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Why Number Sense Unlocks Everything episode artwork

Jun 17, 2025 26 min

Why Number Sense Unlocks Everything

from Tier 1 Interventions Hosted by Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer

In this electrifying episode recorded live at our June event, Jonily Zupancic dives deep into the misunderstood world of the “science of math.” Discover the powerful contrast between reading and math instruction, why counting—not computation—is the ultimate key to number sense, and how the brain's innate wiring for estimation and patterns reshapes what we call math achievement. Plus, a special segment with Cheri Dotterer introduces the Learning Disabilities Podcast Network and the deeper connections between writing and math. Whether you’re a teacher, therapist, or just math-curious, this one will stretch your thinking and ignite your passion for how students actually learn math. NOTE: You must log into DisabilityLabs.com to gain access. While you are there, join out 3d community. https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1 *************************************************************************** BOOKS Making Mathineers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Mathineers-Transformational-Experiences-Conceptual-ebook/dp/B08NFCZ64K Handwriting Brain Body DISconnect Digital Version: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/hwbbd On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Handwriting-Brain-Body-DisConnect-techniques-ebook/dp/B07N1XB1G7 Both books are also available in paperback and hardcover versions. All versions are available wherever books are sold. Math DYSconnected - To be released in 2024. *************************************************************************** TIME CODES 00:00 – 01:00 — Welcome and context: Live from the June event 01:00 – 04:00 — What is the “science of math” and why it’s misunderstood 04:00 – 06:30 — Comparing the science of reading to math instruction 06:30 – 08:30 — Why urgency and sensory input fuel learning 08:30 – 10:30 — Defining math achievement: number sense vs. math ability 10:30 – 12:30 — Counting is innate—but what improves it? 12:30 – 14:30 — Quick dot activity: perception and estimation 14:30 – 17:00 — Visual organization, rectangles, and number sense 17:00 – 19:00 — Responsive teaching through student perspective 19:00 – 21:00 — Memory activity: orientation, attention, and recall 21:00 – 26:00 — Cheri Dotterer introduces the podcast network + writing/math connection 26:00 – End — Outro and summer publishing schedule *************************************************************************** SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app. APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-1-interventions/id1729403599?uo=4 SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/72Wmq8ddduGz4eUMK7LVIy AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89f67d1a-98b5-4592-a53c-8f4acb3d8029 This podcast is created from excerpts from the Tier 1 Interventions Workshop. To hear the full math intervention, subscribe to watch the event live monthly on the 3rd Saturday during the school year. *************************************************************************** MISSION Minds on Math, LLC: To provide engaging, high-quality professional development and instructional coaching for teachers to improve student achievement and understanding of mathematics. Dotterer Educational Consulting, a Therapy Services, LLC company: To provide professional development to improve writing skills through efficient lesson planning for regular education classrooms. *************************************************************************** FREE RESOURCES https://www.eventbrite.com/o/jonily-zupancic-8523599443 https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cheri-dotterer-classroom-coach-18603393525 *************************************************************************** Other ways to connect with Jonily and Cheri FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1interventions IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheridotterer/ https://www.instagram.com/jonilyzupancic/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheridotterer/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonily-zupancic-29aa7a54/ X: https://twitter.com/CheriDotterer https://twitter.com/mindsonmath TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridotterer https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsonmath *************************************************************************** QUESTION What is your biggest struggle in your classroom right now? Include grade level and your role. Share in the comments or email us at: [email protected] [email protected] *************************************************************************** HASHTAGS #jonily #cheri #Tier1Interventions #MathStrategies #OTinSchools #MathIntervention #Dyscalculia #NeuroscienceInEducation

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Why Number Sense Unlocks Everything

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This episode was published on June 17, 2025.

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