
The Power of Indirect Instruction in Mathematics: S2 E18
02/11/25 • 26 min
In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, hosts Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic delve into the concept of the Staircase Problem, a reference task designed to enhance number sense through engagement and focus. This task fosters collaboration between teachers and occupational therapists within the classroom. It improves memory and retention of math concepts.
Key Topics Covered:
- The importance of counting in developing number sense
- Implementing Staircase Math as an ongoing reference task
- Strategies for creating independent math learners
- The role of occupational therapists in classroom-based interventions
- Building a collaborative approach to math instruction
.****************************************************************************
DisabilityLabs.com sponsors this video podcast. We are committed to IMPACT the journey of 200K teachers (3M students) by 2030 so they can reignite their passion for teaching.
*****************************************************************************
RESOURCES/COURSES MENTIONED
All episodes of Tier 1 Interventions are recorded live and edited for teachers, therapists, and parents to consume on their way to work.
Join the Next Tier 1 Interventions Workshops LIVE: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/tier-1-interventions-workshops
Our next live workshop is on January 18, 2025.
**************************************************************************
BOOKS
Making Mathineers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Mathineers-Transformational-Experiences-Conceptual-ebook/dp/B08NFCZ64K
Handwriting Brain Body DISconnect Digital Version: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/hwbbd
On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Handwriting-Brain-Body-DisConnect-techniques-ebook/dp/B07N1XB1G7
Both books are also available in paperback and hardcover versions. All versions are available wherever books are sold.
Math DYSconnected - To be released in 2025.
*************************************************************************
TIME STAMPS
01:05 The foundational role of counting in math intervention
03:30 Exploring the Staircase Math task
06:21 Integrating OTs into classroom math instruction
08:27 Embracing the Least Restrictive Environment in math education
10:24 Encouraging math teachers to adopt new instructional models
12:23 The necessity of a team approach for successful implementation
17:23 Addressing math anxiety through cultural shifts in the classroom
20:08 Connecting homeschool methods to the IMPACT Learning Framework
25:17 The transformative power of effective questioning strategies
***************************************************************************
SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.
APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-1-interventions/id1729403599?uo=4
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/72Wmq8ddduGz4eUMK7LVIy
AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89f67d1a-98b5-4592-a53c-8f4acb3d8029
This podcast is created from excerpts from the Tier 1 Interventions Workshop. To hear the full math intervention, subscribe to watch the event live monthly on the 3rd Saturday during the school year.
*************************************************************************
MISSION
We are committed to IMPACT the journey of 200K teachers (3M students) by 2030 so they can reignite their passion for teaching.
*************************************************************************
WORK WITH US:
Join Tier 1 Workshops. Complete episodes with bonuses are included in the course. New episodes are added after the live events. https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/tier-1-interventions-workshops
*****************************************************************************************************
FREE RESOURCES
Saturday Math and IMPACT Wednesday https://www.eventbrite.com/o/jonily-zupancic-8523599443
3 Interventions OTs need to make your Students' Math Stick!
https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com
*************************************************************************
Other ways to connect with Jonily and Cheri
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1interventions
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheridotterer/
https://www.instagram.com/jonilyzupancic/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheridotterer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonily-zupancic-29aa7a54/
X: https://twitter.com/CheriDotterer
https://twitter.com/mindsonmath
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridotterer
https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsonmath
**************************************************************************
BE THE F...
In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, hosts Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic delve into the concept of the Staircase Problem, a reference task designed to enhance number sense through engagement and focus. This task fosters collaboration between teachers and occupational therapists within the classroom. It improves memory and retention of math concepts.
Key Topics Covered:
- The importance of counting in developing number sense
- Implementing Staircase Math as an ongoing reference task
- Strategies for creating independent math learners
- The role of occupational therapists in classroom-based interventions
- Building a collaborative approach to math instruction
.****************************************************************************
DisabilityLabs.com sponsors this video podcast. We are committed to IMPACT the journey of 200K teachers (3M students) by 2030 so they can reignite their passion for teaching.
*****************************************************************************
RESOURCES/COURSES MENTIONED
All episodes of Tier 1 Interventions are recorded live and edited for teachers, therapists, and parents to consume on their way to work.
Join the Next Tier 1 Interventions Workshops LIVE: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/tier-1-interventions-workshops
Our next live workshop is on January 18, 2025.
**************************************************************************
BOOKS
Making Mathineers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Mathineers-Transformational-Experiences-Conceptual-ebook/dp/B08NFCZ64K
Handwriting Brain Body DISconnect Digital Version: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/hwbbd
On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Handwriting-Brain-Body-DisConnect-techniques-ebook/dp/B07N1XB1G7
Both books are also available in paperback and hardcover versions. All versions are available wherever books are sold.
