Teaching Math Made Easy Sat, 17 Oct 2026 14:42:53 -0400 https://teachingmathmadeeasy.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Teaching Math Made Easy yes 69708965-8c56-509b-bd72-875d6cb28517 Greg Coleman episodic false Teaching elementary math doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Each week, the Teaching Math Made Easy podcast brings you practical ideas and teaching tips to help your students understand math more deeply, while helping you feel more confident walking into math class.

 

Hosted by Greg, a former classroom teacher, math coach, and school administrator with over 20 years in education, every episode is built for 2nd through 5th grade teachers who want practical ideas. Expect short, focused episodes you can listen to between planning periods or on your commute, covering everything from teaching strategies to differentiation to the everyday challenges of running your math block.


If you're ready for even more support, visit elementarymathfam.com/join for tools and resources designed specifically for third-grade math teachers. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) elementary math, math instruction, 3rd grade math, math teacher, differentiation, small group instruction, math fluency, teaching strategies, math intervention, elementary education, math coaching, classroom math Greg Coleman https://storage.buzzsprout.com/0nhk45a0adhb2s80tkikrdb8nli3?.jpg Teaching Math Made Easy https://teachingmathmadeeasy.buzzsprout.com Your Place Value Chart Might Be Teaching the Wrong Thing Your Place Value Chart Might Be Teaching the Wrong Thing A student can fill in a place value chart perfectly, every digit in the right column, and still have no idea what those digits actually mean. 

Rather than asking whether students filled in the chart correctly, the better question is whether they understand what each digit represents. This episode walks through how a place value chart can quietly become a labeling tool instead of a reasoning tool, and what to do differently so students build understanding instead of just following a routine. 

In this episode, you'll explore: 

  • Why a perfectly filled-in place value chart doesn't guarantee real understanding 
  • An instructional move that gets students thinking with the chart, not just filling it in 
  • A question worksheets rarely ask that pushes place value understanding deeper 

If your students can fill in a place value chart but struggle to justify their thinking, this episode will show you how to get them explaining their thinking, not just filling in boxes. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. →  Elementary Math Fam 

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath. 

]]> A student can fill in a place value chart perfectly, every digit in the right column, and still have no idea what those digits actually mean. 

Rather than asking whether students filled in the chart correctly, the better question is whether they understand what each digit represents. This episode walks through how a place value chart can quietly become a labeling tool instead of a reasoning tool, and what to do differently so students build understanding instead of just following a routine. 

In this episode, you'll explore: 

  • Why a perfectly filled-in place value chart doesn't guarantee real understanding 
  • An instructional move that gets students thinking with the chart, not just filling it in 
  • A question worksheets rarely ask that pushes place value understanding deeper 

If your students can fill in a place value chart but struggle to justify their thinking, this episode will show you how to get them explaining their thinking, not just filling in boxes. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. →  Elementary Math Fam 

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19820020 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 04:00:00 -0400 516 9 full false What Tier 2 Math Intervention Actually Means (And What It Doesn't) What Tier 2 Math Intervention Actually Means (And What It Doesn't) If five different people in your building explained Tier 2, would you get five different answers? 

Some people think it means small group instruction. Others think it's a curriculum activity, a program, or just more practice, when it's really none of those things on their own. This episode clears up what Tier 2 really means, what it doesn’t, and ways to shift your mindset about providing support. 

In this episode, you'll explore: 

  • What Tier 2 requires beyond just working with a small group 
  • How the language we use can shape how we teach students
  • 3 questions to ask when considering the need for Tier 2 intervention 

If terms like 'low group' or 'red group' sound familiar, this episode will help you rethink how you talk about and plan for Tier 2. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. →  Elementary Math Fam 

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath. 

]]> If five different people in your building explained Tier 2, would you get five different answers? 

Some people think it means small group instruction. Others think it's a curriculum activity, a program, or just more practice, when it's really none of those things on their own. This episode clears up what Tier 2 really means, what it doesn’t, and ways to shift your mindset about providing support. 

