How Multi-Sensory Maths Works
The following TEDxBells Beach presentation by Esther White, CEO and Founder of Maths Australia, outlines the simplicity of a methodology based on teaching maths as a language. This, and her 'I-CRAVE Maths' Methodology informs all that we offer so that you too can transform your student's numeracy outcomes.
Using our multi-sensory maths approach to teaching the language of maths, we educate teachers to use innovative 'manipulatives' (specialised, hands-on maths learning tools), before progressing a student to abstract symbolic form, creating strong foundations for mastering maths.
Using our research-based I-CRAVE Maths* Methodology, students systematically progress to refine and retain their knowledge in maths.
The end result? Maths becomes concrete, useful and relevant, and students feel more engaged, empowered and confident in their maths ability. We've set them up for life!
BRAND NEW TO MULTI-SENSORY MATHS AND LOOKING FOR WHERE TO START?
Our free diagnostic placement testing tool will give you an accurate snapshot of where your student is up to with maths right now. You can then make an informed decision about which program level you'll need.
We ordered the Maths Australia program because my son was struggling with more complex algebra so I thought there was something foundational missing that we needed to go back to. We did the placement test and, sure enough, he placed at the light brown level. So we ordered this kit.
He flew through the first few lessons with 100% scores. We are now getting to the more difficult concepts but the instruction is fantastic and I can see light bulbs going off in his mind. He is still scoring 100% on his worksheets, review sheets and tests. He is now enjoying maths and is regaining confidence in his ability. So far, the Maths Australia program has helped him immensely and I have no doubt it will continue to do so as we get further into the more challenging concepts that were giving him so much difficulty before we started this program.
We are having great success with the Maths Australia program. My children are visual learners so it suits them both. Even I concord my arch nemisis, long division! Woo hoo! I must say I was quite worried how I was going to teach it when I didn't understand it. Watching the lesson-by-lesson video and reading the instructions really didn't help much but hubbie watched and read and explained it and what do you know, after all these years I got it. We are having a great deal of success, so will not deviate now.
Maths Australia offers a logical, systematic and very sensible approach to Maths right from the early years. Prior to trying the Maths Australia program I watched my son attempting to 'memorise' maths without a logical system to follow. I would get frustrated when he could not remember the very basics and assumed he just wasn't 'Maths-minded'. But I began to see that he had no structure or framework in which to understand and visualise the concepts. This way of teaching provides such a framework and Maths has become enjoyable for my son. It is now the first thing we do every day and he loves it!
THE FOUNDATIONAL LEVELS
( Pre-school to Grade 8 and Intervention )
Our current recommended program, starts with 7 Foundational Levels that follow our methodologies for teaching maths in a multi-sensory way using manipulatives (hands-on tools) and a 4-step methodology.
SEE IT
BUILD IT
DRAW & WRITE IT
SAY IT
Students progress through each level sequentially (left to right below) to build on the foundational principles learnt in the previous levels. For some, a particular level will be easy and they'll breeze through. For others, that same level may take a little longer. That's what's so great about our multi-sensory maths program. The layout and sequence of the lessons caters to any child's learning speed.
Simply take your time on the levels they're struggling with, and breeze on through if they're mastering it quickly. Each level comes with lessons and materials to make sure confident life application and fluency of that level has been achieved before moving to the next.
Watch the methodology in action
Demonstration Lesson - "Addition, Plus One"
Our teaching approach is entirely adaptable to every learning style and level of maths, making maths accessible to anyone.
What materials do you need to teach ?
Manipulatives
One-time purchase
These are the main teaching tools and form the basis of concrete, hands-on learning Using a consistent manipulative reduces cognitive load and develops confidence in maths.
Instruction Manual & Videos
purchase (per level)
The instruction manual and videos for the Foundational Levels train you to be an effective teacher. They equip with an understanding of why and how to explicitly teach to mastery.
Student Kit
One per student (per level)
This is the only 'consumable' part as each student needs their own workbook. This becomes your only cost for every subsequent student after your first.
*The integer block kit is a one-time investment that is then used for up to 9 levels (approx. nine years). If you have multiple students doing lessons together, one integer block kit could be shared between 1-4 students.
For first-time users, our complete set has all the teaching tools you'll need to completely transform your students' experience and engagement with maths
WHAT DO YOU GET IN A COMPLETE SET?