Math DYSconnected - To be released in 2025.
*************************************************************************
TIME STAMPS
01:05 The foundational role of counting in math intervention
03:30 Exploring the Staircase Math task
06:21 Integrating OTs into classroom math instruction
08:27 Embracing the Least Restrictive Environment in math education
10:24 Encouraging math teachers to adopt new instructional models
12:23 The necessity of a team approach for successful implementation
17:23 Addressing math anxiety through cultural shifts in the classroom
20:08 Connecting homeschool methods to the IMPACT Learning Framework
25:17 The transformative power of effective questioning strategies
***************************************************************************
SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.
APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-1-interventions/id1729403599?uo=4
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/72Wmq8ddduGz4eUMK7LVIy
AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89f67d1a-98b5-4592-a53c-8f4acb3d8029
This podcast is created from excerpts from the Tier 1 Interventions Workshop. To hear the full math intervention, subscribe to watch the event live monthly on the 3rd Saturday during the school year.
*************************************************************************
MISSION
We are committed to IMPACT the journey of 200K teachers (3M students) by 2030 so they can reignite their passion for teaching.
*************************************************************************
WORK WITH US:
Join Tier 1 Workshops. Complete episodes with bonuses are included in the course. New episodes are added after the live events. https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/tier-1-interventions-workshops
*****************************************************************************************************
FREE RESOURCES
Saturday Math and IMPACT Wednesday https://www.eventbrite.com/o/jonily-zupancic-8523599443
3 Interventions OTs need to make your Students' Math Stick!
https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com
*************************************************************************
Other ways to connect with Jonily and Cheri
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1interventions
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheridotterer/
https://www.instagram.com/jonilyzupancic/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheridotterer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonily-zupancic-29aa7a54/
X: https://twitter.com/CheriDotterer
https://twitter.com/mindsonmath
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridotterer
https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsonmath
**************************************************************************
BE THE F...
Previous Episode

Differentiated Instruction in the Regular Ed Classroom: S2 E17
The Staircase Problem isn't just a math exercise—it’s a pathway to deep conceptual learning, executive function growth, and full classroom inclusion. Whether you're a math teacher, occupational therapist, or intervention specialist, understanding how to scaffold and differentiate this task can transform student engagement and success.
.****************************************************************************
DisabilityLabs.com sponsors this video podcast. We are committed to IMPACT the journey of 200K teachers (3M students) by 2030 so they can reignite their passion for teaching.
*****************************************************************************
RESOURCES/COURSES MENTIONED
All episodes of Tier 1 Interventions are recorded live and edited for teachers, therapists, and parents to consume on their way to work.
Join the Next Tier 1 Interventions Workshops LIVE: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/tier-1-interventions-workshops
Our next live workshop is on January 18, 2025.
**************************************************************************
BOOKS
Making Mathineers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Mathineers-Transformational-Experiences-Conceptual-ebook/dp/B08NFCZ64K
Handwriting Brain Body DISconnect Digital Version: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/hwbbd
On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Handwriting-Brain-Body-DisConnect-techniques-ebook/dp/B07N1XB1G7
Both books are also available in paperback and hardcover versions. All versions are available wherever books are sold.
Math DYSconnected - To be released in 2025.
*************************************************************************
TIME STAMPS
00:00 Introduction: The power of counting and number sense
01:50 The Staircase Problem and its place in the 12 reference tasks
02:53 Why number sense is foundational for all math learners
04:33 The role of automaticity in math fluency
05:51 The Goldilocks principle: Finding the “just right” challenge
07:08 Integrating math and cognitive science for deeper learning
10:00 Differentiation strategies: Whole-class individualization
12:45 Accessibility and inclusion: Adapting materials for all learners
15:18 A case study: Adapting the Staircase Problem for distance learning
17:19 Why slow, repeated exposure is key to mastery
19:51 January math strategy: Revisiting concepts to solidify learning
***************************************************************************
SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.
APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-1-interventions/id1729403599?uo=4
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/72Wmq8ddduGz4eUMK7LVIy
AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89f67d1a-98b5-4592-a53c-8f4acb3d8029
This podcast is created from excerpts from the Tier 1 Interventions Workshop. To hear the full math intervention, subscribe to watch the event live monthly on the 3rd Saturday during the school year.
*************************************************************************
MISSION
We are committed to IMPACT the journey of 200K teachers (3M students) by 2030 so they can reignite their passion for teaching.
