How Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces Changed the Math Classroom

K-12 Math Leaders: Download our free Math Coherence Compass to help your teammates, system leaders, and educators create aligned instructional practices—without adding another initiative. https://makemathmoments.com/coherence-compass/ Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ K-12 Math Leaders: Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Partner with us to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem-based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units In this episode, Jon Orr talks with Frank Bouchard, co-founder of Wipebook, the Canadian company behind the whiteboard flip charts found on classroom walls and in PD sessions across North America. Frank shares how a laminated notebook he made to practice engineering math became a surprise Kickstarter success, and how a request from an Ottawa school district led to the flip charts so many math teachers now use. Jon and Frank discuss how Building Thinking Classrooms and vertical surfaces grew together, why students returned from remote learning craving social and collaborative learning, and how the same approach can transform professional development. Jon connects the conversation to the Results Pyramid and the role experiences play in shifting teacher beliefs, and Frank closes with his math moment and a playful take on AI in education. In this episode, you'll explore: How Frank’s experience as a kinesthetic learner shaped his passion for engaging learning How a laminated notebook built for engineering problems turned into a business Why a school district’s request led to giant whiteboard flip charts How teachers were cutting up shower board to create whiteboard space How Building Thinking Classrooms and vertical surfaces helped each other grow Why the return from remote learning renewed the focus on social, collaborative math How whiteboard surfaces can make professional development more interactive Why the Results Pyramid suggests teacher beliefs change through experiences Frank’s math moment, and what it taught him about the teacher’s role How playing with new AI tools may open up fresh ways to engage students Think about your next math lesson or PD session and ask: Where are students or teachers sitting and listening when they could be standing, collaborating, and thinking together? Choose one task where small groups could work on a vertical surface instead. Then notice what changes in the conversation, and consider what that experience might do to shift beliefs about what learning math can look like. Show Notes Page Love the show? Text us your big takeaway! Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.