155: You Already Have What You Need – Here’s How to Use It Differently
155: You Already Have What You Need – Here’s How to Use It Differently

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You Already have what you need, heres how to use it

🎯 The Big Idea: You Already Have What You Need

Stop waiting for the perfect curriculum—it’s time to flip how you use the one you’ve got.
In this episode, Mona shares a mindset shift that changes everything: you don’t need new materials to create a classroom where students are thinking, talking, and problem-solving. You just need to use your current curriculum differently. (2 min read)

🔍 Why This Matters for Your Students

When you do all the thinking, your students don’t have to. Let’s change that.
Too often, scripted programs prioritize answers over understanding. But when you change the how, not the what, your students get to make sense of math themselves—and that’s where deep learning happens. (2 min read)

🔧 3 Smart Shifts You Can Make—Starting Next Week

These simple strategies will unlock richer math thinking—no extra prep required.

  1. Start with One Word Problem: Go deep, not wide.
  2. Change the Order, Not the Content: Strategy before algorithm.
  3. Use Your Curriculum as a Launchpad: Focus on student thinking.
    Each shift is designed to work within tight pacing guides and real classroom constraints. (3 min read)
You already have what you need

💡 Your Reflection Moment – You Have What You Need

Feeling boxed in? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong.
Mona invites you to reflect on how you’re already opening space for student thinking. A few quick questions will help you spot easy entry points for change—starting with what you already use every day. (2 min read)

🎓 Join the Word Problem Workshop (Last Day at $77!)

Want support turning your current curriculum into a thinking routine?
The Word Problem Workshop Teacher Training is your roadmap. For just $77 (until tomorrow!), you’ll get training videos, a full year of word problems, ready-to-use templates, and Mona’s support all summer. Head to MonaMath.com/WPWTeacher to grab your spot! (1 min read)

🎧 Ready to Make the Shift?

Listen to the full episode of “155: You Already Have What You Need—Here’s How to Use It Differently”
If you’re a math teacher who’s ever said, “I guess this is just what I’ve got to work with,” this episode is for you. Hit play to learn how to unlock the power in your current curriculum—and create a math class that’s joyful, student-centered, and packed with thinking.

👉 Listen now, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review to help more teachers find it!
And if you’re not sure if the Word Problem Workshop is right for you, DM Mona on Instagram @hellomonamath and she’ll help you decide.

You’ve already got what you need—let’s make it work.