Best Buildmathminds Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 199 - The Many Ways to Show Numbers with Fingers 5:58

14h ago5:58

5:58

In this episode, I explore the fascinating world of finger use in math and specifically how we represent numbers differently. After noticing that Dan Finkel and I show the number 3 with completely different finger configurations, I dive into why these variations matter for children's mathematical understanding. Through personal stories about my own…

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Episode 198 - Tips for Using Games to Build Math Minds with Dan Finkel 21:09

8d ago21:09

21:09

In this episode, Christina Tondevold welcomes special guest Dan Finkel, founder of Math for Love and creator of popular games like Prime Climb and Tiny Polka Dot. Dan shares his three essential principles for effectively implementing mathematical games in the classroom: games should involve meaningful choices, math should be the engine driving the …

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Episode 197 - Upleveling Missing Part Games 13:20

15d ago13:20

13:20

In this final episode of our three-part series on upleveling missing part activities, I share ways to transform two popular math games: Salute and Number Sandwiches. Learn how to modify these traditional games to help your students build a deeper understanding of number relationships through missing part problems. These upleveled versions create op…

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Episode 196 - Repackaging Style Word Problems: Transforming Missing Part Word Problems 6:54

22d ago6:54

6:54

In this second installment of our three-part series on Missing Part Activities, we explore 'repackaging tasks' - a powerful approach to traditional missing part word problems. While educators are familiar with finding unknown parts in word problems like “Christina has $12, she spends some now she has $7. How much did she spend?”, repackaging tasks …

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Episode 195 - Upleveling Missing Part Activities to Build Deeper Mathematical Thinking 11:33

29d ago11:33

11:33

In this episode, we explore how to elevate your 'Missing Part' math activities beyond the basic type like 5 + __ = 12' into more problems that help students develop a deeper understanding of mathematical equality and build foundational number properties. Get a quick way to implement these enhanced activities in your classroom. Perfect for elementar…

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Episode 194 - The Truth About Mental Math - It's Not Just In Your Head 5:15

1M ago5:15

5:15

In this episode, we explore the common misconception about mental math in mathematics education. Featuring insights from Pam Harris' newly published book 'Developing Mathematical Reasoning: Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms,' we discuss why mental math isn't about doing calculations without paper—it's about developing quality thinking strategies.…

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Episode 193 - Beyond the Template - Making the Lesh Translation Model Meaningful 5:42

1M ago5:42

5:42

In this episode, I follow up on last week's introduction to the Lesh Translation Model with an important caution. While I previously shared a template for The Translation Task, today I explore concerns raised by John Mason in the 1987 book "Problems of Representation in the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics." Mason warns that frameworks like the…

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Episode 192 - A Math Task All Teachers Should be Doing 8:53

2M ago8:53

8:53

In Episode 192, "A Math Task All Teachers Should be Doing," I discuss the Lesh Translation Model, a powerful framework that was frequently featured at the 2025 Virtual Math Summit. This model, which dates back to 1979 but was highlighted in NCTM's 2014 book "Principles to Actions," identifies five different ways to represent mathematical concepts: …

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Episode 191 - Math Teaching Strategies: Highlights from the 2025 Virtual Math Summit Live Sessions 21:50

2M ago21:50

21:50

Highlights from the 2025 Virtual Math Summit Get a look into the 2025 Virtual Math Summit's six live sessions that are transforming mathematics instruction in classrooms across the country. This episode captures the essence of innovative teaching approaches from some of the most influential voices in math education today. Discover how Peter Liljeda…

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Episode 189 - Making Math Irresistible: 4 Expert Strategies for Student Engagement in Elementary Math 20:06

2M ago20:06

20:06

Get four powerful strategies for making mathematics engaging and accessible for elementary students from expert presenters at the 2025 Virtual Math Summit. Dr. Raj Shah reveals the psychology of engagement through video game design principles, while Kristin Acosta demonstrates how to use everyday images to spark mathematical discussions. Jeff Gobin…

