Teaching and Learning
By Trudy Gau

Teaching and Learning
By Trudy Gau
Building Mathematical Confidence: The Numeracy Fluency Program
We are thrilled to announce that we will be implementing the Numeracy Fluency Program at our school! Last Monday, our staff spent a full day with Dr. Angela Rogers to prepare for this systematic approach to number fluency, which will run from Foundation through to Level 6.
Why Focus on Fluency?
The goal is to help students solve number problems with speed and ease. When basic skills become automatic, it frees up working memory. This allows students to:
The Fluency Advantage: Confidence vs. Anxiety
The difference between a fluent and non-fluent student often comes down tocognitive freedom. When students struggle to recall basic mathematical facts, their working memory becomes "clogged," leading to higher levels of math anxiety and a tendency to avoid the subject altogether. This can create a cycle of low achievement that persists into secondary school and beyond.
In contrast, fluent students approach math with confidence and curiosity. Because they can perform foundational tasks with ease and speed, they have the mental space to enjoy complex challenges, staying motivated and better prepared for future STEM careers and everyday life as numerically literate citizens.
How the Program Works
The program is designed to be "short and sharp" to maximise learning: