#126 What Makes Math Feel Relevant? Isn’t it just Practical Examples of Real World Math?

We all want our students to feel like math matters—but what does “relevant” even mean in the classroom? Is it just practical math examples? 

Spoiler: It’s not just about adding real-world word math problems to a worksheet or doing a budget project once a year.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what relevance really looks like, why it’s critical to student engagement, and how to start weaving it into your math class from Day 1.

✅ In this episode:

• Why “relevance” is more than just career connections or life skills
• The different types of math relevance you can tap into right now
• Quick strategies to build real-world connections—without blowing up your curriculum
• A free guide to help you plan with purpose
  
  
  

🔗 Resources & Links:
📘 Download the Project or Practice Expert Guide – your step-by-step tool to design engaging tasks that make math meaningful
 👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/guide

🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: https://pod.link/1692336821

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Math becomes relevant when students see a connection to their identity, interests, or the world around them.
• You don’t need a full-blown project—one intentional question or warm-up can create powerful buy-in.
• Starting with a real world math or relevant task can shape the tone of your classroom all year long.
  
  

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!

This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.

Connect with Kristen:

• Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustx
• Join the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers Movement

More About the Modern Math Teacher Podcast

Kristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.

Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!

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