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The Problem with “Yet”

We’ve all said it: “They just can’t do it… yet.”
But what if that tiny word is quietly lowering the bar?

In this episode, Mona shares her 🔥hot take and breaks down why “yet” isn’t always as empowering as we think and how it can unintentionally mask low expectations. You’ll hear stories from Mona’s own classroom, what a visiting teacher helped her realize, and what to say (and do!) instead of leaning on “yet.”

💡 Perfect for teachers who believe in growth mindset, but want to put it into real, actionable practice.

📲 Let's Stay Connected:

• Follow on Socials @hellomonamath
• Visit www.monamath.com

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Thanks for tuning in to Math Chat Podcast!

⭐️ Coaches and Presenters!!

Request your free set of Wipebooks NOW at wipebook.com/mathchat.
If approved, you’ll receive a 5-sheet flipchart pack to use during your event, plus a raffle
giveaway for one of your participants to win a pack too!

Don't miss out—apply 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!

Send us a text

Today’s episode is all about counting—but not just any kind of counting. We’re diving deep into how kids think about numbers, quantity, and patterns… and we’ve got the perfect guest to guide us.

I’m thrilled to welcome Christopher Danielson to the show. If you’ve ever stumbled across Which One Doesn’t Belong or How Many?, you already know Christopher’s work gets students—and adults—thinking more deeply about math in ways that feel playful, thoughtful, and refreshingly human.

We are chatting about:

• What is counting
• Why does counting matter
• How to support students through counting

Links mentioned in this episode:

• 📘 Which One Doesn't Belong?
• 📘 How Many? A Counting Book
• 📘 How Did You Count?
• Christopher's Website
• Math on a Stick
• Visual Patterns

⭐️ Coaches and Presenters!!

Request your free set of Wipebooks NOW at wipebook.com/mathchat.
If approved, you’ll receive a 5-sheet flipchart pack to use during your event, plus a raffle
giveaway for one of your participants to win a pack too!

Don't miss out—apply 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!

Send us a text

Today, we’re diving into a tough but important topic: Why are we so afraid to give kids hard math problems? If we’re being honest, it can feel uncomfortable to watch students struggle. We want them to feel successful, and sometimes it's tempting to step in and help too soon. But when we rescue students from struggle, we rob them of the chance to build resilience and problem-solving skills.

In this episode, we’ll talk about why hard problems are essential for deep learning, what holds us back from giving students these challenges, and how we can create a classroom where students see struggle not as something to avoid but as part of the learning process. I'll also share strategies you can use tomorrow to help your students grapple with tough problems while feeling supported. Let’s get started!

We are chatting about:

• Why do we avoid giving hard problems
• Why hard problems are essential
• How to support students through hard problems

Links mentioned in this episode:

• 📘 Principles to Actions

📒 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!