Tier 1 Interventions

By: Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer
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  • Summary

  • Math intervention, writing intervention, neurobiology, and cognitive-based learning - Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer are sharing how to incorporate them into your classroom. Jonily is a secondary math teacher and instructional coach for math K-12. Cheri is an occupational therapist specializing in neurology-based treatment across the lifespan and a Strategy-based Interventionist. Jonily secretly calls Cheri her Lesson Plan Whisperer because Cheri is always in her head, reminding her of the foundations of development before academics begin. They met in 2018 and have been talking ever since. Together, they have discovered the Miracle Math Classroom. This classroom embeds all math standards from Kindergarten to twelfth grade, plus neuro-based interventions that improve proficiency and boost student engagement. Both gifted and learning support students thrive using the interventions they share, plus all students in between. Using cognitive enhancing techniques strategically placed in the lesson plan, students learn more and enjoy school more, and fewer students get removed from critical instruction for Tier Three Interventions. Jonily has discovered how to teach all Kindergarten through algebra math standards using twelve, that’s right, twelve Reference Tasks. They include the Pizza Problem, 120-Chart, Paper Folding, Making Rectangles, Quick Dots, Locker Problem, Jesse and Kay, Geoboard, Candy Problem, Paint Problem, Staircase, and the Function Machine. Cheri uses Body-Brain Anchors to ignite the flame inside everyone’s brain for learning. Whether a person is five or 90, her strategy-based interventions will ignite that flame. These Brain-Body Anchors include the Handstand Flip, Interlaced Bilateral Integration, and the Body Sentence Alphabet. Together, they connect the puzzle behind math instruction and instructional delivery alongside these cognitive-enhancing activities to maximize math education for all students. Join us live on the third Saturday of the month, sans July, for the math behind the Reference Task. Every live event is approximately 2.5 contact hours. The first 30-ish minutes become this podcast. To hear the entire training, join our membership program. Please note: we will not record on holiday weekends. Join our mailing list for updates on dates. To join us live, register at Tier1interventions.com. The 2.5-hour sessions include the PowerPoint slides, additional audio files of Jonily teaching the Reference Task, resources from Cheri, and much more. A subscription to these 2.5-hour Workshops is $97/month or $947/year. Membership includes: *Approximately 27.5 hours of direct training per year *Audio files of Jonily's Hear Me Teach segments - complete *PowerPoint Slides to grab and use in your Magic Math Classroom *Resources from Jonily and Cheri for you and your students *A copy of Math DYSconnected when released. Or, you can listen to the first segment on your favorite podcast app for free; no membership is required. No matter how you listen, you will come away with golden nuggets that will transform your classroom. Reach out to Jonily: jonily@mindsonmath.com Reach out to Cheri: info@cheridotterer.com Tier1Interventions.com
    2024 Minds on Math, LLC and Dotterer Educational Consulting
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Language Learning Mathematics Science
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Episodes
  • Rethinking Math Education Part 2: S2 E25

