Beyond the Numbers

In Episode 4 of Beyond the Numbers, Kendra and Parvina dive into one of the most essential parts of teaching: building a balanced schedule that supports both literacy and numeracy throughout the day. They discuss how to start the year strong with intentional routines and transitions, ensuring that learning thrives all year long. The episode highlights the importance of finding moments for math beyond the math block and explores how numeracy can naturally integrate into the daily schedule. Stay tuned until the end, where they imagine what a “golden day”—a perfectly uninterrupted, flowing schedule—might look like in the classroom.

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Kendra is joined by Parvina to explore the powerful connection between literacy and numeracy through the lens of classroom talk. They dive into how intentional use of oral language from the start of the year can shape students’ engagement with both math and literacy. Discover how talk naturally lives in play, and how it can support student development when we notice and name it. Kendra and Parvina also discuss strategies for creating a classroom culture that encourages meaningful dialogue, builds vocabulary, and empowers students to grow as mathematicians, readers, and writers.

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, we kick off a series that explores the powerful connections between literacy and numeracy in our classrooms. Join me, Kendra, and my guest Parvina Panghali as we dive into what it means to foster a culture of voracious learning, focusing on nurturing students who are as curious and eager about math as they are about reading and writing. We’ll discuss how aligning systems and structures across subjects can reinforce learning, helping students see the bigger picture and thrive in every aspect of their education. Tune in as we share strategies to cultivate relentless curiosity and a love for learning, creating classrooms where every minute counts, in math class and beyond!

Welcome to the very first episode of Beyond the Numbers! Join me, Kendra, as we kick off a journey into rethinking math education. This podcast is for educators who sometimes feel out of sync with traditional math teaching methods and are searching for a more engaging, vibrant approach. In this introductory episode, I’ll share the inspiration behind Beyond the Numbers and discuss the importance of creating classrooms that thrive on curiosity, collaboration, and authentic engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this podcast offers insights on integrating numeracy into literacy, fostering a growth mindset, and creating opportunities for collaborative problem-solving. Subscribe now to start building a math classroom where learning is alive and students are truly connected to the subject—and to each other. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together. Happy mathematizing!