Move 4 Maths - Our story
Move 4 Maths was born out of real teaching experience, after witnessing first-hand how practical and active learning can support student engagement, confidence and achievement.
Our why
The Move 4 Maths kaupapa is simple but powerful – learning through movement works, and it’s backed by domestic and international research. However, from experience working alongside New Zealand schools adopting the recently refreshed Mathematics & Statistics Curriculum, there is a clear gap in active learning opportunities from the resources currently widely available.
The importance of regular, quality physical activity cannot be underestimated or overlooked. Understanding teachers’ stretch for time, a solution lies in weaving movement throughout the Maths learning process. This not only complements the existing structured learning approaches to Maths, it provides the movement and engagement that tamariki need regularly throughout each school day.
Move 4 Maths is designed with busy teachers in mind and tamariki in our hearts – our ready-to-go, curriculum-aligned lesson plans can be seamlessly integrated into your existing Maths programme. They have been tried and tested by teachers just like you, to ensure they are user-friendly.
Our mission is to raise achievement levels in Maths through active learning and our commitment.
If this sounds interesting to you, then we would love for you to join the movement to inspire active Maths learning!
Our values
Impact
We do everything with purpose and strive to make a positive difference.
Improvement
Committing to our own development as lifelong learners.
Innovation
Continuously searching for new and improved ways to support engaging learning.
Inspiration
Empowering educators and students to love their teaching and learning.
Our People
Zak Brown – Founder & Director
Kia ora!
Ever since my first work experience placement in a school setting, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I haven’t followed the traditional route to get to where I am now, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
As an emerging Physical Education teacher over ten years ago, my natural ‘classroom’ was out on the field or in the sports hall. So, when I started a cover supervisor role and was tasked with teaching all subjects across the curriculum, I naturally leant into my ‘active learning’ approach. This included facilitating role plays in drama and foreign languages, as well as integrating active learning through Maths. Whilst this was a natural way for me to teach, I discovered how the power of movement better-connected the learning for my students, particularly for those who had previously disengaged from the subject.
I have spent the last five years supporting the Healthy Active Learning Kaupapa in Wellington, having the privilege of working closely with so many inspiring school leaders and educators to utilise physical activity as a vehicle to support student learning and wellbeing.
Recently, I have observed the transition into more structured learning approaches across New Zealand schools, particularly in Maths & Literacy. Having started my career in the UK education system, I am aware of the strengths and limitations of these approaches.
As teachers quickly adapted to these changes, I recognised a real need for active learning to balance and complement the more structured practices now in place. That’s why I created Move 4 Maths. I want to make a positive difference for teachers and students, by providing a platform where movement can easily be integrated into Maths learning, without compromising or overhauling current practices. And I need to vouch for the tamariki, who thrive when given the opportunity to apply themselves practically, but may struggle with extended sedentary and structured learning.
Our commitment at Move 4 Maths is to be responsive to feedback from Kaiako and Ākonga alike. If you have any questions, suggestions or feedback to share about how we can best support you and your students through Move 4 Maths, we’d love to hear it!