The idea for the program was born in Ballarat and piloted three years ago and is aimed at children between three and five, getting them to use maths before they start school. 

A three-year evaluation of the program was released on Wednesday, showing its benefits. More than half of the children who took part were able to count to 20 by the end of the program, compared to 37 per cent who weren’t involved, and Let’s Count children had twice the chance of dividing 12 teddies between three mats. 

Monash University associate professor Ann Gervasoni, who has lived in Ballarat for 17 years, helped develop the program, along with Charles Sturt University professor Bob Perry. 

She said the program particularly helped families who had done it tough when it came to education, to engage their children in maths so they didn’t start school behind. 

“Early maths study before school is quite indicative of how they will perform at school,” she said. 

She said the program was designed for kindergarten teachers and childcare educators to work in partnership with families. 

“They work with parents, and talk to families about how they can do maths – noticing maths in every-day life, talking about it and exploring it.”

UnitingCare early childhood services manager Amandah Taylor was teaching when the pilot for the program was launched and saw its first year unfold. 

“It makes a great difference to the children, but it’s more about the parents,” she said. 

“The children are more prepared for school. They have a better understanding of maths and when they are doing maths – instead of thinking that maths is just really hard.” She said telling children when they were using maths and using mathematical language was key. 

Ms Taylor manages Yuille Park Children’s Centre as part of a cluster of early education centres, which is one of five centres in Ballarat that offers the program. 

Associate Professor Gervasoni said parents could talk about shapes and design, whether something was lighter or heavier, shorter or taller, hotter or colder, and that often board games, use of dice and card games helped. 

“Sometimes parents don’t feel confident about maths themselves, but Let’s Count shows them they can do maths – and they’re good at it. They use maths in cooking, renovating, shopping, putting the plates out for lunch and counting money.”

She said it taught parents how to engage and find opportunities for mathematical conversations. “Maths is a critical part of every-day life. It helps in every subject at school. It’s critical to teach maths to break the cycle of poverty.”

nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au