Students aren’t zoning out because they’re bored — they’re zoning out because their brains literally can’t do what we’re asking them to do.
In this episode, Cheri Dotterer, MS, OTR, and math leader Jonily break down the neuroscience behind attention, dopamine, novelty, and why every classroom hits the same predictable “zoning-out moment.”
You’ll learn:
If you’ve ever asked, “Why do my students suddenly check out?” — this episode is the answer.
Drop your favorite math jingles in the comments.
👉 Want to experience the full workshop?
You can sign up to experience one workshop for just $47. The link is here.
https://disabilitylabs.com/live-webinar/mastery-math-method-dec2025/register
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 — Welcome to Tier One Interventions
00:22 — Why focus equals age in minutes
01:05 — The 7-second dopamine attention loop
01:40 — Students WANT to focus but their brains can’t
02:10 — Novelty triggers that instantly reset attention
03:25 — Why music activates learning before anything else
03:54 — Math jingles that rewire memory
04:28 — Why skip-counting by 12s accelerates mastery
05:08 — Rectangles: the most powerful structure in math
05:45 — Whisper counting + dot arrays for deep understanding
06:30 — The “loud number” mistake and why it’s productive
07:30 — Iteration vs. repetition: the real difference
08:18 — Interleaving: the brain’s preferred learning method
09:05 — Jumping from 2 twelves to 12 twelves (nonlinear learning)
10:05 — Why U.S. math scores are failing
11:30 — The winning formula: structure + novelty + repetition
12:05 — Wrap-up and $47 workshop invitation
🎯 Ready to Change Math Outcomes in 10 Days?
👉 Join our FREE Masterclass for school leaders, teachers, and OTs:
https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar
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🔗 Stay Connected
🌐 Website: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle
📧 Disability Labs Community: https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1
🎙️ Credits:
Host: Cheri Dotterer
Co-Host: Jonily Zupancic
Production: Disability Labs Podcast Network
🧠 Resources Mentioned:
Mastery Math Method Level One (Lifetime Access): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle
Mastery Math Method Level Two (Annual Subscription): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching
⚠️ Disclaimer: The content shared in this video is for educational purposes only and does not replace your district’s policies or individualized education plans. Always consult with your instructional team before implementing new strategies.
🏷️ Hashtags
#MathIsMessy #Tier1Interventions #MasteryMathMethod #BrainBasedLearning #REWIREMethod #OTinSchools #TeacherMindset