    Rethinking Math Education Part 2: S2 E25
    Apr 1 2025
    Part 2 of 4In this episode, Cheri and Jonily discuss breaking down the essential concepts in mathematics that every student should master, the power of reference tasks, and strategies to individualize learning with less prep and stress for teachers. They also explore how functional skills intersect with math learning and how to make math accessible to all students without lowering rigor.We’ve separated this workshop into four parts. Look for all four episodes.***************************************************************************RESOURCES/COURSES MENTIONEDTier 1 Interventions Workshops https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/tier-1-interventions-workshops***************************************************************************BOOKSMaking Mathineers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Mathineers-Transformational-Experiences-Conceptual-ebook/dp/B08NFCZ64KHandwriting Brain Body DISconnect Digital Version: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/hwbbd On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Handwriting-Brain-Body-DisConnect-techniques-ebook/dp/B07N1XB1G7Both 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 CODES1:25 – Reducing Pull-Out Interventions1:46 – Rethinking Tier 1 Instruction2:24 – Reference Tasks Overview3:01 – Transition to Part 2: Paint Problem3:41 – Easter-Themed 120 Chart Activity4:27 – Personal Story with 120 Chart5:05 – Visual Adaptations of the 120 Chart6:25 – Question about Multiplication Charts8:19 – Kindergarten Skip Counting Example11:12 – The Myth of 100% On-Task Compliance13:36 – Accessibility Adaptations15:00 – Overview of Tier One Interventions Course16:24 – Cognitive and Physical Math Learning17:17 – The "Making Rectangles" Reference Task22:05 – Dice Game for Rectangle Formation25:00 – Physical Movement and Math26:04 – The Neuroscience of Movement and Math30:08 – Exposure vs. Mastery33:33 – Kindergarten Story Wrap-Up35:00 – Introduction to Skip Counting by Twelves36:52 – The Pizza Company Square Challenge***************************************************************************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=4SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/72Wmq8ddduGz4eUMK7LVIyAMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89f67d1a-98b5-4592-a53c-8f4acb3d8029This 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.***************************************************************************MISSIONMinds 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 RESOURCEShttps://www.eventbrite.com/o/jonily-zupancic-8523599443https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cheri-dotterer-classroom-coach-18603393525***************************************************************************Other ways to connect with Jonily and CheriFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1interventionsIG: 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/mindsonmathTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridotterer https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsonmath***************************************************************************QUESTIONWhat is your biggest struggle in your classroom right now? Include grade level and your role. Share in the comments or email us at:Cheri@cheridotterer.comJonily@mindsonmath.com***************************************************************************HASHTAGS#tier1interventions #mindonmath #jonily #cheri #dysgraphia #dyscalculia#math #education #teaching #mathintervention #strugglingstudents (01:25) - – Reducing Pull-Out Interventions (01:46) - – Rethinking Tier 1 Instruction (02:24) - – Reference Tasks Overview (03:01) - – Transition to Part 2: Paint Problem (03:41) - – Easter-Themed 120 Chart Activity (04:27) - – Personal Story with 120 Chart (05:05) - – Visual Adaptations of the 120 Chart (06:25) - – Question about Multiplication Charts (08:19) - – Kindergarten Skip Counting Example (11:12) - – The Myth of 100% On-Task ...
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    38 mins
  • Rethinking Math Education part 1: S2 E24

    Rethinking Math Education part 1: S2 E24
    Mar 25 2025
    In this episode, Cheri and Jonily discuss breaking down the essential concepts in mathematics that every student should master, the power of reference tasks, and strategies to individualize learning with less prep and stress for teachers. They also explore how functional skills intersect with math learning and how to make math accessible to all students without lowering rigor.We’ve separated this workshop into four parts. Look for all four episodes.***************************************************************************RESOURCES/COURSES MENTIONEDTier 1 Interventions Workshops https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/tier-1-interventions-workshops***************************************************************************BOOKSMaking Mathineers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Mathineers-Transformational-Experiences-Conceptual-ebook/dp/B08NFCZ64KHandwriting Brain Body DISconnect Digital Version: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/hwbbd On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Handwriting-Brain-Body-DisConnect-techniques-ebook/dp/B07N1XB1G7Both 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 CODES00:00 Introduction to Tier 1 Interventions: Strengthening the core classroom01:00 The problem with excessive pull-outs and how to reduce them03:00 The power of Mastery Math Method and reference tasks06:00 The Paint Problem: Why it’s not really about paint at all08:00 The most essential math concept every student needs14:00 How math should build progressively each year20:00 The Quick Dots Strategy for building number sense25:00 The 120 Chart and how to adapt it for accessibility29:00 How The Locker Problem enhances student learning30:00 Balancing accessibility and rigor for ALL students31:00 How listeners can support the podcast***************************************************************************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=4SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/72Wmq8ddduGz4eUMK7LVIyAMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89f67d1a-98b5-4592-a53c-8f4acb3d8029This 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.***************************************************************************MISSIONMinds 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 RESOURCEShttps://www.eventbrite.com/o/jonily-zupancic-8523599443https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cheri-dotterer-classroom-coach-18603393525***************************************************************************Other ways to connect with Jonily and CheriFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1interventionsIG: 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/mindsonmathTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridotterer https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsonmath***************************************************************************QUESTIONWhat is your biggest struggle in your classroom right now? Include grade level and your role. Share in the comments or email us at:Cheri@cheridotterer.comJonily@mindsonmath.com***************************************************************************HASHTAGS#tier1interventions #mindonmath #jonily #cheri #dysgraphia #dyscalculia#math #education #teaching #mathintervention #strugglingstudents (01:00) - The problem with excessive pull-outs and how to reduce them (03:00) - The power of Mastery Math Method and reference tasks (06:00) - The Paint Problem: Why it’s not really about paint at all (08:00) - The most essential math concept every student needs (14:00) - How math should build progressively each year (20:00) - The Quick Dots Strategy for building number sense (25:00) - The 120 Chart and how to adapt it for accessibility (29:00) - How The Locker Problem enhances student learning (30:00) - Balancing accessibility and rigor for ALL students (31:00) - How listeners can support the podcast
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    31 mins
  • Why Standard Teaching Fails Our Students - Part 4

