Something I’ve noticed over the years: when adults say they hate math, they’re almost never talking about math itself. They’re talking about feeling rushed, timed tests, or being embarrassed for not answering fast enough. That’s the experience they remember, and we can give students a better one!
Table of teachers playing math games
teachers playing math games
Criterion for math learning stations
teachers playing math games
Who had the best day with Haydon ES teachers in Manassas, VA? This girl right here 🙋🏻♀️! We talked about what holds us back from small-group instruction and analyzed the effectiveness of learning stations! This great work was made even better because of these reflective teachers!
#MathWorkshop
People are not actually “bad at math.” Many were just taught in environments that rewarded speed over thinking. When students internalize struggle as identity, that follows them for years. Change the classroom, and you change the belief. That’s where the real work begins!
Sometimes the biggest classroom upgrades aren’t expensive or complicated. They’re simple shifts that save time, reduce overwhelm, and make student thinking visible. When your systems work for you, teaching feels lighter. And that changes everything!
You didn’t become a teacher to manage compliance. You became one to build thinkers. If math feels like pacing guides and hoping everyone “got it,” you’re not alone. Busy isn’t the same as thinking. With the right structure, math workshop makes real thinking possible.
If you teach grades 6-12, you don’t need more inspiration. You need structure that works on a random Tuesday in February. This review says it best: Math Workshop is practical and built for real classrooms. If that’s what you’ve been looking for, both books are here: linktr.ee/jennifer.lempp
Math Workshop doesn’t mean you’re doing less. It means your students are doing more. More thinking. More talking.More problem-solving.
And you’re guiding it with purpose.
That shift is powerful while also being completely sustainable!
Lately I’ve been having some of my favorite conversations about math workshop, small-group instruction, & what actually works in real classrooms.
If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be a better way,” this is for you.
All the podcast + video links are here linktr.ee/jennifer.lempp 🤎
Quick reminder: trying something new in math doesn’t mean you’re starting over. It means you’re growing. Your routines still count. Your students’ thinking still counts. You’re building forward. 💛 Grab some free math workshop resources here linktr.ee/jennifer.lempp
Math Workshop isn’t one fixed formula.
There are a few solid ways to structure it, and the best one is the one your students can actually settle into. Start with what feels doable, keep the routines clear, and build from there. Consistency > perfection linktr.ee/jennifer.lempp
#MathWorkshop
Professional learning shouldn’t leave teachers with more to juggle. It should simplify decisions, strengthen systems, and make tomorrow feel doable. If your PD hasn’t done that, it’s time for a different approach! Feel free to reach out to bring better PD to your classrooms 🙂
Your students don’t need perfect math lessons. They need consistency, clear routines, and expectations they can trust. If you are rethinking your math block and want sustainable, student-centered structures, my DMs are open!
New semester.... new class.... new opportunities to fall in love with teaching math!
The 100th day of school doesn’t have to be a one-and-done celebration. With a little advance planning, it can stock your classroom with meaningful math materials you’ll use all year. Counting, grouping, reasoning, and zero extra spending. Win-win!
January can feel hard in classrooms, because this is the middle of the year. It's where routines may need to get stronger after a winter break, and systems may need to be reviewed. If you’re looking to restructure your classroom with sustainable, doable, student-centered learning, my DMs are open!
New year, quick re-intro 👋 I’m Jennifer. Math education consultant, author, and adjunct prof who helps teachers feel confident teaching math again. I believe in practical, student-centered systems that are sustainable and doable. Let’s connect!
A strong focus lesson isn’t about cramming in content! It’s about helping students enter the math with clarity and confidence. I wrote more on all the things about focus lessons and what actually matters in this week’s newsletter shorturl.at/tbM2E
January is one of those rare moments where change actually makes sense. Students are already in “new routine” mode, which makes trying something new feel less bumpy. You don’t need a full overhaul, just a starting point. Save this for when you need a reminder 💛
January = your permission to start.
The new year is a great time to slowly introduce new math workshop tools, not all at once. We’re halfway through the year, you know your students, and you can trust them to collaborate. Systems > willpower!
Teachers creating a poster for math standards
Teachers creating a poster for math standards
Teachers creating a poster for math standards
Early Number, place value, addition and subtraction PL session
These K-2 teachers in Randolph, NJ started the day by digging into the standards for place value, addition, and subtraction. Let's face it, time is not our friend in education. So we don't want to use our time teaching things we don't have to. Know your standards! Know your kids! #iTeachMath
Trunk full of math materials and a suitcase
On the road again... Headed your way, Randolph, NJ! Can't wait for 2 days of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division!
Rekenreks ✅
Counters ✅
Snap cubes ✅
And soooo many fun math games ✅✅✅
It will be great!
#iTeachMath #MathWorkshop #MathLearning #TeacherLearning
This is probably my favorite course that I have taken throughout the ELED program! Every class was so meaningful.
Was unpacking and repacking my math bin and found a note left from a student last semester. Made my day! Looking forward to the next Mathematics Methods semester starting soon at GMU. ❤️
Small-group instruction in math
Small-group instruction in math
Small-group instruction in math
Small-group instruction in math
Teachers in Randolph, NJ have completely embraced small-group instruction in mathematics! Watching students solve problems from start to finish and listening to their reasoning helps us know our students better. #iTeachMath #MathWorkshop #SmallGroups
Coaches in the train the trainer looking at student work samples to create small groups
Coaches in the train the trainer looking at student work samples to create small groups
Coaches in the train the trainer looking at student work samples to create small groups
Analyzing student work samples to create small groups in math doesn't need to take long. Make a group, create a goal, and get to it! You'll learn more about the students and readjust groups accordingly. #MathWorkshop #SmallGroupInstruction #iTeachMath
What should we consider in terms of our classroom arrangement, routines & procedures, and the mathematics community to have efficient and effective learning stations, focus lessons, and small-group instruction? Identifying these in advance is helpful for success and for support. #MathWorkshop
A day spent with this Manassas City crew is a good day. The train-the-trainer modules take a thoughtful and strategic look at taking baby steps toward a #MathWorkshop approach that will be manageable and sustainable!
I used to think and now I think reflections
I used to think and now I think reflections
When participants from the CA Rural Math Collaborative reflect after the virtual session on #MathWorkshop and it brings tears to my eyes 😭 loved their honesty and their openness. ❤️ I used to think.... and now I think..... 🧠
Small group instruction
Small group instruction
Whole group instruction
A beautiful blend of whole-group and small-group instruction makes for a purposeful plan to differentiate for students. Effective and efficient teaching strategies at St. Patrick Catholic School! 🤩#MathWorkshop #iTeachMath
Students playing a math game
Students playing a math game
Students working together
Students playing a math game
Watching these kids collaborate with one another and listening to the respectful way they discussed math strategies gave me all the goosebumps. 😍 thanks, St. Patrick Catholic School for inviting me into your classrooms. #iTeachMath #MathWorkshop #Feedback #TeacherLearning
The team of teachers and me!
Teachers solving problems
Mult and division
My awesome multiplication and division cohort at St. Patrick's Catholic School in Norfolk. We dove into so many great strategies and had the best conversations! #iTeachMath #TeacherLearning #MathWorkshop
