pros, cons, and how to make it an equitable item for student success. Let's get started.
39. Team Builders for the Beginning of the Year
Building connections that first week of school is vital in building the foundation of trust. Team building activities are a way to start paving the way to having a community within the classroom.
In today's episode, I share team building activities that can achieve the following things:
- Students getting to know each other.
- Students working towards a common goal.
- Students learning to trust each other.
Links from the episode:
The 100 Numbers to Get Students Talking
38. Powerful Phrases for a Positive Impact on Students
Think back to an emotion-packed moment. Do you remember everything that was said or how the words made you feel? Words have a powerful impact on our impressionable students.
In today's episode we talk about how to tweak your words to ensure they evoke positive emotions in your students.
Links from today's episode:
37. Using Daily Slides as a Secondary Teacher
As teachers, we know that going visual is the best thing since sliced-bread. But are you using them to their full potential? In today's episode, we dive into how to use slides, whether Google or PowerPoint, to help your students be successful.
I talk about the 3 types of slides, Intro/Agenda, Warmup, and Work Time.
Links from today's episode:
Download your free Daily Slides Template
Join Math Resource Academy! (This is where I learned how to create the majority of the resources you'll find in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!)
36. Math Manipulative Must-Haves
Looking for ways to make math more visual and hands-on? In today's episode I share the 7 manipulatives that have changed the game in my classroom. Take a listen!
If you enjoyed this episode, download my "Seven Math Teacher Must-Haves for Student Success" to learn about 6 more must haves for your math classroom.
Links from the episode
Kristen Damman's Algebra Tiles Video
Your "Seven Math Teacher Must-Haves for Student Success" Guide
Estimating Square Roots video by Scaffolded Math and Algebra
35. Summer Reading List for Math Teachers
It seems that summer time is the only time I make reading a priority. In today's episode, I share my summer reading list and why I chose them. Here are my 3 teacher-reads for this summer:
- Teaching with Poverty in Mind by Eric Jensen
- Fair isn't Always Equal by Rick Wormeli
- Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl
These links are affiliate links meaning I make a small percentage fee when you click and shop on these links. The cost to you is the same.
Join my Facebook group for middle school math teachers: “A Fraction of Math Teachers” 🤩 It’s a place for those who have students working below grade level yet don’t have a curriculum to support those students.
You’ll receive support, free tools to increase engagement, and a community of teachers who are in the same boat! I hope to see you in there!
34. I did a classroom economy...here's how it went
In March, I decided it was a good time to start a classroom economy. Best time of the year to try new things is at the end of it!
I did a lot of research and found 5 major things: class jobs, rent & utilities, bonuses & fines, a classroom store, and a program to manage it. In today's episode, I dive into all of that. I share what I liked, what I did not like, and what I plan to do next year.
Let me know if you like today's episode by sending me a message on Instagram. I want this podcast to be for you!
33. Reignite Your Math Classroom
Reignite the Math Classroom is a virtual professional development opportunity for math teachers by math teachers! Beginning on July 7th, for one month you will have access to our virtual conference to help students become active learners and engage in the math classroom.
Listen to the other 2 parts here!
Learn more about the Reignite the Math Classroom Conference 2022 here!
32. The Ideal Way to Group Students in the Classroom
How should you group students in math class? Pairs? Groups of 4? Rows, table groups, etc. There are so many options, but which is the best way for students to stay focused and learn best? Find out in today's episode!
Read the full transcript or browse the summary here!
Message me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/misskuiper
Links:
31. Using Whiteboards in the Secondary Math Classroom
Curious how you can use whiteboards in the secondary math classroom? In today's show, I will share how to use non-permanent surfaces to increase engagement and reduce apathy towards learning.
Read the full transcript or browse the summary here!
As we enter the end of the school year, are you noticing that your students are less engaged than usual? Or maybe you’ve noticed that this year has been unlike any other students are apathetic towards learning. They don’t want to do anything, and there’s an overall unwillingness to try. In today’s episode, I’m going to give you a strategy that I use in my classroom to combat this thing. So let’s get started.
These are the three different ways I use nonpermanent surfaces:
- Mini Whiteboards
- Dry Erase Sleeves
- Vertical Whiteboards or Nonpermanent Surfaces.
I know I’ve said this and hopefully convinced you throughout this episode. But just the idea that students can wipe something away and start over fresh has really changed just the basis or the foundation of how I teach and how my students work through problems. I’ve noticed that students who may have appeared apathetic earlier on have definitely grown in confidence, or at least in willingness to try out problems.
