Program

See the full program here.

Maths Play is a community project researching what balanced maths programs look like, sound like and feel like. We are exploring intersections between doing mathematics and play and spotlighting ways to help learners deeply engage in mathematical tasks and experience everyday maths work as 'play'.

This July, Maths Play is delighted to partner with Motivating All Maths Learners to Succeed to run the first Big Day of Maths Play: Primary Education Conference.

This event is supported by Macclesfield Primary School, Monash University and the Maths Association of Victoria.

Conference Theme: Reuniting maths with play

Subthemes:

✨ Contexts that spark curiosity and motivate mathematical thinking

✨ Building habits of reasoning and problem-solving skills over time

✨ Differentiation techniques that build self-efficacy and collective efficacy

✨ Leveraging physical and virtual manipulatives to build conceptual understanding

✨ Integrating inquiry-based learning, explicit teaching, and collaborative learning

Go into our prize draw:

Register on or before Wed 24 May and go into the draw to win one of four playful maths resources.

Program

See the full program here.

Your invitation:

Are you a primary educator looking to create positive and playful maths learning communities where students develop and enjoy using their mathematical powers? Do you enjoy learning with and from like-minded educators? Does the idea of 'reuniting maths with play' feel important? Do the above subthemes interest you?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider being part of this inaugural event - 2023 Big Day of Maths Play Education Conference. What better way to head into a new school term?! ✨🙃

Keynote speaker:

Marilyn Fleer, Laureate Professor, Monash University.

Professor Marilyn Fleer and her team at Monash University are responsible for the Conceptual Playworlds, Australian's first research-based model for teaching STEM.

"PlayWorlds start with a story. Then both adults and children enter an imaginary world. Playing together, they solve challenges and learn concepts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)".

Session Facilitators:

Alex Box, Researcher & Project Manager, Maths Play
Marissa Cashmore, Teacher & Learning Specialist, Macclesfield Primary School.
Fiona Clarke, Maths Education Consultant, Fiona Clarke - MEC
Ryan Evans, Teacher & Creator, Brickulum & Rangeview Primary School.
Christine Lenghaus, Teacher. Building mathematical learning partnerships, Maths Heroes
Sam Millar, Year 5 Classroom Teacher & Outdoor Learning Coordinator, Cornish College
Sarah Mercer, Co-founder & Chief Learning Officer at Playlunch Games.

Inclusions:

Join us for:

High-quality, AITSL standards-aligned professional learning
Innovative research and practice
Hands-on activities
Inspiring conversations
Morning tea & lunch
Networking opportunities
Entry into MAV prize draw

Note: For an additional fee, we can accommodate school-aged children with various play activities and catering. Simply include them in your order.

Cost to attend:

$140 per person (inc. GST)

$20 per child (inc. GST)

In case it's helpful, here is a letter template to help you request that your school/institution/employer fund your attendance on this day.

Health-safe event requirements

While face masks are not currently required (except for household/close contacts) all participants are welcome to wear one.

To ensure the health and safety of all conference attendees, we are all required to adhere to the following guidelines:

Check for COVID-19 symptoms prior to leaving home
Refrain from attending the conference if you are unwell, even with mild symptoms.
Refrain from attending the conference if you are required to isolate or quarantine for any reason, or if you are awaiting results of a COVID-19 test.
Consider whether to attend the event if you are a household contact/close contact, and if you do attend, wear a face mask on school grounds.
Respect other people's decisions to wear a mask in settings where it is not mandatory.
Practice physical distancing from others whenever possible.
Immediately notify the event organiser or a conference official if you feel unwell during the event.