    Why Standard Teaching Fails Our Students - Part 4
    Mar 18 2025
    In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, Cheri Dotterer and co-host Jonily dive deep into the Candy Problem—a discussion that exposes the failures of traditional math instruction. Kirk and other passionate educators join this four-part series. They explore the neuroscience of learning, why manipulatives are crucial, and how math instruction must evolve. If you've ever wondered why so many students struggle with math or how we can make lasting changes, this episode is a must-listen! Sit back and listen to Part 4.****************************************************************************DisabilityLabs.com sponsors this video podcast. We are committed to IMPACT the journey of 200K teachers (3M students) by 2030 so they can reignite their passion for teaching.*****************************************************************************RESOURCES/COURSES MENTIONEDAll episodes of Tier 1 Interventions are recorded live and edited for teachers, therapists, and parents to consume on their way to work.Join the Next Tier 1 Interventions Workshops LIVE: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/tier-1-interventions-workshops2025.**************************************************************************BOOKSMaking Mathineers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Mathineers-Transformational-Experiences-Conceptual-ebook/dp/B08NFCZ64KHandwriting Brain Body DISconnect Digital Version: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/hwbbdOn Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Handwriting-Brain-Body-DisConnect-techniques-ebook/dp/B07N1XB1G7Both books are also available in paperback and hardcover versions. All versions are available wherever books are sold.Math DYSconnected - To be released in 2025.*************************************************************************TIME STAMPS03:00 Why teachers should stop confirming or denying answers.06:00 The science of leaving some problems unresolved.12:00 Paper folding and color coding as sensory learning tools.18:00 How counting leads to proportional reasoning and algebra.24:00 Teaching division as skip counting instead of a procedure.27:00 Why number sense is more important than solving for X.30:00 Applying rate and function to real-world math understanding.32:00 Conclusion: Transforming math through iterative thinking.***************************************************************************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=4SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/72Wmq8ddduGz4eUMK7LVIyAMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89f67d1a-98b5-4592-a53c-8f4acb3d8029This 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.*************************************************************************MISSIONWe are committed to IMPACT the journey of 200K teachers (3M students) by 2030 so they can reignite their passion for teaching.*************************************************************************WORK WITH US:Join Tier 1 Workshops. Complete episodes with bonuses are included in the course. New episodes are added after the live events. https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/tier-1-interventions-workshops*****************************************************************************************************FREE RESOURCESSaturday Math and IMPACT Wednesday https://www.eventbrite.com/o/jonily-zupancic-85235994433 Interventions OTs need to make your Students' Math Stick!https://3MathInterventions.eventbrite.com*************************************************************************Other ways to connect with Jonily and CheriFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1interventionsIG: 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/CheriDottererhttps://twitter.com/mindsonmathTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridottererhttps://www.tiktok.com/@mindsonmath**************************************************************************BE THE FIRST TO KNOWJoin our community https://disabilitylabs.com/community*************************************************************************HASHTAGS#tier1interventions #mindsonmath #jonily #cheri #TeacherTips #MathEducation #ClassroomStrategies #TeachingMath #K12Education #MathTeachers #EducationMatters #TeacherLife #MathInterventions #NumberSense #MathFluency #CountingStrategies #MathAutomaticity #MathPatterns #STEMEducation #MathDifferentiation #PodcastForTeachers #EducationPodcast #TeachingPodcast #MathPodcast (03:00) - Why teachers should stop confirming or denying answers. (06:00) - The science of leaving some problems unresolved. (12:00) - Paper folding and color coding as sensory learning tools. (18:00) - How counting ...
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    32 mins

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