EAST Maths Resources for Australian Teachers

What Is EAST Maths?

EAST Maths — which stands for Effective, Aligned, Structured, and Targeted — is an evidence-based approach to mathematics instruction gaining strong momentum in Australian primary schools. Rooted in research from cognitive science and mathematics education, EAST Maths emphasises explicit teaching, systematic skill progression, and consistent daily practice to build deep mathematical understanding.

Rather than relying on discovery-based or open-ended tasks alone, EAST Maths provides teachers with a structured framework for delivering maths lessons that move students from foundational fluency through to problem-solving and reasoning — in line with the Australian Curriculum v9 proficiency strands.

The EAST Maths approach is built on decades of research into how students learn mathematics most effectively. Its four pillars work together to create a coherent instructional model:

Effective — Evidence-Based Strategies

EAST Maths prioritises teaching strategies shown by research to have the greatest impact on student outcomes. These include explicit instruction, worked examples, spaced practice, and retrieval practice. Teachers model mathematical thinking clearly before asking students to practise independently.

Aligned — Curriculum Consistency

All EAST Maths activities and resources are tightly aligned to the Australian Curriculum. This ensures that daily practice directly supports the content descriptors and achievement standards teachers are required to cover, reducing wasted instructional time.

Structured — Systematic Progression

Mathematics is inherently hierarchical — students need secure foundational knowledge before tackling more complex concepts. EAST Maths follows a carefully sequenced scope and sequence, ensuring prerequisite skills are taught before they are needed.

Targeted — Differentiated Instruction

EAST Maths recognises that students within any class are at different points in their learning. The approach includes targeted warm-ups, differentiated practice tasks, and formative assessment checkpoints so teachers can adjust instruction based on student need.

Australian Curriculum Alignment

The Australian Curriculum v9 for Mathematics emphasises six content strands: Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, Statistics, and Probability. EAST Maths activities support all six strands with particular strength in the mathematical proficiencies of understanding, fluency, problem-solving, and reasoning.

1. Start with a Structured Warm-Up

Begin each maths lesson with a 5–10 minute warm-up that reviews previously taught skills. This might include number talks, mental maths routines, or quick fluency drills. The key is spaced retrieval practice — revisiting concepts over time to strengthen long-term memory.

2. Explicit Teaching and Modelling

Use the "I do, We do, You do" model for introducing new content. Clearly model the mathematical thinking and procedures, then guide students through practice before releasing them to work independently. Use worked examples and think-alouds to make your reasoning visible.

3. Structured Practice

Provide students with carefully sequenced practice tasks that build from simple to complex. EAST Maths resources typically include graduated difficulty levels so students can consolidate new learning before applying it to more challenging problems.

4. Formative Assessment Checkpoints

Build in regular check-ins to monitor student understanding. This might be as simple as an exit ticket, a mini whiteboard check, or a quick peer discussion. Use this data to identify students who need additional support or extension.

5. Daily Review and Consolidation

End each lesson with a brief review of what was learned. Over the week, spiral back to earlier concepts to maintain fluency and build connections between mathematical ideas.

Foundation

Foundation EAST Maths focuses on building number sense through counting, subitising, and understanding quantity. Students work with numbers to 20, learn to recognise and create patterns, and begin exploring measurement through direct comparison. Daily routines include counting collections, number of the day, and simple addition and subtraction with concrete materials.

Year 1 & Year 2

In Years 1 and 2, EAST Maths extends into place value, addition and subtraction strategies, early multiplication concepts, and more formal measurement. Students begin working with two-digit and three-digit numbers, telling time, and using standard units. Structured practice sheets and fluency drills help build automaticity with basic facts.

Year 3 & Year 4

By Years 3 and 4, students are working with larger numbers, multiplication and division facts, fractions, and more complex measurement and geometry. EAST Maths resources at this level often include multi-step problem-solving tasks alongside fluency practice, helping students connect procedural knowledge with conceptual understanding.

Year 5 & Year 6

Upper primary EAST Maths covers decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion, algebraic thinking, and data analysis. Resources focus on building mathematical reasoning and the ability to apply skills to unfamiliar problems — preparing students for the transition to secondary mathematics.