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Guiding Educators to Build Every Child’s Confidence in Maths

January 31, 2025
Guiding Educators to Build Every Child’s Confidence in Maths


We’ve proudly nurtured a love for reading and writing for years, building confident communicators. But why stop there? We believe every child deserves the same level of confidence with numbers!

Numeracy is just as vital as literacy in helping children unlock their full potential. That’s why we’re here to support them in developing the foundational math skills they need to thrive. From mastering number bonds and problem-solving to building mental fluency and mathematical reasoning, we make math engaging, fun, and approachable.

Whether it’s through games, hands-on learning and personalised support, or upskilling educators, we’re committed to helping children feel capable, confident and ready to succeed in both words AND numbers.

Let’s shape a future where every child says, “I love maths!” as much as “I love reading!”

 

Putting theory into practice: SPELD SA’s Numeracy Clinic

 “SPELD SA doesn’t just talk about best practices; we actively implement them with students daily.” 

  “This approach allows us to bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering actionable advice that teachers can trust.”


In SPELD SA’s Numeracy Clinic, we practice what we teach and apply our expertise in the field. 
The Numeracy Clinic actively works with children experiencing difficulties in mathematics applying evidence-based strategies in real-world scenarios. Using tools like Bond Blocks, the clinic helps students build foundational number sense and confidence, demonstrating approaches that align with workshop content.

 The clinic allows us to gather insights into what works best for students with math difficulties, ensuring our training is grounded in current, practical experiences.

 Every student who comes to the clinic has a unique set of needs. The same principles are applied in workshops to help teachers adapt strategies for diverse classrooms.

 For a student with dyscalculia, we applied multisensory methods, such as using manipulatives and visual aids. Teachers can replicate these techniques to benefit their own students.

 

Why Educators Trust SPELD SA’s Expertise
  • The same strategies used to support students are shared in our workshops, ensuring teachers gain practical, field-tested tools to support students with similar challenges.
  • Our research-informed and real-world-tested methods mean teachers walk away with solutions that work not just in theory but in practice.

 

Helping educators enhance their mathematical teaching skills

SPELD SA has significantly expanded its numeracy professional development offerings, providing teachers with valuable opportunities to enhance their mathematical teaching skills. These workshops are designed to equip educators with effective strategies to support students, particularly those facing challenges in mathematics.

Teachers leave workshops with confidence, knowing the strategies they’re learning have been field-tested and refined for real-world impact.  

 

Benefits for Teachers

Enhanced Pedagogical Skills: Develop a deeper understanding of effective maths instruction.

Targeted Intervention Strategies: Learn to identify and support students with maths difficulties, including dyscalculia.

Practical Resources: Gain access to tools and materials that can be directly applied in the classroom.

Expert Guidance: Learn from experienced educators and consultants specialising in mathematics education.

Improved Student Outcomes: Implementing these strategies can lead to better student engagement and achievement in mathematics.

 

Workshops Designed for Educators

The following is an overview of upcoming professional development opportunities

 

The Literacies of Maths:  

Focus: Understanding how various literacies impact reading, writing, and solving maths word problems.  

Benefits:  

  • Gain insights into the language demands of mathematics.  
  • Learn strategies to support students in comprehending and solving word problems.  

Presenter: Dr. Paul Swan, a renowned mathematics educator.  

Additional Resource: Attendees receive a copy of Dr. Swan’s “My Word Book: Mathematics.”


Intervention for Maths Difficulties:
 
 

Focus: Enhancing knowledge and skills in providing effective numeracy interventions for children with math-related difficulties and disorders. Suitable for all educators.  

Benefits:  

  • Develop targeted intervention strategies.  
  • Understand the specific needs of students with math difficulties


Mastering Mathematical Pedagogy: Empowering Educators:
 
 

Focus: Specifically designed for teachers in the classroom to improve knowledge and skills in delivering effective tier 1 numeracy teaching.  

Benefits:  

  • Understand the key components of the science of mathematics and pillars of math instruction.  
  • Implement optimal pedagogical approaches.  
  • Apply research-informed strategies to ensure maximum progress.  
  • Integrate problem-solving and reasoning consistently into teaching practice.  

Presenter: Ali Ellis, a Numeracy Consultant with extensive experience in teaching mathematics.

Bond Blocks 

Focus: Prevention and intervention of math difficulties using the Bond Blocks system. 

Benefits:  

  • Learn to use an evidence-based program for numeracy intervention. 
  • Support students in building foundational number sense.

 

View all professional development workshops


Join us in this exciting journey and help create a generation of confident mathematicians!


 

Ali Ellis, 
Numeracy Consultant