Montessori Australia Presents

FREE CERTIFIED WORKSHOP SERIES

Practical Montessori insights for a kinder, brighter world

Join Montessori Australia for a free, certified workshop series featuring special guests, hosted by Montessori Australia’s Director of Educational Services, Mark Powell.

11 January 2027

Why Children Turn Away from Mathematics Early

And How Indigenous Knowledge Systems Can Bring Them Back

Meet your presenter

Joel Rioux

Humanising mathematics is both possible and necessary.

Join Joel Rioux for a thoughtful introduction to ethnomathematics and the mathematical knowledge embedded in cultures, communities, traditions and everyday practices.

Together, we will explore the mathematics practised by artisans and Indigenous peoples within our region and beyond. By approaching mathematics with curiosity, we can recognise that people everywhere mathematise—and that these diverse ways of knowing can enrich the curriculum for every student.

This session is not about removing Western mathematics from schools. Instead, it advocates for a Both-Ways approach that respects Western mathematical knowledge while making meaningful space for Indigenous and culturally situated ways of understanding mathematics.

Understanding Ethnomathematics

Explore how mathematical thinking is expressed through cultural practices, community knowledge, craft, design, movement and relationships with place.

Mathematics Beyond Algorithms

Look beyond procedural algorithms to recognise mathematics as a human activity involving curiosity, creativity, reasoning and problem-solving.

A Both-Ways Approach

Consider how Western mathematics and Indigenous ways of knowing can sit alongside one another, enriching learning without diminishing either tradition.

Mathematics and Reconciliation

Explore how authentically recognising Indigenous mathematical knowledge can contribute to respectful relationships and meaningful work towards Reconciliation.

Everyone mathematises. By recognising the many ways people understand and practise mathematics, we can create a richer, more inclusive and more human curriculum for students.

Fresh perspectives. Meaningful connections.

Created for parents, teachers and educational leaders across the globe, these engaging sessions offer practical insights and fresh perspectives to help you support children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

Drawing on our guests’ experiences, we will explore how Montessori principles can strengthen relationships, inspire purposeful learning and contribute to a kinder, brighter world.

Whether you are new to Montessori or looking to deepen your existing knowledge, you’ll leave with meaningful ideas that can be applied at home, in the classroom or across your educational community.

Who should attend?

Primary school pedagogues and educators
Secondary school pedagogues and educators
School and educational leaders
Parents and caregivers
Tertiary lecturers and teacher educators
Anyone interested in mathematics, Montessori education or Reconciliation

What’s included?

An accessible introduction to ethnomathematics
Examples of mathematics practised by artisans and Indigenous peoples
Ideas for enriching mathematics curricula through a Both-Ways approach
Relevant insights for educators, leaders, lecturers and families
A personalised certificate of attendance
The opportunity to connect with the global Montessori Australia community

Included with your registration

Certificate of attendance

Participants who attend the workshop will receive a personalised Montessori Australia certificate of attendance. You must register to ensure your certificate is generated.

Workshop cost

Free

Registration is required

Join us on the evening

Watch live on YouTube

Open the livestream and select “Notify Me” to receive an email notification when we go live.

Livestream link coming soon

Places may be limited, so register early to secure your spot.

Presented by Montessori Australia

People • Purpose • Possibilities

Contact the host of Montessori Australia Presents: Why Children Turn Away from Mathematics Early - And How Indigenous Knowledge Systems Can Bring Them Back

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