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Episode 188 - The Science of Making Math Stick: Using Brain Research to Combat the NAEP Score Crisis 17:46

3M ago17:46

17:46

How can we help our students retain what they learn in mathematics? The latest 2024 NAEP scores show that only 39% of 4th grade students and 28% of 8th grade students are performing at or above the Proficient level in mathematics, suggesting many students aren't retaining fundamental concepts. In this episode, Christina shares research-backed strat…

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Episode 187 - Problem Solving Success: 3 Experts’ Ideas from the 2025 Virtual Math Summit 17:27

3M ago17:27

17:27

In this episode, get an inside look at three powerful sessions from the 2025 Virtual Math Summit focused on transforming math problem solving in elementary classrooms. Listen to clips from John SanGiovanni sharing a unique routine that shifts focus from answers to understanding, Danielle Moore demonstrating practical strategies for building student…

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Episode 186 - Live Elementary Math PD Sessions You Won't Want to Miss: 2025 Virtual Math Summit Preview 7:59

3M ago7:59

7:59

In this episode, get a sneak peek at the live sessions happening at the 2025 Virtual Math Summit. Learn about sessions from renowned math educators including Pam Harris on moving beyond algorithms, Shannon Olson on connecting mathematical representations, Kim Rimbey's innovative approach to ten-frames, Latrenda Knighten's strategies for mathematica…

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Episode 185 - Tasks for Building Thinking Classrooms - Virtual Math Summit 2025 preview 8:45

3M ago8:45

8:45

In Episode 185, we dive into Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC), one of the most transformative approaches in mathematics education. Learn why this popular teaching method is more than just vertical surfaces and random groups - it's about creating environments where students truly think and engage with mathematics. This episode addresses a common m…

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Episode 184 - Don’t Discount the Use of Games in Your Classroom 13:11

4M ago13:11

13:11

Transform both your math AND reading instruction with two powerful game-based resources! In this episode, discover how to implement engaging games that provide meaningful practice without the typical hassles of game setup and complicated rules. Learn about Reading Simplified's "Switch It" game for building foundational reading skills, and explore t…

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Episode 183 - The Count - Uncovering Mathematical Structure in Elementary Classrooms 8:48

4M ago8:48

8:48

The Count is an activity from John SanGiovanni's book that turns simple counting into a deep mathematical exploration. In this episode, learn how this routine helps elementary students engage with Math Practice #7 by looking for and making use of mathematical structure. We'll break down how a seemingly simple counting sequence can develop number se…

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Episode 182 - Visual Patterns: The Secret Weapon for Teaching The Math Practices 10:24

5M ago10:24

10:24

Discover how Visual Patterns can transform mathematical thinking in your elementary classroom! Listen in as we explore Fawn Nguyen's powerful activity that engages students in all 8 Standards of Mathematical Practice. Learn how a single activity can help students reason, argue, model, and see the hidden structures in mathematics. This episode is a …

1
Episode 181 - Exploring Patterns Through Number Routines 9:05

5M ago9:05

9:05

The predictability of mathematics is one of the things I love about math. There are some great activities you can do in your classroom with your students to help them see & USE that predictability. Last week I shared one (Leaping Numbers) and this week I’m sharing another: Finding One and All. This is a great number routine that is similar, yet dif…

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Episode 180 - Leaping Numbers: a great math activity for exploring patterns 5:13

5M ago5:13

5:13

Want a fun, engaging, and mathematically powerful activity to help keep your students engaged in math until the holiday break? In this episode I’m sharing a new activity by one of my favorite creators, Steve Wyborney, Leaping Numbers. This activity is a great way to get your students doing Standard of Math Practice #7: Look For & Make Use of Struct…

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Episode 179 - A Math Hack That Isn’t a Hack 6:07