I will be linking everything that we talked about in this episode on the show notes on my website. So if you’re like, “I need a refresher or just a recap”, definitely check it out. I will link it in the whatever platform you’re listening on. I will link the link there. So that way, you can go find it.
And as always, if you have questions, feel free to send me a message on Instagram or email me.
And with that, I’ll calc-u-later.
Johanna
30. Engaging Students at the End of the Year
Have you started the count down for the end of the school year! I certainly have. But between now and the end of the year, how do I engage my students? In today's episode, I share 3 ways you can engage your students as the end of the school year approaches.
Activity Links:
Connect with Me!
- Read my Blog
- Scroll my Instagram
- Join the Facebook Group
- Email me your questions!
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29. Five Ways to Engage All Your Students
Trust me, this is probably different than you expect. Especially number 4.
Join my ✨brand new✨ Facebook group for middle school math teachers: “A Fraction of Math Teachers” 🤩 It’s a place for those who have students working below grade level yet don’t have a curriculum to support those students.
You’ll receive support, free tools to increase engagement, and a community of teachers who are in the same boat! I hope to see you in there!
28. Step One in Engaging Your Students
Join my ✨brand new✨ Facebook group for middle school math teachers: “A Fraction of Math Teachers” 🤩 It’s a place for those who have students working below grade level yet don’t have a curriculum to support those students.
You’ll receive support, free tools to increase engagement, and a community of teachers who are in the same boat! I hope to see you in there!
27. Five Games to Incorporate into your Math Classroom
Incorporating games in the math classroom increases engagement. But does it increase learning? In today's episode I walk through 5 games that you can play with your students that don't compromise learning!
Click here to read the show notes for today's episode.
Ultimate Tic Tac Toe video: Click here to watch it!
26. Using Attendance Brackets in Your Classroom
If I had to choose my favorite thing I implemented this school year, it would be the attendance bracket. In today's episode, I walk through what it is, how it works, why it engages students and you can do it too!
25. Ways to Easily Scaffold Geometric Transformations for Better Understanding
Scaffolding geometric transformations can be extremely beneficial if you have students who are currently struggling with on-grade level math.
24. Escape Rooms & Scavenger Hunts with Kelly Hogan
Wondering how to better engage your students in math? Tune in to hear Kelly (@mathematicallyenthused) talk about using Escape Rooms, Pico Fermi Bagel, and Scavenger Hunts. We chat about the what, the how, and most importantly the why behind using these activities.
Interested in learning more? Check out the show notes for all the links and resources talked about in today's episode!
23. Breaking Down Solving Equations
Want your students to truly understand what it means to solve for the value of x? This episode breaks down solving equations so you can easily scaffold the concept to best benefit your students!
22. Incorporating STEM into your Classroom with Lindsey Lippert
STEM isn't just about building robotics and other crazy technological masterpieces! In today's episode, Lindsey Lippert, a K-5 STEM specialist breaks down STEM, how to implement it in the classroom, and the impact it has on students. Join us as I learn that one simple tweak to my lessons can make a huge change for students.
Click here for the links & resources talked about in today's episode!
21. Are we there yet?!
With the challenges that we have faced this past year, I wanted to offer some encouragement. Tune into to hear three pieces of encouragement and advice to help you continue to crush this year.
20. Q&A: Team Jobs & Fast Finishers
Do you break your class up into teams? How well do they run? I bet you can improve their productivity by incorporating team jobs into their routine. While we're here, let's address how to handle fast finishers equitably while also working with struggling students.
It's a packed episode so let's jump on in!
Click here for the links and resources talked about in today's episode!
Shop the TpT Sale here! Don't forget to use code BTSBONUS21
19. An Astounding First Day of School in Four Steps
The first day of school can be daunting, especially after being online for so long. In today's episode, I walk through the 4 Phases of the First Day of School.
Click here for all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode!
"A to Z, Get to Know Me" Activity
18. Preparing for the School Year
The first days of school should be backed by science...right? In today's episode we are combining the science of how we learn and comprehend with the science of growth mindset. Join us for the ride!
17. How does Growth Mindset ACTUALLY impact learning?
How does growth mindset actually impact learning? This is a question that educators need to know the answer to. Tune into today's episode all about the science behind growth mindset and how intrinsic motivation plays a key role in that. Enjoy!
Click here for the links and resources talked about in today's episode!
16. How Do We Actually Learn?
How does our brain actually learn? This is a question that educators need to know the answer to. Are we catering to the neuro process that happens when we teach students? Listen to the first episode in the series about how we learn!
Click here for the links and resources talked about in today's episode!