In this episode, you'll explore: 

  • What Tier 2 requires beyond just working with a small group 
  • How the language we use can shape how we teach students
  • 3 questions to ask when considering the need for Tier 2 intervention 

If terms like 'low group' or 'red group' sound familiar, this episode will help you rethink how you talk about and plan for Tier 2. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. →  Elementary Math Fam 

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19820013 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 -0400 622 8 full false What Tier 1 Math Instruction Actually Means (And What it Doesn't) What Tier 1 Math Instruction Actually Means (And What it Doesn't) When you hear "Tier 1 instruction," do you picture your whole-group lesson and nothing else?

You’re not alone. It's one of the most common misconceptions in the tiered support model. Let’s bust that myth. Tier 1 isn't a one-size-fits-all lesson. This episode breaks down why it's easy to confuse Tier 1 as a whole-group curriculum, what Tier 1 is, and what it isn’t.

In this episode, you'll explore:

  • How differentiation lives inside your core Tier 1 instruction
  • Why small groups can still be Tier 1 instruction
  • Simple questions to help you respond to students’ needs

If you've ever wondered what Tier 1 instruction looks like during your math block, this episode provides several concrete examples.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. →  Elementary Math Fam

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath.


]]> When you hear "Tier 1 instruction," do you picture your whole-group lesson and nothing else?

You’re not alone. It's one of the most common misconceptions in the tiered support model. Let’s bust that myth. Tier 1 isn't a one-size-fits-all lesson. This episode breaks down why it's easy to confuse Tier 1 as a whole-group curriculum, what Tier 1 is, and what it isn’t.

In this episode, you'll explore:

  • How differentiation lives inside your core Tier 1 instruction
  • Why small groups can still be Tier 1 instruction
  • Simple questions to help you respond to students’ needs

If you've ever wondered what Tier 1 instruction looks like during your math block, this episode provides several concrete examples.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. →  Elementary Math Fam

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath.


]]> Greg Coleman Buzzsprout-19816552 Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0400 774 7 full false The One Multiplication Fact You're Accidentally Teaching Twice The One Multiplication Fact You're Accidentally Teaching Twice A student solves 3 x 4 without hesitation. Hand them 4 x 3 a minute later, and they treat it like a brand-new fact they've never seen.

Rather than treating every multiplication fact as its own separate thing to memorize, what if your students already know more facts than they think they do? This episode walks through a simple way to build that connection using a hands-on model students can see and touch.

In this episode, you'll explore:

  • Why defining a property and actually using it as a strategy are two different things
  • A simple instructional move that helps students see facts as related, not brand new
  • Questions that help students make connections between facts

If you're re-teaching the same multiplication facts twice without realizing it, this episode will show you how to help your students see relationships instead.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. →  Elementary Math Fam

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath.


]]> A student solves 3 x 4 without hesitation. Hand them 4 x 3 a minute later, and they treat it like a brand-new fact they've never seen.

Rather than treating every multiplication fact as its own separate thing to memorize, what if your students already know more facts than they think they do? This episode walks through a simple way to build that connection using a hands-on model students can see and touch.

In this episode, you'll explore:

  • Why defining a property and actually using it as a strategy are two different things
  • A simple instructional move that helps students see facts as related, not brand new
  • Questions that help students make connections between facts

If you're re-teaching the same multiplication facts twice without realizing it, this episode will show you how to help your students see relationships instead.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. →  Elementary Math Fam

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath.


]]> Greg Coleman Buzzsprout-19807135 Tue, 22 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0400 543 6 full false 5 Places Fact Fluency Practice Can Live in Your Day 5 Places Fact Fluency Practice Can Live in Your Day Your math block is already packed, and fact fluency practice still needs a place to live, so where's it supposed to go?

Rather than searching for one more big chunk of time, the better question is: “Where you already have small pockets of the day fact fluency practice could quietly live?” 

This episode walks through several natural spots already you already have in your teaching day, plus what the research says about why shorter, spread-out practice sessions build more fluency than one long sitting.

