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If you’ve ever had a student say, “I’m just not a math person”, you know how powerful that belief can be. Math identity—how students see themselves in relation to math—can either open the door to learning or slam it shut. In this episode of Math Chat Podcast, we explore how to shift those fixed beliefs by reframing what math is and who it’s for.

The Word Problem Workshop (WPW) framework is designed to help all learners engage in problem-solving at their own pace. You’ll learn how the “Grapple” step invites productive struggle, the “Share” step encourages diverse strategies, and the “Reflect” step solidifies understanding. This structure turns mistakes into learning moments and makes math a place where every student can shine.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Math Chat Podcast to hear the stories, strategies, and examples in detail.

✅ Subscribe so you never miss an episode
💬 Leave a review to help more teachers find the show
📚 Pre-order the book + grab your bonus Word Problem Pack here and start building math confidence in your students today!

📒 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!

Send us a text

Starting the school year can feel overwhelming—but what if teaching routines didn’t have to be boring? In this episode, I’m showing you how to set up essential classroom routines and build a strong classroom community right from day one. You’ll walk away with ideas you can use immediately to make lining up, group work, and transitions smooth and stress-free.

Want to skip the trial and error? I’ve created a 28-routine Classroom Routines Pack on TPT, complete with lesson plans, prompts, and activity ideas for everything from turning in homework to transitioning between lessons. It’s designed to save you time and help you establish strong systems from the very first day.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Math Chat Podcast now to get all the details, stories, and bonus tips!

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a teacher friend who’s ready to start the year strong.

👉 Download my Classroom Routines Pack on TPT to make Day 1 (and every day after) smooth, organized, and fun!

📒 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!

Send us a text

If your math block feels more like crowd control than joyful problem solving, this episode is for you. We’re talking about how proactive math classroom management strategies can help you stop reacting to behavior and start building a smooth, focused learning environment where students thrive — especially during challenging math work.

🛠️ Simple Steps to Implement Proactive Math Classroom Management

Ready to take action? Here’s where Mona gets super practical:

Step 1: Set Up Predictable Systems

Start with your most chaotic moments (e.g., math block entry, cleanup, carpet time) and turn them into predictable routines. The clearer your instructions, the calmer your classroom.

Step 2: Master Your Transitions

Transitions don’t have to be chaotic. Mona shares specific scripts and cues to create smooth, consistent shifts that preserve your instructional time and reduce behavioral hiccups.

Step 3: Build Norms with Your Students

When students help co-create the expectations, they’re far more likely to follow them. Mona shares how to engage students in developing classroom norms — and points to previous episodes that dig even deeper.
Grab the TPT product Math Norm Posters & Plans here https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Norms-6205708

🔁 Listen + Subscribe + Join the Movement

If today’s episode on proactive math classroom management strategies sparked new ideas, don’t keep them to yourself:

✅ Subscribe to Math Chat wherever you get your podcasts
✅ Leave a review — it helps more teachers find strategies that work
✅ Read it here: 3 Steps to Set Predictable Math Routines
✅ Tag Mona on Instagram @hellomonamath and let her know how proactive routines are transforming your classroom

📒 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!