Why Learning Doesn’t Stick (and How Brian Proved It Wrong)

Brian’s story isn’t just about one student—it’s about every student who has ever struggled to learn math. In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, discover how teaching the brain’s way transforms learning that sticks.

Join Cheri Dotterer (OT, author of Handwriting Brain Body DisConnect) and Jonily Zupancic (Math Specialist, author of Making Mathineers) as they reveal why traditional learning doesn’t stick—and how the Mastery Math Method changes outcomes for every classroom.

💡 You’ll learn:
 ✅ Why pre-planning is the missing link in lesson design
✅ The difference between planning and presenting (and why both often fall short)
✅ How occupational therapy strategies unlock math success
✅ The role of number sense, memory, and brain-based teaching
 ✅ Real stories—like Brian, a struggling student who finally thrived through this method

This isn’t theory. These are neuroscience-based strategies with proven results: entire classes moving from struggle to success, with 92% of students showing measurable growth.

👉 Register for the next Masterclass:
 https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar

✨ Subscribe for more episodes of Tier 1 Interventions Podcast and Mastery Math Method strategies!

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
 01:00 – Why Tier 1 Core Matters Most
 02:00 – Pre-Planning: The Forgotten Step in Education
 06:00 – OT Insights: Breaking Learning into Steps
 08:00 – Pre-Planning Essentials: Number Sense, Facts, Fractions, Functions, Factors
 10:00 – Brian’s Story: From Struggling to Thriving
 14:00 – Planning with Stimuli (Not Just Lesson Plans)
 17:00 – Stimulus Examples: How to Spark Mathematical Thinking
 20:00 – Teach the Brain’s Way: Why Learning Stays
 21:00 – Presenting: The Power of Teacher Quality
 24:00 – Instructional Coaching in Real Classrooms
 28:00 – Changing the Environment for Student Engagement
 30:00 – Curriculum as a Journey, Not a Delivery System
 32:00 – Call to Action: Join the Mastery Math Method

🎯 Ready to Change Math Outcomes in 10 Days?

👉 Join our FREE Masterclass for school leaders, teachers, and OTs:
 https://disabilitylabs.com/live-webinar/freemasterclass/register

🎁 Download your free Intervention Toolkit (login required):
 https://disabilitylabs.com/43857/files/6887de9b124d7_1753734811_division-cycles-h-and-l-notes-extended.pdf

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🔗 Stay Connected

🌐 Website: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle
📧 Disability Labs Community: https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1

🎙️ Credits:
Host: Cheri Dotterer
Co-Host: Jonily Zupancic
Production: Disability Labs Podcast Network

🧠 Resources Mentioned:

Mastery Math Method Level One (Lifetime Access): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle
Mastery Math Method Level Two (Annual Subscription): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching

⚠️ Disclaimer: The content shared in this video is for educational purposes only and does not replace your district’s policies or individualized education plans. Always consult with your instructional team before implementing new strategies.

🏷️ Hashtags

#Tier1Interventions #MathIntervention #MasteryMathMethod #TeachingStrategies #SpecialEducation #MTSS #NeurodiverseLearning #Jonily #Cheri