*************************************************************************
WORK WITH US:
Join Tier 1 Workshops. Complete episodes with bonuses are included in the course. New episodes are added after the live events. https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/tier-1-interventions-workshops
*****************************************************************************************************
FREE RESOURCES
Saturday Math and IMPACT Wednesday https://www.eventbrite.com/o/jonily-zupancic-8523599443
3 Interventions OTs need to make your Students' Math Stick!
https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com
*************************************************************************
Other ways to connect with Jonily and Cheri
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1interventions
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheridotterer/
https://www.instagram.com/jonilyzupancic/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheridotterer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonily-zupancic-29aa7a54/
X: https://twitter.com/CheriDotterer
https://twitter.com/mindsonmath
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridotterer
https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsonmath
**************************************************************************
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW
Join our community https://disabilitylabs.com/community
*************************************************************************
HASHTAGS
#tier1interventions #mindsonmath #jonily #cheri #TeacherTips #MathEducation #ClassroomStrategies #TeachingMath #K12Ed...
Next Episode

Hidden Math Pattern That Makes Subtraction Easy For Everyone: S2 E19
In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, Jonily Zupancic continues the conversation on Three Math Rules That Never Expire, focusing on Rule #2: Subtraction is Distance. Many students struggle with subtraction when taught only as "taking away." But what if we reframed it as measuring distance? Jonily explains how this approach builds number sense from preschool through high school, making subtraction intuitive and transferable across math concepts, including negative numbers, decimals, and absolute value.
She walks listeners through practical examples, discusses number line strategies, and shares how teachers can improve students’ understanding using subtraction cycles. Tune in for actionable teaching tips and a fresh perspective on subtraction!
FREE DOWNLOAD: https://disabilitylabs.com/f/division-is-counting-introduction-cycle-a-copy
.****************************************************************************
DisabilityLabs.com sponsors this video podcast. We are committed to IMPACT the journey of 200K teachers (3M students) by 2030 so they can reignite their passion for teaching.
*****************************************************************************
RESOURCES/COURSES MENTIONED
All episodes of Tier 1 Interventions are recorded live and edited for teachers, therapists, and parents to consume on their way to work.
Join the Next Tier 1 Interventions Workshops LIVE: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/tier-1-interventions-workshops
2025.
**************************************************************************
BOOKS
Making Mathineers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Mathineers-Transformational-Experiences-Conceptual-ebook/dp/B08NFCZ64K
Handwriting Brain Body DISconnect Digital Version: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/hwbbd
On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Handwriting-Brain-Body-DisConnect-techniques-ebook/dp/B07N1XB1G7
Both books are also available in paperback and hardcover versions. All versions are available wherever books are sold.
Math DYSconnected - To be released in 2025.
***************************************************************************
SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.
APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-1-interventions/id1729403599?uo=4
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/72Wmq8ddduGz4eUMK7LVIy
AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89f67d1a-98b5-4592-a53c-8f4acb3d8029
This podcast is created from excerpts from the Tier 1 Interventions Workshop. To hear the full math intervention, subscribe to watch the event live monthly on the 3rd Saturday during the school year.
*************************************************************************
MISSION
We are committed to IMPACT the journey of 200K teachers (3M students) by 2030 so they can reignite their passion for teaching.
*************************************************************************
WORK WITH US:
Join Tier 1 Workshops. Complete episodes with bonuses are included in the course. New episodes are added after the live events. https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/tier-1-interventions-workshops
*****************************************************************************************************
FREE RESOURCES
Saturday Math and IMPACT Wednesday https://www.eventbrite.com/o/jonily-zupancic-8523599443
3 Interventions OTs need to make your Students' Math Stick!
https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com
*************************************************************************
Other ways to connect with Jonily and Cheri
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1interventions
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheridotterer/
https://www.instagram.com/jonilyzupancic/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheridotterer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonily-zupancic-29aa7a54/
X: https://twitter.com/CheriDotterer
https://twitter.com/mindsonmath
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridotterer
https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsonmath
**************************************************************************
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW
Join our community https://disabilitylabs.com/community
*************************************************************************
HASHTAGS
#tier1interventions #mindsonmath #jonily #cheri #TeacherTips #MathEducation #ClassroomStrategies #TeachingMath #K12Education #MathTeachers #EducationMatters #TeacherLife #MathInterventions #NumberSense #MathFluency #CountingStrategies #MathAutomaticity #MathPatterns #STEMEducation #MathDifferentiation #PodcastForTeachers #EducationPodcast #TeachingPodcast #MathPodcast #Tier1Interventions #TheWritingGlitch #EdTechPodcast
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