Dr Ange's Blog

This year I have spent hours and hours reading research to become better informed around the 'Science of Maths' and 'Science of Learning'.

At the heart of the 'Science of Maths/Learning' is a desire to provide the best conditions for our students to learn mathematics. Optimum maths instruction is s...

If I asked you to imagine an 'engaging' maths lesson what would you expect to see and hear?

For many years I believed that this would be the same for every teacher. 

Turns out this isn’t the case.

What your mind's eye pictures depends on how you define engagement.

I have been thinking about enga...

As a classroom teacher, every year I dreaded book week.

Not just because I have a deep jealousy of the fact we dedicate a week to enjoying and promoting a love of great literacy and nothing like this seems to happen for Numeracy...

No... it is a much more selfish reason.

I HATE dressing up!

I fi...

Over the last ten years my three girls have started school. They are currently in Year 9, Year 6 and Year 1! 😲 My youngest, Mr 4, will be joining them in 2025! 

Whether it is your first child starting school or your seventh, the emotions are still high, as is the desire to want them to feel prep...

When I was growing up I often played golf alongside my dad, pa and uncles. The thing was, in ‘those days’ there wasn’t 'kids size' golf sticks available.

So for my 8^th birthday my dad and pa organised for an old '7 iron' and putter to be cut down to my size.

I was so excited to have golf sticks th...

In my work in the Numeracy Teachers Academy and as a Numeracy Consultant I have the privilege of  working with schools and teachers from across Australia (and beyond). I find it absolutely fascinating learning about the similarities and differences across education systems within our states and terr...

I am currently involved in the review of a primary school. I volunteered for the role of ‘challenge partner’ and I am loving the opportunity to see the inside workings of a school from the perspective of an 'outsider'.

As a teacher, I remember the first time my school was reviewed. I was the Numera...

On the holidays I took my 3 girls to see the ‘Barbie’ movie. To be honest, I was not really looking forward to seeing the movie, as I am still angry at Mattel for producing a Teen Talk Barbie in 1992 which said the phrase “Math class in tough” (see here for more information). However, the girls were...

Earlier this year I was preparing for a conference keynote presentation. The session was looking at assessment, and I was very excited to share my thoughts/ideas and research. I always like to weave personal stories into my work to help illustrate my thoughts (you may have noticed this in my blogs!)...

When I was in Year 7 I remember being excited to learn music. I had never played an instrument and I was looking forward to seeing what 'real' music was all about.

It took me exactly 10 minutes to decide I hated music and did not want to go to another class.

You might be wondering what made me fee...

You may or may not know that both my parents are teachers. Interestingly, my Year 6 daughter wrote in her yearbook that she wants to be a teacher when she grows up- building a dynasty, one generation at a time!😂

My mum actually taught at my Primary School. She was our PE teacher and took my class f...

Have you ever noticed that when a student counts there are critical flash points that indicate if they have a deep understanding of the patterns within of our number system? 

In Foundation you might see a student struggling with 44,45,46,47,48,49....(pause for 4 seconds)... 40 'ten'.

A common chal...