What if we approached early numeracy with the same precision as early reading?
In this episode of Magnify Matters, host Craig Simpson [Learning Leader, Catholic Education Sandhurst] is joined by Kelly Norris, Manager of Early Numeracy Research at the Centre for Independent Studies, for a conversation about the growing evidence behind early numeracy screening and why identifying students at risk early can change learning trajectories.
Drawing on her experience as an early childhood teacher, researcher and developer of the Early Number Sense Assessment (ENSA), Kelly explores the critical building blocks of mathematical learning and the importance of knowing not just what to assess, but why it matters.
Together, Craig and Kelly explore:
- Why early numeracy deserves the same evidence-informed attention as early reading.
- The development of the ENSA and how it helps identify students who may need additional support.
- Why number sense, number relations and number operations are the strongest predictors of future mathematical success.
- The role of fluency in reducing cognitive load and strengthening reasoning and problem solving.
- How the instructional hierarchy provides a practical pathway from acquisition to fluency, and ultimately to deeper mathematical thinking.
Whether you're teaching Foundation, leading a school or supporting system improvement, this conversation explores how strong foundations in numeracy create better outcomes for every learner.
Now join us as we explore what truly matters in education.
Mentioned in this episode
ABOUT MAGNIFY SANDHURST
Catholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement.
ABOUT CATHOLIC EDUCATION SANDHURST
Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 52 Catholic schools and six early learning centres across regional and rural Victoria, educating more than 15,200 students. We empower regional young people, their families, our staff and communities to have 'life to the full' (John 10:10).
Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
