These Talk Moves resources have undergone a rigorous quality assurance process. This ensures that the resources provided to schools are relevant, of high quality and underpinned by evidence-based practice. This resource has been developed to support K-6 teachers when implementing the NSW Mathematics K-10 Syllabus.

Advice on use

These resources provide teachers with guidance on the components of explicit lessons when developing students’ numeracy skills.

While the advice and suggestions in these resources can be used with all students, they are particularly aimed for use with students in K-6.

These resources can be integrated at any point in a teacher’s teaching and learning cycle and can be adapted for use across different classroom contexts.

Differentiation

When using this resource in the classroom, it is important for teachers to consider the needs of all students, including Aboriginal and EAL/D learners.

EAL/D learners will require explicit language support and scaffolding, informed by the Enhanced EAL/D enhanced teaching and learning cycle and the student’s phase on the EAL/D Learning Progressions. For further information, visit English as an additional language or dialect.

Learning adjustments enable students with disability and additional learning and support needs to access syllabus outcomes and content on the same basis as their peers. Teachers can use a range of adjustments to ensure a personalised approach to student learning.

A range of tools to identify, assess and challenge high potential and gifted learners are available to support teachers in the classroom. Identifying contributors to achievement helps teachers identify and target areas for students’ growth and improvement. A differentiation adjustment tool can be used to plan effective teaching strategies. 

Evidence base

Way, J., & Bobis, J. (2017). The literacy of mathematics (PETAA Paper No. 208). Primary English Teaching Association Australia.

Additional resources

Professional learning opportunities are available on the Literacy and numeracy professional learning page.

Numeracy guides to support conversations about best practice for teaching reading.

Professional learning pathways help to make decisions about building capability.

Alignment to system priorities and/or needs: Literacy and numeracy priorities, Our Plan for NSW Public Education, School Excellence Policy (nsw.gov.au), Literacy and Numeracy Practice Guide.​

Alignment to School Excellence Framework: Learning domain: Curriculum, Literacy and numeracy focus. Teaching domain: Effective classroom practice, Explicit teaching.​ Leading domain: Educational leadership: Leading teaching and learning.

Consulted with: Literacy and Numeracy​

Author: Primary Numeracy, Literacy and Numeracy​

Reviewed by: Literacy and Numeracy​

Last updated: April 2025​

Anticipated resource review date: January 2026​

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