Teaching

I studied a Masters of Teaching online during which time I performed practical experience in mainstream and Montessori classrooms. I approached the Montessori school myself as I was interested in exploring teaching approaches that differed from the mainstream. I loved the Montessori approach as soon as I set foot in the school and my teaching practice, and the way I parent, are steeped in the Montessori way. I value following the child, deeply respecting the uniqueness of the child and their individual learning journey, using concrete materials, connecting to real life, learning through play, freedom of choice and movement, making mistakes, offering independence and development of a growth mindset.

I taught as a relief teacher in all sorts of schools all over Melbourne and surrounds before my first full time job in a government school where I took an interest in teaching Maths. We really unpacked how to teach Maths at a deep level, making the learning accessible for all children by using concrete materials and open ended tasks to encourage wide thinking and deep understanding of mathematics concepts.

I then taught at another government school where I was co leader of the Maths team and part of the Bayside Maths Network. During this time I also participated in various Maths professional development, taking a particular interest in Professor Peter Sullivans Challenging Tasks. After six and a half years of teaching I went on maternity leave and now have two young children whom I home educate.

My role now is to be of service to home educating families, parents and teachers who want to understand how to teach maths on a deeper level. I do this by assessing children in the early years and children in the upper primary years who are struggling and writing a detailed report on the child’s current understanding and how to move forward. I am in the process of developing online courses on how to teach maths from the very first steps which will guide parents and teachers on how to teach maths to their children. My teaching will involve the use of concrete materials so that children can use their hands to learn with a focus on making connections and using the most efficient strategy.

Working with children, especially teaching Maths, is one of my passions. I find it immensely rewarding to observe children making connections and building on their understanding and confidence in Maths. I really hope that I can be of service to you on your maths journey with your little people!