TRANSFORMING the mathematics experience into a fun and engaging experience is something Singleton Primary School teacher Shelia Griffin has down pat.
Simple yet clever ideas such as Maths Wizards, Mad Maths Mornings and Ten-a-Day have ignited a flame of learning passion for learning maths in each of her students.
It has seen vast improvements in their skill sets, with the students feeling happier and more confident with their maths.
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READ NOWIt has been so successful, Mrs Griffin received a prestigious accolade for her efforts when she was crowned the 2018 Outstanding Primary Teacher Award in Melbourne on September 7.
The Australian Mathematical Science Institute gave her the award which includes a $10,000 prize.
Half will go to her school’s maths program, while the other half is for Mrs Griffin to take on further professional training.
“The institute recognised I had put a lot of ‘whole school’ approaches to teaching maths, such as Mad Maths Morning,” she said.
“Each class does 20 minutes on a certain maths activity before they rotate to another maths activity.
“It goes off our data and is based on weaker areas in maths.
“Currently our focus is on geometry.
“It’s been fantastic to be recognised for my passion for maths to make it fun.
“I’m over the moon.
“It’s for students, teachers and parents; I’ve been a success because of all their support.”
AMSI Schools program manager and Choose Maths project director Janine McIntosh said Mrs Griffin’s idea of making maths fun and removing the anxiety out of learning was a vital resource.
“Sheila is more than deserving of this recognition,” she said.
“She has created an exciting and vibrant maths culture in and beyond her school that supports student learning and engagement,” she said.