5M ago6:07

6:07

Math tricks or hacks are everywhere, but which ones should you actually use with your students? I came across one this week on social media and thought I’d use it as an example to give you some ideas on how to approach the use of math tricks in your classroom. To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMathMinds …

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Episode 178 - Students who struggle with Less Than problems 7:05

6M ago7:05

7:05

This week’s episode comes from a question that was sent in about helping students who struggle with math problems that are written differently than kids typically see them. These types of “less than” math problems are strange because kids don’t often encounter them in that way even in their own lives. I’m giving you two tips to help students so tha…

1
Episode 177 - Math Misconceptions 4:30

6M ago4:30

4:30

Math Misconceptions might just look like mistakes that your students are making, but they are usually slightly different. Mistakes happen when we don’t remember, or remember incorrectly, whereas Misconceptions are rooted in understanding…we believe this is the way it is. Mistakes happen from time to time, and are usually not anything to get too wor…

1
Episode 176 - Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms 9:18

6M ago9:18

9:18

In this episode I’m introducing you to a not-yet-released book about the traps of math algorithms, but it’s actually so much more than that. It’s about women supporting women and lifting someone up when you see they are doing good instead of trying to tear them down. To see this episode instead of just listen, go to https://www.youtube.com/BuildMat…

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Episode 175 - Always Building Relationships - Rounding Numbers Series 10:09

6M ago10:09

10:09

Rounding numbers should be way more than just a procedure where we ask students to look to see if the number behind is a 5 or higher. Helping elementary students round should be based upon their number sense. In this last episode of the Rounding Numbers series, I’m giving you an acronym to remember to help your students with rounding numbers: ABR. …

1
Episode 174 - Helping Students Understand Magnitude of Numbers - Rounding Numbers Series 8:35

7M ago8:35

8:35

Rounding numbers should be way more than just a procedure where we ask students to look to see if the number behind is a 5 or higher. Helping elementary students round should be based upon their number sense. In this 2nd episode of the Rounding Numbers series, I’m giving my 2nd tip on how to help your students round with understanding. To see this …

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Episode 173 - Using Number Lines to Round Numbers - Rounding Numbers Series 10:35

7M ago10:35

10:35

Rounding numbers should be way more than just a procedure where we ask students to look to see if the number behind is a 5 or higher. Helping elementary students round should be based upon their number sense. In this first episode of the Rounding Numbers series, I’m giving my first tip on how to help your students round with understanding. To see t…

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Episode 172 - Is Emotional Teaching a Thing??? 5:31

7M ago5:31

5:31

I think we’ve all heard and know about Emotional Eating, but have you ever felt like you’ve done Emotional TEACHING? Not sure it’s a thing, but it kind of feels like it should be. Listen in to my random thoughts and then let me know in the comments over on the YouTube video or the show notes page if you’ve ever done Emotional Teaching? I give an ex…

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Episode 171 - Summer Book Study for Elementary Math Educators 9:06

11M ago9:06

9:06

By Christina Tondevold

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Episode 170 - The Importance of Play 8:22

11M ago8:22

8:22

My kids and I play a lot. Sports, card games, board games, but they all have a preset goal…to win. According to a book I’m reading, true play does NOT have a preset goal. So it got me wondering how much true play my kids, and I, actually do. I’m making it a goal to include more opportunities for us to truly play. In this episode I’m sharing my idea…

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Episode 169 - Math Fluency Through Flexibility 8:13

11M ago8:13

8:13

If you’ve struggled with how to help your elementary students build their math fluency, there is one thing I encourage you to do: Help your students build their flexibility with numbers. Textbooks try to directly teach strategies to students thinking that is how they will build flexibility, but you spend months doing that and then later in the year…

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Episode 168 - Use Math Manipulatives - No Matter The Age 7:58

12M ago7:58

7:58

When I first started teaching I don’t think I ONCE used a math manipulative with my students. It was all about learning and memorizing procedures and I didn’t know they needed to actually understand the math. Now, I’m a Recovering Traditionalist and I know that kids need to understand the math, not just DO it, and to help them understand they need …

