Making Number Sense Make Sense: A Math Podcast for Early Elementary Teachers

by Lara

Season 3

Ep 57: 5 Low-Floor High-Ceiling Math Tasks: Second Grade Building Thinking Classrooms Tasks

Are you looking for Building Thinking Classrooms Style Math Tasks that are perfect for 2nd garde? In this episode, I talk about the best of the best, most popular second grade low-floor, high-ceiling math tasks! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Helpful Links 2nd Grade Math Task Blog 2nd Grade Bestselling Bundle 2nd Grade Year-Long Bundle Try a FREE Math Task Let's Connect! Instagram Website YouTube Channel

S3 · E17

Sep 1, 2025

4:42

Ep 56: 5 Low-Floor High-Ceiling Math Tasks: 1st Grade Building Thinking Classrooms Tasks

Are you looking for Building Thinking Classrooms Style Math Tasks that are perfect for first grade? In this episode, I talk about the best of the best, most popular 1st grade low-floor, high-ceiling math tasks! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Helpful Links 1st Grade Math Task Blog 1st Grade Bestselling Bundle 1st Grade Year Long Bundle Try a FREE Math Task Let's Connect! Instagram Website YouTube Channel

S3 · E16

Aug 25, 2025

4:35

Ep 55: 5 Low-Floor High-Ceiling Math Tasks: Kindergarten Grade Building Thinking Classrooms Tasks

Are you looking for Building Thinking Classrooms Style Math Tasks that are perfect for Kindergarten? In this episode, I talk about the best of the best, most popular Kindergarten low floor, high ceiling math tasks! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Helpful Links Kindergarten Math Task Blog K Bestselling Bundle K Year Long Bundle Try a FREE Math Task Let's Connect! Instagram Website YouTube Channel

S3 · E15

Aug 18, 2025

8:19

Ep 54: 3 Number Sense Routines for Elementary Math

Let’s discuss three easy warm-ups to develop number sense in early elementary math! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Helpful Links Blog Post Quick Images Blog Post Which One Doesn’t Belong Blog Post Choral Counting Blog Post Let's Connect! Instagram Website YouTube Channel

S3 · E14

Aug 11, 2025

5:43

Ep 54: Setting Up A Math Block With No Curriculum

So you want to set up your math time to maximize success, but you don't have a curriculum. In this episode, we discuss components you can add to your math block that will last you all year! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Helpful Links Get a FREE Math Task Blog Post Decomposing Numbers Lessons Setting Up A Thinking Classroom Let's Connect! Instagram Website YouTube Channel

S3 · E13

Aug 4, 2025

11:17

Ep 53: The First Week of Math in Early Elementary: Setting Up Your Math Workshop for Success

In this episode, we'll talk about how to set up your math class for success starting from the first week! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Helpful Links Blog Post Decomposing Numbers Lessons Setting Up A Thinking Classroom Let's Connect! Instagram Website YouTube Channel

S3 · E12

Jul 28, 2025

20:19

Ep 52: 5 Games to Maximize Your Child’s Number Sense and Math Skills in 5 Minutes or Less!

Parents and teachers! Are you looking for ideas to help with math at home? Sometimes all it takes is 5 minutes daily to have a huge impact on your child’s learning and math skills! These 5 games require no materials only your time with your child and your helping your kids with math in the process! You can get these game ideas and more in this Math Game Activity Book! This post contains affiliate links Helpful Links Math Games Activity Book Blog Post Let's Connect! Instagram Website YouTube Channel

S3 · E11

Jul 21, 2025

5:44

Ep 51: 5 Minute Math Games For Parents to Prevent the Summer Slide for Kindergarten and First Grade!

The summer slide is real! If you are a parent, caregiver, or teacher looking for games to play or suggest to your families, this episode is for you! This episode contains 7+ game ideas to help your little ones with math over the summer! No worksheets are required! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Helpful Links Blog Activity Book Dice Playing Cards Free Games and Practice Pages Let's Connect! Instagram Website YouTube Channel

S3 · E10

Jul 14, 2025

6:51

Ep 50: 4 Easy At-Home Ideas to Help Your Child With Number Writing

In today’s episode, we’re diving into simple, hands-on ways to help your child practice writing numbers — without the boredom or frustration! Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these playful activities will keep young learners engaged while building fine motor skills and number sense. First up, we talk about Water Painting, the perfect activity for hot summer days. Grab a paintbrush and a cup of water, and let your child “paint” numbers on the sidewalk or wall. It’s fun, mess-free, and dries away on its own! Next, we explore Sand Writing, a tactile favorite that helps kids form numbers while engaging their senses. It’s a great way to build memory and fine motor skills — plus, kids love the feel of sand between their fingers. For a neater option, try Gel Writing. With just a plastic bag, dollar store gel, and a little food coloring, you can create a squishy, mess-free writing surface. It’s sensory-friendly and so much fun — just remember to double-bag to avoid spills! And if you’re looking for a grab-and-go option, check out the Number Writing Workbook, designed for Kindergarten and rising First Grade students. Inside you’ll find simple tracing pages with visual guides, fun number mazes, and activities that combine tracing, coloring, and number recognition. Tune in to hear how small changes in materials can turn ordinary number practice into an exciting, multisensory experience your child will love! Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Blog Post Number Writing Workbook Sand Free Games and Practice Pages Let's Connect! Instagram Website YouTube Channel

S3 · E9

Jul 7, 2025

5:32

Ep 49: Beads as Math Tools

In this episode, we explore how simple materials—like beads—can transform your math centers. Beads aren’t just colorful and fun; they’re powerful tools for counting collections, building fine motor skills, and creating patterns. We’ll dive into hands-on activities like Spin and Thread, DIY number racks, and engaging rekenrek games that help students strengthen their number sense and counting strategies. Whether you’re looking for easy prep ideas or creative ways to switch up your manipulatives, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use tomorrow. Tune in and bring new life to your math lessons! Helpful Links: Spin and Slide Spin and Thread Pick Build Cover Rekenrek Mini Bundle Blog Post Have a topic you want me to discuss? Fill out the Google Form! Let's Connect! Instagram Website YouTube Channel

S3 · E8

Feb 24, 2025

7:37

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