Suzy Koontz: How to Use Movement to Make Math Stick
Anyone who has stepped into a K–5 classroom knows this truth: kids need to move. But they also need strong math foundations. So how do we do both—without sacrificing rigor?
In this episode, I sit down with Suzy Koontz, CEO and Founder of Math & Movement, to explore how movement-based learning can dramatically increase math fluency, engagement, and student confidence. A former actuary turned education innovator, Suzy shares how a simple trampoline moment with her daughter sparked a 25-year journey into brain-based math instruction .
We discuss:
The brain science behind movement and learning
How cross-body motion activates both hemispheres of the brain
Why skip counting is foundational for multiplication and division fluency
Research showing significant gains in math achievement and self-efficacy
How schools can systematize movement-based strategies across classrooms
Practical examples teachers can implement immediately
The impact on student collaboration, behavior, and math identity
We also preview Suzy’s upcoming ASCD book, Activate Math: Using Movement to Spark Engagement and Ignite Learning Activate Math: Using Movement to Spark Engagement and Ignite Learning.
If you believe math should be active, conceptual, and confidence-building—not passive and procedural—this episode is for you.
Music by Aylex