Word Problem Workshop

“Mona Iehl’s own transformation as a math teacher serves as inspiration and encouragement for teachers who are committed to enriching the mathematics learning experiences of their students. The five steps of the Word Problem Workshop (WPW), along with the norms and practices for building community, provide a guide for creating classrooms where students think, reason, and solve problems. The examples bring WPW to life and help teachers imagine what their own classroom could become. A must have for any elementary teacher ready for a change!” — Peg Smith, Professor Emerita, University of Pittsburgh and Co-author of 5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematics Discussions “Every math educator needs a copy of Word Problem Workshop! In this insightful book, Mona Iehl provides clear, actionable steps for fostering a community of problem solvers in the math classroom. Through compelling classroom stories, she showcases students deeply engaged in mathematical reasoning, discussion, and reflection. This will be my go-to resource as a coach supporting teachers in creating meaningful problem-solving experiences for their students!” — Nicora Placa, Associate Professor at Hunter College and Author of 6 Tools for Collaborative Mathematics Coaching “In Word Problem Workshop, Mona draws on her extensive teaching experience and deep pedagogical knowledge to explore how we can create math classrooms where problem-solving builds both understanding and community. With practical strategies and an emphasis on connection, Mona empowers teachers to shift from rescuing students from struggle to embracing the power of their ideas.” — Aubrey Wilk, Executive Director at Downtown Denver Expeditionary School “Word Problem Workshop is a must-read for educators looking to deepen and improve their math instruction. Written in an engaging and easy-to-read style, this book offers powerful insights, practical strategies, and plenty of “nudges and nuggets” to help teachers refine their approach in creating a student-centered math classroom in which all students can solve word problems. Whether you're a new or experienced teacher, you'll find motivation and actionable ideas to enhance student learning and confidence in math.” — Anne Oberdzinski, Veteran Educator “I've been utilizing Word Problem Workshop in my classroom and there is a noticeable difference in how my students think and approach math. Word Problem Workshop is essential for both teachers and students. — Jimmy Dietmeyer, Current Third Grade Teacher “In Word Problem Workshop, Mona Iehl draws on her extensive classroom experience to offer practical, research-based guidance for building a community of problem solvers. With step-by-step strategies, she equips teachers with the tools to implement her Word Problem Workshop framework, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and a deep understanding of mathematics. This must-read book empowers educators to create a positive math experience where students embrace problem-solving with confidence and curiosity.” — Ann Elise Record, Consultant and Co-author of Fluency Doesn’t Just Happen with Multiplication and Division “Word Problem Workshop is more than just a teaching resource—it equips educators with practical tools to help students truly engage with and enjoy math. Through real classroom narratives, photos, and step-by-step guidance, Mona Iehl supports teachers at all levels in implementing this student-centered workshop approach. Her candid reflections on mistakes and meaningful math moments make this book an invaluable guide for educators looking to deepen their students’ understanding of math.” — Melanie Doppler, Elementary Math Specialist “Word Problem Workshop is a game-changer for anyone who wants to help their students build healthier relationships with math, think fearlessly, and build unshakable confidence as problem solvers. If you’re ready to transform math learning, this is the book you need!” — Vanessa Vakharia, Author of Math Therapy: 5 Steps to Help Your Students Overcome Math Trauma and Build a Better Relationship With Math “Word Problem Workshop empowers teachers to transform their classrooms into vibrant spaces where students reason, communicate their thinking, and approach problem-solving with confidence. This daily routine moves beyond key-word hunting and rigid steps, guiding students to make sense of word problem contexts and structures. — Kimberly Rimbey, Ph.D., Author, Inventor, Consultant, Math Coach, Teacher “Word Problem Workshop provides a personal coaching experience that will absolutely transform educator and student dispositions towards mathematics. Mona explains the foundational “why” behind the problem-solving approach as well as clear, actionable “how"" steps to effectively implement these routines immediately. Thank you, Mona, for making these lofty goals accessible to all of us!” — Meghan Hein, Second Grade Teacher in San Marcos, CA “If you’re an educator ready to make math more engaging and meaningful while also building confident problem solvers and a thriving math community then Word Problem Workshop is an absolute must-read. With a thoughtful and thorough approach Mona lays out a five-step routine that any teacher can implement, providing all the tools and strategies needed to bring it to life. She truly thinks of everything, and you’ll walk away not just inspired but ready to try this approach in your own classroom.” — Molly Lindhart, Elementary Math Teacher “This book outlines a purposeful cycle on how to teach math to keep students engaged, enhancing their understandings, while allowing students to be the leaders of their own learning!!” — Amanda Bourne, Current Second Grade Teacher “Through detailed storytelling and her own deep expertise, Mona brings readers into classrooms where teachers have brought a student-centered math vision to life. An incredible resource for anyone looking to build deep mathematical understanding with young learners!” — Maggie Waldner, Math Education Consultant, Magpie Math “Word Problem Workshop provided invaluable insights into creating a student-centered math classroom that can adapt to all grade levels. It empowers students to collaborate, think critically, and solve real-world problems, while encouraging resilience and confidence. By fostering deep mathematical conversations and promoting autonomy, this approach helps students build the skills they need to become lifelong problem solvers.” — Laura Bird, Kindergarten Teacher