1
Episode 167 - Mental Math does NOT mean doing it in your head 8:07

12M ago8:07

8:07

Growing up I thought doing Mental Math meant doing the algorithm in my head. Times have changed and now many educators have kids solve math in different ways but during Mental Math it’s still only having kids to do math in their head. That’s not exactly what Mental Math should be about. In this episode we explore what doing Mental Math really shoul…

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Episode 166 - A Child’s Progression When Grouping to Count Items 6:58

12M ago6:58

6:58

If you’ve ever watched a child during a counting collection and thought “Ugh! Why are you grouping the items like that?!?” Well, there’s probably a reason. There is a progression kids go through when organizing items they are counting. Now even though this information comes from a book about Early Childhood Education, it still applies to those of y…

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Episode 165 - Geometry in PreK-2 is more than just knowing names of shapes 10:44

1y ago10:44

10:44

It is commonly thought that Geometry in the early grades is just about getting kids to name and identify shapes. There are actually 4 big ideas talked about in the Navigating Through Geometry book. One of which is the work around two- and three-dimensional shapes but it is so much more than just naming & identifying shapes. In this episode we take …

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Episode 164 - The Power of Using Inverse Operations to Subtract & Divide 12:17

1y ago12:17

12:17

There are 4 main strategies children tend to use to solve addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems. These math strategies are not tricks. Their foundations are built on number relationships and properties of operations. In the Math Strategy Sessions we have already explored 3 of the strategies and our next session is focused on …

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Episode 163 - Helping Your Students to Be a Successful Student 14:05

1y ago14:05

14:05

There are lots of Problems of Teaching when you are helping young kids learn mathematics. One of the hardest ones is helping your students to be successful learners, constantly trying to manage a large classroom of students who often are not very productive. In the book Teaching Problems and the Problems of Teaching by Dr. Magdalene Lampert, there …

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Episode 162 - Approximation, Precision, & Accuracy in Measurement 9:08

1y ago9:08

9:08

In this video I’m sharing a part of a book that made me go “Hmm, I’ve never really thought about that!” It has to do with just how precise we can actually be when measuring items. One of the Standards of Mathematical Practice is “Attend to Precision” which is about being precise in all mathematical vocabulary and content, but just how precise shoul…

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Episode 161 - A candy bar is better than a pie…when it comes to fractions 13:38

1y ago13:38

13:38

I love pies, Pecan Pie especially, but I don’t love them during math time. Pies, well circles in general, are an overused visual when it comes to the teaching of fractions. In this video we take a look at visual fraction models that are much better to use and will be helpful to your students as they progress into other mathematical concepts like pe…

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Episode 160 - Tips for Getting Kids to Talk in Math Class 6:44

1y ago6:44

6:44

After the 2024 Virtual Math Summit, there was so much mention of using Sentence Stems I wanted to dig a bit deeper into them. In my research I stumbled upon an old blog post by one of my favorite Math-y people, Sara Van Der Werf. In this podcast episode I’m sharing a piece of her blog post that talks about one tweak you can make to Think/Pair/Share…

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Episode 159 - The Number Strings Queens 6:04

1y ago6:04

6:04

Cathy Fosnot and Pam Harris are The Queens of Number Strings (or Problem Strings as Pam would call them). I’m way too excited about the fact they are teaming up to do a one-day workshop all about using Problem Strings for Automaticity, Fluency, and Beyond. If you’ve been doing number strings and want to go more in depth on how to use them in your c…

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Episode 158 - Virtual Math Summit Preview: Preventing Teacher Burnout 11:43

1y ago11:43

11:43

Before the 2024 Virtual Math Summit starts next week, enjoy this preview of a Pre-Summit Session by Rosalba Serrano on Preventing Teacher Burnout. Rosalba shares a ton of information and ideas to help you with burnout but I specifically picked this clip because one of the ideas she shared is one that my family uses a lot: Control the Controllables.…

