Why did they "change" maths? (and why it’s actually a good thing)
If you've ever stared at your child’s maths homework and thought, “This isn’t how I learned it!” you’re not alone.
Many Kiwi parents feel a bit confused (and even a little frustrated) by the way maths is taught in primary schools today. From number lines and part-whole thinking to strategies that avoid memorisation, it can feel like a completely different language.
So... why did they change maths?
The maths didn’t change, just the way we teach it
Let’s start with some good news: the maths itself hasn’t changed. Place value is still place value. Multiplication still means “groups of.” But what has changed is how we help kids understand the why behind the what.
Instead of focusing on memorising facts or using just one “right” method, today’s approach is about helping children build a strong number sense , a flexible, deep understanding of how numbers work and connect. This means they can tackle problems in different ways, spot patterns, and explain their thinking.
It’s not just about getting the answer. It’s about knowing why the answer makes sense.
Why This Approach Helps Your Child Long-Term
Modern maths teaching in Aotearoa isn’t just about learning procedures, it’s about creating confident, capable problem solvers. When kids are encouraged to explain their reasoning or try different strategies, they’re building:
Logical thinking
Pattern recognition
The confidence to try and fail and try again
A solid foundation for more complex maths in later years
It might take a bit longer to teach this way, but the payoff is lasting understanding, not just short-term recall.
🙋🏽 But What About Parents?
Here’s the tricky bit, while this shift is great for kids, it can leave parents feeling unsure or even shut out. You might wonder:
Why aren’t they learning times tables the old way?
Why can’t I just show them how I do it?
What even is a number line?!
And that’s exactly why we created The Learning Project, to bridge the gap between school and home. You don’t need to be a teacher. You just need a little help understanding how things are taught now so you can support your child with confidence.
Want to See How It Works?
We’ve designed our maths courses to walk you through all the big ideas your child is learning this year, from place value to multiplication and fractions. With short explainer videos, real-life examples, and playful practice ideas, it’s support that makes sense.
Explore the maths courses here
It’s not about homework. It’s about connection, confidence, and making learning part of your everyday life.
