166: Kickstarting Problem Solving from Day One
- Author
- Mona Iehl
- Published
- Mon 25 Aug 2025
- Episode Link
- None
It’s back-to-school season, and if you’re running on caffeine and sheer willpower, this episode is for you. The copy machine is acting up, your prep time is shrinking, and yet—you’re slowly building something amazing with your new class.
In today’s episode, we’ll talk about launching word problems in math from the very first week to set the tone for a year of problem-solvers, not just answer-getters.
Feeling overwhelmed by planning? I’ve got you covered with my First Week of Word Problem Workshop resources for K–2 and 3–5. These ready-to-go plans include SEL connections, sample problems, prompts, and teacher questions so you can focus on teaching—not reinventing the wheel. Grab them here:
🎧 Listen to the full episode of the Math Chat Podcast for the stories, strategies, and teacher gems that will help you kick off problem-solving right.
✅ Subscribe so you never miss an episode
💬 Leave a review to help more teachers find the show
📒 Word Problem Workshop BOOK coming later this year!
Create a classroom of problem solvers with this 5 step daily routine. Through diving deeply into one problem each day you can increase student engagement, problem solving, & math proficiency!
You don't have to wait for the book...
Word Problem Workshop Online Course is avaliable now!
I'll show you how to...
- engage every student in daily problem solving
- utilize a proven routine that allows students to collaborate, reflect, take risks, and use mistakes as opportunities.
- confidently facilitate a students lead problem solving workshop
Join today right HERE!
