Suzy Koontz: How to Use Movement to Make Math Stick

Anyone who has stepped into a K–5 classroom knows this truth: kids need to move. But they also need strong math foundations. So how do we do both—without sacrificing rigor?In this episode, I sit down with Suzy Koontz, CEO and Founder of Math & Movement, to explore how movement-based learning can dramatically increase math fluency, engagement, and student confidence. A former actuary turned education innovator, Suzy shares how a simple trampoline moment with her daughter sparked a 25-year journey into brain-based math instruction .We discuss:The brain science behind movement and learningHow cross-body motion activates both hemispheres of the brainWhy skip counting is foundational for multiplication and division fluencyResearch showing significant gains in math achievement and self-efficacyHow schools can systematize movement-based strategies across classroomsPractical examples teachers can implement immediatelyThe impact on student collaboration, behavior, and math identityWe also preview Suzy’s upcoming ASCD book, Activate Math: Using Movement to Spark Engagement and Ignite Learning Activate Math: Using Movement to Spark Engagement and Ignite Learning.If you believe math should be active, conceptual, and confidence-building—not passive and procedural—this episode is for you.Suzy Koontz LinkedIn PageSuzy Koontz Web Page Math and Movement WebsiteMusic by Aylex