Send us a text

Hey teacher friend! Have you ever stared at your math curriculum thinking, “This is... fine, I guess?” You don’t hate it—but it’s definitely not lighting a fire for student thinking. In this episode, Mona, a math coach and author, shares why the curriculum you already have might just be your biggest asset—if you know how to use it differently.

🛠️ The How: 3 Shifts You Can Make Right Away

1. Start with One Word Problem
Instead of overwhelming students with a page full of problems, choose one rich task and let them grapple. This builds stamina and confidence.

2. Change the Order, Not the Content
If your materials start with a formal algorithm, flip it! Let students explore their own strategies first, then connect to the textbook method.

3. Use Your Curriculum as a Launchpad, Not a Script
Highlight one problem and ask, “What thinking could this spark?” Rethink it as a conversation starter, not just a checkbox.

These small but powerful shifts will help you transform your existing materials into meaningful, student-centered lessons—without needing a single new purchase.

🎧 Final CTA: Learn to Use What You Have—Starting This Summer

Ready to make this vision a reality? Join me in the Word Problem Workshop Teacher Training. For just $77 (until tomorrow!), you’ll learn how to transform your current curriculum into a student-centered routine you’ll use all year long.

You’ll get:
🎥 On-demand video training
📁 Done-for-you templates
📚 A full year of word problems
💬 Ongoing support all summer long

👉 Grab your spot HERE before the price increases.
Still not sure? DM me on Instagram @hellomonamath and we’ll figure it out together.

📒 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

In this episode, we unpack a big question: What’s your vision for math classrooms? From years of visiting classrooms and leading professional development, our guest shares a powerful answer rooted in three values: joy, curiosity, and teacher sustainability. This isn’t just an ideal—it’s a framework leaders and teachers can work toward right now.

🛠️ Try These 3 Professional Learning Moves That Actually Work

Ready to lead transformative PD in your building? Here are three things you can try right away:

1. Attend PD yourself—model what it looks like to learn and grow.
2. Embrace curiosity—read, ask questions, and lead with an asset-based mindset.
3. Share what’s working—create in-house PD by spotlighting great teaching and inviting others to observe.

These strategies don’t cost much—but they make a big difference in staff morale, classroom quality, and student outcomes.

🎧 Ready to Reimagine Your Vision for Math Classrooms?

If this episode sparked a fresh perspective on what’s possible in your school or district, don’t stop here.
👉 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts
👉 Subscribe so you never miss a conversation that moves you forward
👉 Leave a review to help more educators find us

Let’s keep building classrooms where everyone wants to stay.

📒 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

Ever poured your heart into a math lesson only to hear a groan or a “Can’t you just tell us how to do it?” from your students? You’re not alone. In this episode, Mona—a former teacher turned math coach—dives into what’s really behind those reactions and how to shift them.

Ready to turn things around? Mona shares three actionable routines straight from her Word Problem Workshop that help kids engage, take risks, and actually enjoy thinking in math:

1. Start with the Grapple – Let kids wrestle with one rich word problem—no hints, just space to think.
2. Show Your Thinking – Use visuals and whiteboards to highlight the process, not just the final answer.
3. Celebrate Multiple Strategies – Use student sharing time to explore the diversity of ideas, not just the “correct” one.

👉 Explore the course at monamath.com/wpw

👋 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If this episode gave you a new perspective on what to do when kids don’t want to think in math class, share it with a friend, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review—it helps more teachers find actionable support.
And don’t forget to DM Mona on Instagram @hellomonamath—she’d love to hear how your students are showing up in math right now!

📒 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!