Episode 058: Revisiting Empowering Math Instruction with Naomi Church
01/28/25 • 33 min
Naomi Church, a passionate advocate for minimalist teaching strategies in math, joins us to unravel the complexities of modern math instruction. What if less really is more when it comes to teaching math? Discover how simplifying your approach can not only alleviate the overwhelming burden of an extensive curriculum but also transform the learning environment into one where engagement and strategic thinking flourish. From the Universal Design for Learning framework to fostering a classroom culture ripe for productive struggle, Naomi's insights encourage educators to rethink how math is taught.
Empowering students is at the heart of our discussion, focusing on how autonomy can revolutionize their learning experience. We explore the potential of giving students choices—from the problems they tackle to how they collaborate and demonstrate mastery. This isn't just about letting go; it's about strategically passing the baton to our learners in ways that build their confidence and efficacy. We draw inspiration from "Building Thinking Classrooms," offering strategies that shift the onus of learning from educators to students, fostering independent thinkers ready to navigate complex problems.
Finally, we dissect the math block, offering a fresh perspective on balancing instruction, reteaching, and remediation. By dividing the lesson into targeted segments, we ensure every second contributes to meaningful learning. Say goodbye to traditional drills and engage students with recommended resources like "Math Fact Fluency" by Jenny Bay Williams and Gina Kling, which integrate fun fluency games into lessons. Join us in celebrating a minimalist approach that doesn't sacrifice depth or understanding, but instead, maximizes every moment in the math classroom.
Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.
Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.
The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.
Naomi Church, a passionate advocate for minimalist teaching strategies in math, joins us to unravel the complexities of modern math instruction. What if less really is more when it comes to teaching math? Discover how simplifying your approach can not only alleviate the overwhelming burden of an extensive curriculum but also transform the learning environment into one where engagement and strategic thinking flourish. From the Universal Design for Learning framework to fostering a classroom culture ripe for productive struggle, Naomi's insights encourage educators to rethink how math is taught.
Empowering students is at the heart of our discussion, focusing on how autonomy can revolutionize their learning experience. We explore the potential of giving students choices—from the problems they tackle to how they collaborate and demonstrate mastery. This isn't just about letting go; it's about strategically passing the baton to our learners in ways that build their confidence and efficacy. We draw inspiration from "Building Thinking Classrooms," offering strategies that shift the onus of learning from educators to students, fostering independent thinkers ready to navigate complex problems.
Finally, we dissect the math block, offering a fresh perspective on balancing instruction, reteaching, and remediation. By dividing the lesson into targeted segments, we ensure every second contributes to meaningful learning. Say goodbye to traditional drills and engage students with recommended resources like "Math Fact Fluency" by Jenny Bay Williams and Gina Kling, which integrate fun fluency games into lessons. Join us in celebrating a minimalist approach that doesn't sacrifice depth or understanding, but instead, maximizes every moment in the math classroom.
Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.
Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.
The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.
Previous Episode
Episode 057: Revisiting Advocacy for Minimalism with Tammy and Christine
Could embracing minimalism and advocating for yourself transform your teaching and personal life? Join us as we promise to uncover how reducing unnecessary workloads and protecting personal time can lead to a more fulfilling and effective educational experience. Tammy Musiowsky-Borneman and Christine Arnold revisit a beloved discussion, spotlighting how involving students more actively in their learning can help educators maintain a healthier work-life balance. By recognizing our students' capabilities, we can create opportunities for productive struggle, lessen our stress, and improve student engagement. We'll share stories and strategies for aligning our teaching with minimalist principles that empower both educators and learners.
Teacher wellness and sustainability are at the heart of this episode, highlighting how prioritizing self-care can have a ripple effect on student well-being. With the ongoing challenge of substitute teacher shortages, the guilt of taking necessary sick days can be overwhelming, yet essential for maintaining effective practice. We explore the power of student-centered learning to alleviate pressures and foster a supportive classroom environment. By modeling wellness and advocating for our needs, we set a powerful example for our students and their families. Tune in and connect with our community on social media as we continue our journey toward simplicity and effectiveness in education.
Naomi Church, Chief Learning Officer at Growing Minds Consulting, is a speaker, author, experienced educator, and credentialed coach. She served in very large public school districts for almost 20 years as a Professional Development Specialist, Math intervention specialist, RtI Coordinator, Instructional Coach, and teacher leader. Naomi created a Mathematics for Struggling Learners training for the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) that is being implemented across the State of Florida. In her role as the Chief Learning Officer of Growing Minds Consulting, Naomi now works with schools, districts and departments of education to help make education more inclusive and equitable for all. As the President of Learning Forward Florida, Naomi is helping to re-envision professional learning for educators to maximize engagement, value and implementation. Naomi is passionate about professional learning and building capacity in teachers and families to increase student success.
Resources written by Naomi:
The Value of Choice Blog Post
The Homework Debate: What is the ‘Right’ Homework? Blog Post
Reteaching vs. Remediation Blog Post
Resources Naomi recommends:
Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning by Peter Liljedahl
Productive Math Struggle: A 6-Point action Plan for Fostering Perseverance by John SanGiovanni, Susie Klatt, K
Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.
Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.
The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.
Next Episode
Episode 059: Balancing Relationships and Teaching: Insights from Educator Partners Part 1 with Tammy and Christine
What happens when the classroom door closes, but the workday continues at home? Join us for an eye-opening exploration into the personal lives of educators, as seen through the eyes of their significant others. Discover the surprising truth that 65% of teacher partners report their loved ones bringing work home often. This episode reveals the intricate dance of maintaining a fulfilling relationship while balancing the demanding nature of teaching, particularly for elementary educators. Tune in for heartwarming stories and candid insights into the long-term commitments that often define educator relationships, and see how these commitments withstand the pressures of the profession.
In our candid conversation, we uncover the toll that teaching takes not just on professional life, but on personal health and family dynamics. Hear firsthand accounts from teacher partners about the exhaustion that leaves teachers too drained to engage with family and friends, and the quiet moments needed to reset before rejoining their loved ones. With alarming survey results highlighting the negative impact of teaching on physical health, we stress the importance of adopting healthier lifestyle choices to counteract stress. Join us as we wrap up this segment with a commitment to continuing the conversation in part two, delving deeper into these vital issues affecting educators and their families.
Buy The Minimalist Teacher book from ASCD+ISTE.
Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.
The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.
The Minimalist Educator Podcast - Episode 058: Revisiting Empowering Math Instruction with Naomi Church
Transcript
Welcome to the Minimalist Educator Podcast , a podcast about paring down to refocus on the purpose and priorities in our roles with co-hosts and co-authors of the Minimalist Teacher Book , Tammy Musialski-Bornemann and Christine Arnold .
Speaker 2Hello and welcome to this very special episode of the Minimalist Educator Podcast . Welcome , Tammy . How
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