In this episode, you'll explore:

  • Why "finding more time" isn't actually the problem to solve
  • Five simple places already in your day for fact fluency practice
  • What the research reveals about shorter, spaced-out fluency practice

If you've been searching for one more big chunk of time for fact fluency and coming up empty, this episode will show you a simpler way to fit it in without changing your schedule.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Free Training: Why Your 3rd Graders STILL Don't Know Their Multiplication Facts

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. →  Elementary Math Fam

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath.

]]> Your math block is already packed, and fact fluency practice still needs a place to live, so where's it supposed to go?

Rather than searching for one more big chunk of time, the better question is: “Where you already have small pockets of the day fact fluency practice could quietly live?” 

This episode walks through several natural spots already you already have in your teaching day, plus what the research says about why shorter, spread-out practice sessions build more fluency than one long sitting.

In this episode, you'll explore:

  • Why "finding more time" isn't actually the problem to solve
  • Five simple places already in your day for fact fluency practice
  • What the research reveals about shorter, spaced-out fluency practice

If you've been searching for one more big chunk of time for fact fluency and coming up empty, this episode will show you a simpler way to fit it in without changing your schedule.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Free Training: Why Your 3rd Graders STILL Don't Know Their Multiplication Facts

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. →  Elementary Math Fam

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath.

]]> Buzzsprout-19806745 Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0400 479 5 full false Timed Tests...What They Actually Measure (And What They Don't) Timed Tests...What They Actually Measure (And What They Don't) What tools do you reach for to check multiplication fact fluency? If a timed test is the first thing that comes to mind, you're not alone, but that number on the page might be telling you less than you think. 

In this episode, we take an honest look at what a timed test actually measures, what it leaves out entirely, and why the tool most of us were handed might not be built for the job we're asking it to do. 

In this episode, you'll explore: 

  • What a timed test score can and can't actually tell you about a student 
  • Why a low score doesn't tell you what to do next, and a high score might be hiding something 
  • A better question to ask yourself before you reach for a timed test 

If you've ever looked at a timed test score and wondered what to actually do with it, this episode will help you rethink what to look for instead. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. → The Elementary Math Fam 

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath. 

]]> What tools do you reach for to check multiplication fact fluency? If a timed test is the first thing that comes to mind, you're not alone, but that number on the page might be telling you less than you think. 

In this episode, we take an honest look at what a timed test actually measures, what it leaves out entirely, and why the tool most of us were handed might not be built for the job we're asking it to do. 

In this episode, you'll explore: 

  • What a timed test score can and can't actually tell you about a student 
  • Why a low score doesn't tell you what to do next, and a high score might be hiding something 
  • A better question to ask yourself before you reach for a timed test 

If you've ever looked at a timed test score and wondered what to actually do with it, this episode will help you rethink what to look for instead. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. → The Elementary Math Fam 

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19665633 Tue, 08 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 718 4 full false What It Actually Means for a Student to Be Fluent in Multiplication Facts What It Actually Means for a Student to Be Fluent in Multiplication Facts When you picture a fluent student, is speed the first thing that comes to mind? That instinct might be leading you to miss the bigger picture of what fluency actually is. 

In this episode, we break down a common misconception about multiplication fact fluency and what it actually takes for a student to be truly fluent. 

In this episode, you'll explore: 

  • The most common misconception about fluency 
  • Why speed alone isn't the whole picture 
  • The three characteristics that define true fluency 

If you've ever equated "fast" with "fluent," this episode will help you see the bigger picture. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. → The Elementary Math Fam 

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath. 

]]> When you picture a fluent student, is speed the first thing that comes to mind? That instinct might be leading you to miss the bigger picture of what fluency actually is. 

In this episode, we break down a common misconception about multiplication fact fluency and what it actually takes for a student to be truly fluent. 

In this episode, you'll explore: 

  • The most common misconception about fluency 
  • Why speed alone isn't the whole picture 
  • The three characteristics that define true fluency 

If you've ever equated "fast" with "fluent," this episode will help you see the bigger picture. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. → The Elementary Math Fam 

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19665576 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0400 634 3 full false Your First Week of Math Centers Doesn't Have to Be Chaos Your First Week of Math Centers Doesn't Have to Be Chaos "Every year, my centers start out strong and quietly fall apart within a few weeks." Does this sound like your classroom? Here's what may be really going wrong. 

