Learning Supporting Your Child in Mathematics at Bethany

At Bethany, we believe that every child can grow and succeed in Mathematics.

This term, we are excited to introduce our Maths Together Guidebook—a practical resource designed to strengthen the partnership between school and home, and to support families in engaging confidently in their child’s learning.

Our Approach to Mathematics

Mathematics at Bethany looks different to how many of us experienced it at school.

Rather than focusing on speed or memorising rules, our approach is centred on:

• developing deep understanding
• exploring multiple strategies
• explaining thinking
• building confidence through challenge

Research in neuroscience tells us that mathematical ability is not fixed. Every time a child wrestles with a problem, tries a new strategy, or learns from a mistake, their brain is growing.

This is the kind of learning that lasts.

A Growth Mindset for Mathematics

One of the most important messages we share with students is simple:

Everyone can learn Mathematics.

Children often believe they are either “good at Maths” or not. At Bethany, we intentionally challenge this idea. We teach students that:

• struggle is a normal and valuable part of learning
• mistakes help the brain grow
• effort and persistence lead to improvement

When children feel safe to take risks, they become more willing to think deeply and try new approaches.

What Learning Looks Like in the Classroom

You may see your child:

• drawing diagrams to solve problems
• using number lines or materials
• explaining their thinking out loud
• solving problems in more than one way

These approaches are deliberate. Visualising and modelling mathematics helps children build strong foundations and truly understand how numbers work.

Importantly, speed is not our focus. Fluency develops over time through understanding—not pressure.

Your Role as a Learning Partner

Parent engagement is central to learning at Bethany. Research shows that when families are actively engaged, children can make the equivalent of six months additional progress each year.

The goal at home is not to reteach lessons, but to nurture curiosity, confidence and persistence.

Simple ways to support your child include:

• asking them to explain their thinking
• encouraging them when they feel challenged
• valuing effort over correct answers
• being curious together

Sometimes the most powerful question is:

“Can you show me how you worked that out?”

Introducing the Maths Together Guidebook

Our new Maths Together Guidebook has been created to support you in this partnership.

Inside, you will find:

• an overview of how children learn Mathematics
• practical ways to support your child at home
• key strategies for each year level—from Prep through to Year 6

This guide is designed to give you clarity and confidence, so you can engage in your child’s learning in meaningful and manageable ways.

There is a new tab in the Resources section of our Website that feature resources to help you support your child’s learning at home.

Working Together

At Bethany, we see learning as a shared journey.

By working together—school and home—we can help every child develop not only strong mathematical skills, but also the confidence, resilience and curiosity they need to thrive.

Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s learning.