Conference synopsis_FINAL_20260815 - Flipbook - Page 60
SESSION B: Thursday, 12.10pm-1.10pm
B01 FROM PLAY TO UNDERSTANDING:
CUISENAIRE RODS IN THE PRIMARY
CLASSROOM
Sub-category: Mathematical content and concepts
Antonio Sterich, Roxburgh Park Primary School
F - Y6
Join this interactive, hands-on workshop to explore
how Cuisenaire rods and templates can uncover and
reveal students’ natural mathematical thinking (and
misconceptions!!) while building strong foundations for
the development of early algebraic concepts. Using the
Concrete Pictorial Abstract (CPA) approach, participants will
experience practical activities that make number relationships,
patterns, and algebraic thinking visible and meaningful.
The session will introduce the history of Cuisenaire rods
and highlight the importance of allowing students time
for creative mathematical play and expression using
manipulatives. Through classroom examples, collaborative
tasks, and discussion, participants will investigate adaptable
strategies that promote curiosity, mathematical reasoning,
and rich mathematical language. Teachers will leave with
practical resources, classroom ready activities and teaching
ideas, and the confidence to incorporate Cuisenaire rods into
their everyday mathematics teaching to deepen conceptual
understanding and encourage genuine student engagement
and confidence with their mathematical thinking.
B02 WHAT DOES ENGAGING
RETRIEVAL PRACTICE LOOK LIKE?
Sub-category: Mathematical content and concept
Michael Minas, Love Maths
F - Y6
Recently, retrieval practice has taken centre stage but in many
classrooms, it often gets reduced to a handful of slides. This
session will offer a range of practical strategies that will help
combat some of the common misconceptions about what
retrieval practice looks like in classrooms. Each idea shared
will prioritise student engagement, the cornerstone of a
thriving math classroom, and go beyond memorisation to
promote genuine mathematical thinking. You will leave with
research-informed and ready-to-use strategies to enhance
retention, reduce cognitive load, and support all learners in
building deep conceptual understanding. Join us to discover
how to transform your lessons and help your students feel
curious, engaged, and enthusiastic about maths.
Key takeaways:
1. There are a variety of different ways to do retrieval practice.
2. Retrieval is most likely to be successful when students are
engaged.
3. Retrieval should balance a healthy level of challenge with
opportunities for success.
Key takeaways:
1. Experience hands-on activities using Cuisenaire rods and
templates to support early algebraic thinking.
2. Learn practical strategies for implementing the Concrete
Pictorial Abstract (CPA) approach in everyday mathematics
lessons.
3. Create classroom environments where students explore,
notice patterns, make generalisations, and communicate their
mathematical thinking.
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B03 HUMAN FIRST, AI ENHANCED:
ACTIVATING MATHEMATICAL HEARTS,
HANDS AND MINDS
Sub-category: Engaging and including every learner
Narelle Morris, MorrisMaths
Y3 - Y8
What happens when we stop leading with content and start
leading with connection? In this session, I share a practical
approach to mathematics teaching that activates students’
hearts, hands and minds by putting relationships first.
Drawing on classroom-tested strategies, I will explore how
connection-focused teaching can build belonging, increase
participation and strengthen mathematical thinking –
especially for students who have previously disengaged from
maths. Participants will leave with practical routines, planning
ideas and adaptable strategies they can use immediately
to create maths classrooms where students feel safe to
contribute, ready to engage and confident to think deeply.