In this episode, we walk through what your first week should actually look like, day by day. 

In this episode, you'll explore: 

  • The first-week mistake most teachers don't realize they're making 
  • The real reason centers fall apart later in the year 
  • How to know when your class is ready for teacher-led small groups 

If you're heading into a new school year wondering how to make centers run smoothly in the long term, this episode will give you a clear starting point. 

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. → The Elementary Math Fam 

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath. 

]]> "Every year, my centers start out strong and quietly fall apart within a few weeks." Does this sound like your classroom? Here's what may be really going wrong. 

In this episode, we walk through what your first week should actually look like, day by day. 

In this episode, you'll explore: 

  • The first-week mistake most teachers don't realize they're making 
  • The real reason centers fall apart later in the year 
  • How to know when your class is ready for teacher-led small groups 

If you're heading into a new school year wondering how to make centers run smoothly in the long term, this episode will give you a clear starting point. 

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. → The Elementary Math Fam 

If you liked this, follow the show so you never miss an episode and come visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19665540 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 687 2 full false Why Your Math Block Feels So Hard (And Why It's Not Your Fault) Why Your Math Block Feels So Hard (And Why It's Not Your Fault) How many times have you looked at the clock during your math block and wondered where the time went? You had a plan, you felt good about it, and then reality hit.

In this episode, we break down a four-part framework for structuring your math block so transitions tighten up, small-group time stays protected, and you stop losing minutes you didn't even realize were disappearing.

In this episode, you'll explore:

  • The real reason your math block keeps running short on time
  • A framework that can help your math block flow effortlessly
  • How a predictable routine protects your small group time

If you've ever felt like your math block is running you instead of the other way around, this episode will give you a framework to bring structure and flow back to your block.

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. → The Elementary Math Fam

If you liked this episode,follow the show so you never miss an episode and visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath. 

]]> How many times have you looked at the clock during your math block and wondered where the time went? You had a plan, you felt good about it, and then reality hit.

In this episode, we break down a four-part framework for structuring your math block so transitions tighten up, small-group time stays protected, and you stop losing minutes you didn't even realize were disappearing.

In this episode, you'll explore:

  • The real reason your math block keeps running short on time
  • A framework that can help your math block flow effortlessly
  • How a predictable routine protects your small group time

If you've ever felt like your math block is running you instead of the other way around, this episode will give you a framework to bring structure and flow back to your block.

Want more support differentiating math instruction and running small groups with confidence? Check out my membership for third-grade teachers. → The Elementary Math Fam

If you liked this episode,follow the show so you never miss an episode and visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19649611 Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 647 1 full false Welcome to Teaching Math Made Easy Welcome to Teaching Math Made Easy New here? Start with this one. 

Teaching Math Made Easy is a weekly podcast for elementary math teachers who want practical ideas to help their students learn and more confidence walking into math class. Hosted by Greg, a former classroom teacher, math coach, and school administrator with over 20 years in education, each episode brings real, usable strategies covering everything from teaching strategies to differentiation to the everyday challenges of running your math block. No fluff, no filler. 

Episodes are short, so you can listen between planning periods, on your commute, or whenever you've got a few minutes to spare. 

New episodes drop every Tuesday.  

Hit subscribe now so you don't miss the first one. 

Follow the show so you never miss an episode and visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath. 

]]> New here? Start with this one. 

Teaching Math Made Easy is a weekly podcast for elementary math teachers who want practical ideas to help their students learn and more confidence walking into math class. Hosted by Greg, a former classroom teacher, math coach, and school administrator with over 20 years in education, each episode brings real, usable strategies covering everything from teaching strategies to differentiation to the everyday challenges of running your math block. No fluff, no filler. 

Episodes are short, so you can listen between planning periods, on your commute, or whenever you've got a few minutes to spare. 

New episodes drop every Tuesday.  

Hit subscribe now so you don't miss the first one. 

Follow the show so you never miss an episode and visit me on Instagram @mrelementarymath. 

]]> Greg Coleman Buzzsprout-19644678 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:00:00 -0400 71 trailer false