If you're just starting out, a complete set is the best value for money. It provides you with everything you'll need to get started with this multi-sensory maths program. Each set includes the relevant manipulatives, instruction manual, and student kit. You can see the complete sets here:
Here is an in-depth look at what comes in the complete set:
MANIPULATIVES
Manipulatives are a crucial learning tool which help students understand maths in a concrete way before translating this to the abstract (letters and numbers on a page)
Manipulatives
The manipulatives in each complete set will differ slightly according to the topics that are taught in that level. For example, the Integer Block Kit is used to teach addition, subtraction and basic foundational maths, whereas the Advanced Kit is used to teach fractions, algebra, decimals and percents.
CRA MATHS MULTI-SENSORY
integer block kit
The CRA Multi-sensory Integer Block Kit is the ONLY teaching tool you'll ever need for teaching place value, addition, subtraction, time, multiplication, division & more. Their larger 'lego-compatible' size and accuracy of fit means they can be used with confidence in all applications.
The attractive and durable storage box with two inner trays keeps the blocks tidy, simplifies clean up, and is a useful teaching tool for select students.
One CRA Multi-sensory Integer Block Kit is suitable for 1-4 students.
CRA MATHS MULTI-SENSORY
ADVANCED kit
Used for teaching fractions, decimals, percents and algebra, this CRA Multi-sensory Advanced Kit is the only kit you'll need for extending a student's understanding beyond whole numbers.
Based on the rectangle model and made of high quality, uniquely colored cards, clear plastic overlays and a full set of math symbols, these can be used either as a stand-alone teaching tool; for Maths Australia's Fractions Training; or with instruction in fractions, decimal fractions, percentage fractions and algebra.
IMPORTANT: You do not need to purchase manipulatives every year. See graph here
INSTRUCTION MANUAL & VIDEOS
The Instruction Manual has all of the lesson materials for you to teach each lesson. This has been designed so you'll know exactly how to teach each lesson. The Foundational Levels of this multi-sensory maths program include online instructional video access.
Instruction Manual & Videos (below)
This Instruction Manual includes step-by-step worked solutions and will provide you with clear and easy-to-read instructions to teach each lesson to your student(s). This manual has been designed so you'll know exactly how to teach each lesson. The Foundational Levels of this multi-sensory maths program include online instructional video access.
STUDENT KIT
The Student Text workbook and Test Booklet gives your student extra practice on what they've been taught from the Instruction Manual and teaching content - and should be used with the appropriate manipulatives.
Student Kit
Each student should have their own text workbook and test booklet - this encourages them to take ownership and control of their learning and have something 'theirs'. Being able to flick back through all the concepts they've already mastered is an excellent way for students to see how far they've come - a great way to keep them engaged and develop their confidence with maths!
Instant Online Access
Online Membership & Video access
When you purchase a Foundational Level Complete Set or Foundational Level Instruction Pack, an online member dashboard account will be created for you and you'll receive an email with login credentials. This gives you access to all the corresponding instructional videos, additional level resources, completion certificates, as well as member downloadable resources for your specific Level.
Any additional purchase of a Foundational Level Complete Sets or Instruction Pack are then automatically added to your account for easy access.
Ongoing Support
Skip Count Audio & Booklet
When you purchase a Foundational Level Complete Set or Foundational Level Instruction Pack, you'll receive access to Skip Count Audio Songs and downloadable Booklet for ease of learning multiplication facts.
Bonus Resources
Please note: the images are examples only and differ according to each Level.
How do YOU KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN?
Having a complete testing pathway is research-proven to work for your student in helping identify the gaps they have missed, as well as being a great tool for you to know what to continue to focus on.
The first step in determining where to begin is to assess for each student's current level of mastery. Within a sequential framework, you'll then know what foundations are in place, where to start instruction, what topics to focus on, and what gaps need to be filled in.
If utilising our online placement test, your student's results are automatically calculated and you'll be directed to the recommended level. Begin our free online Placement Test here.
What manipulatives do you need for each level?
Header | INTEGER BLOCK KIT | ADVANCED KIT |
|---|---|---|
RED PRIMER | Cell | |
GREEN ALPHA | Cell | |
ORANGE BETA | Cell | |
PINK GAMMA | Cell | |
YELLOW DELTA | Cell | |
BLUE EPSILON | Optional | |
PURPLE ZETA | Cell | |
PRE-ALGEBRA | Cell | |
ALGEBRA 1 | Cell | |
GEOMETRY | Cell | Cell |
ALGEBRA 2 | Cell | Cell |
PRE-CALCULUS | Cell | Cell |
CALCULUS | Cell | Cell |