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Episode 157 - Virtual Math Summit Preview: Challenges and Benefits of Building Kids' Thinking 12:27

1y ago12:27

12:27

The 2024 Virtual Math Summit is in two weeks! Here’s a preview of 3 sessions from Jenny Foreman, Loren Thorpe, and myself talking about the challenges and benefits of working on getting your students to think and not just compute during math class. To see the full list of speakers, their presentations, and to get registered go to VirtualMathSummit.…

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Episode 156 - Virtual Math Summit Preview: Things to Think About When Doing Number Routines 12:53

1y ago12:53

12:53

The 2024 Virtual Math Summit is this month! Here’s a preview of 3 sessions from Michaela Epstein, Rosalba Serrano, and Nicole Thompson & Jessica Batinovic giving you tips, ideas, and inspiration to make our Number Routines the best they can be for your students. To see the full list of speakers, their presentations, and to get registered go to Virt…

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Episode 155 - Virtual Math Summit Preview: Teaching Math with Newcomers in Mind 8:12

1y ago8:12

8:12

The 2024 Virtual Math Summit starts in less than 1 month! Check out this preview of Dr. Jim Ewing’s keynote session about Teaching Math with Newcomers in Mind. To see the full list of speakers, their presentations, and to get registered go to VirtualMathSummit.com/register. To get any links mentioned in this episode, go to the show notes page at Bu…

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Episode 154 - Virtual Math Summit Preview: Helping Students Understand Multiplication 18:26

1+ y ago18:26

18:26

The 2024 Virtual Math Summit is coming soon. This week’s episode gives you a preview of 4 sessions that focus on helping students build their understanding and fluency of multiplication. Check out this preview of Shannon Olson, Juli Dixon, Thuc-Khahn Park, and Brittany Hege’s sessions. To see the full list of speakers, their presentations, and to g…

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Episode 153: Virtual Math Summit Preview: Tips for Creating Student-Centered Classrooms 20:34

1+ y ago20:34

20:34

The 2024 Virtual Math Summit is just around the corner. This week’s episode gives you a preview of 4 of the sessions. To see the full list of speakers, their presentations, and to get registered go to VirtualMathSummit.com/register. I’m a huge supporter of Student-Centered Classrooms and so for this episode I grabbed some clips to share with you th…

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Episode 152 - Why don't you talk about Time & Money? 5:06

1+ y ago5:06

5:06

I get asked why I don’t do much training about Time & Measurement. I do have some videos, you can see them in my Playlists at the YouTube channel, but there is a real reason why I don’t talk about those concepts as much as others. So in this video you get my thoughts (based upon what other math educators & researchers have to say) about why we shou…

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Episode 151 - What Do Students Need to Know About Division? 12:05

1+ y ago12:05

12:05

This essential understanding about division is something even adults struggle with: Division is defined by its inverse relationship with multiplication. Our textbooks want us to teach division as its own separate operation but a key to helping students understand and become proficient in division is to teach it in conjunction with multiplication. I…

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Episode 150 - A Quick Math Story Problem Activity 7:00

1+ y ago7:00

7:00

Want a quick & easy to implement activity that will show you how much your students know about the math operations and about math story problems? I’ve got it for you in this week’s Build Math Minds podcast. This idea comes from the book Taking Action: Implementing Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices by DeAnn Huinker and Victoria Bill. You can …

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Episode 149 - Things to Say Instead of IDK 9:45

1+ y ago9:45

9:45

The two ends of the spectrum when teaching math seem to be “here are the exact ways to solve this problem, follow it exactly,” and “you figure it out, I’m not telling you anything.” Neither of these tend to work. Instead it’s about finding a balance between these. We need to give some guidance, but not too much. We want them to figure out ways to s…

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Buildmathminds Podcasts

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