The Fluency Compass 🧭

Understanding something today doesn't always mean we've learned it for tomorrow. Drawing on Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction, cognitive load theory and research into retrieval and memory, we explore what helps mathematical learning last — and why meaningful practice, secure knowledge and flexible thinking belong together.

Let's celebrate the curious, creative and collaborative side of mathematics!

Our Maths Party brings families together to explore early number concepts through playful games, counting adventures, hands-on activities and conversations that spark curiosity. It's all about discovering the joy of maths together, building confidence and making meaningful connections — with a little party bag to take home! 

Discover how retrieval practice, spaced learning and playful maths activities can help children remember number facts, build connections and develop fluency.

They knew their times tables yesterday. Today? Not a clue! Sound familiar? Discover what the science of learning tells us about multiplication, memory and why some facts just won't stick. Drawing on Ausubel, Rosenshine and research into retrieval practice, we explore how meaningful practice and mathematical connections can help children build confident, lasting recall.

A deep understanding of number begins long before children calculate confidently. Discover how subitising, spots and dots, and meaningful mathematical conversations help children recognise quantities, explore number relationships and develop flexible mathematical thinking. Grounded in research and packed with practical ideas and free downloadable resources for parents and teachers.

Are we teaching children to understand mathematics or simply follow instructions? Discover why traditional ‘carrying’ and ‘borrowing’ methods deserve a rethink, what current research tells us about written algorithms, and how meaningful teaching can develop place-value understanding, flexible strategies and genuine mathematical fluency.

Based on the best available international research – and drawing on the expertise of teachers and academics we've put together a few of our favourite MATHS ROUTINES and included a FREE useful digital download for each. 

I have suggested that there are two ways to approach mathematics: mindfully and mindlessly. We need to adopt different styles of pedagogy for these learning outcomes. 

Too much of current practice raises mindless learning over the mindful. 

That’s right, there’s no magic in that plastic! (Although, truth be told, we don’t do plastic around here.) Those MANIPLUATIVES  have the potential to be powerful TOOLS for sense making and thinking.