fbpx
Contact Us
Donate
Counting for Life boy in classroom

Supporting Numeracy Development, Self-Esteem and Motivation to Learn

Counting for Life® was designed by Learning Links to provide one-on-one support to children who are struggling with numeracy at a vital stage of their academic development.

The importance of developing strong early mathematics knowledge, skills and positive dispositions, can have a lifelong effect. Most importantly however, there is an increase in the confidence and enjoyment of learning in children participating in Counting for Life, which influences their self-esteem and motivation to learn.

 

Long-term and Measureable Impacts

The Counting for Life® program targets children in Years 3 – 5 and the benefits are sustainable for each participating child. Once children develop numeracy skills, it affects the outcomes of so many of their subjects at school, particularly when they reach high school and a good level of numeracy is necessary to achieve academic success.

Since its development, Counting for Life® has been enormously successful in providing children with the mathematical skills they need to fully participate in society in later years. Numeracy is needed for a wide range of everyday activities such as money handling, taking medication and cooking. It is also critical for economic and social participation in the technology-rich 21st century and has become an essential skill for all people in the workplace.

 

Student and teacher sitting at desk practicing counting on fingers

About the Program

  • Children who are struggling with numeracy and would benefit from the program are identified by the participating school and teachers.
  • Each child is tested by Learning Links’ psychologists prior to the program to determine their numeracy levels across a number of areas and their self-concept.
  • Student Learning Support Officers or Parent/Community Volunteers identified by the school are provided a 3-hour training session, all resources and support for the program.
  • The program assists children in improving their numeracy, self-esteem and confidence through a variety of fun activities and games to encourage engagement and interest.
  • Volunteers spend 45 minutes a week for 10 weeks, taking each child through a semi-structured program.
  • They are re-tested again at the end of the program to determine their improvement.
  • This information is compiled into a report that is given to the school and each parent.
  • Feedback is also requested from the school, the children and their parents at the end of the program.

Gains Made By Children

On average, over a 10-week period*, children participating have made the following learning gains and improved their:

*Data collected during the 2020/21 school years.

What Participating Children Say