Webinar 4: Using Key Word Sign to Support Early Mathematical Concept Development

This webinar explores the innovative use of Key Word Sign (KWS) as a tool to enrich children's early mathematical learning. Key Word Sign (KWS) is an augmented communication strategy that formalises and consistently uses the same gestures to represent words or phrases. Aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) 2.0, the use of KWS in mathematics, as highlighted in this session, strengthens communication, inclusion, and engagement, thereby fostering children's confidence, identity, and foundational mathematical understandings. You will gain practical ideas and strategies to embed KWS into daily routines, shared reading, songs, and play, with a focus on spatial awareness concepts of position, location, and movement.

Kate Quane is an educator and researcher with expertise in mathematics education and inclusive teaching practices at the University of South Australia. Her work focuses on how multimodal strategies, including the use of Key Word Sign, can enhance young children’s mathematical thinking and communication. Kate has extensive experience working with teachers in regional and metropolitan settings to design learning environments that foster curiosity, confidence, and equity in mathematics. Kate's other research interests include how students and teachers communicate their mathematical understanding, particularly during mathematical problem-solving and their attitudes towards mathematics. Passionate about bridging research and practice, she is committed to supporting educators in implementing innovative approaches that make mathematics meaningful and accessible for all learners. 

This webinar is co-presented with Dr Lorraine Gaunt (Charles Sturt University), Belinda Trewartha (University of South Australia) and Sunshine Sign and Sing. 

Dr Lorraine Gaunt is a Lecturer in Teacher Education in the School of Education at Charles Sturt University. Lorraine has over 25 years experience as a Secondary Mathematics, Science and Special Education teacher and Head of Special Education Services at a range of Queensland secondary schools. She has 12 years experience working in the tertiary education sector. Prior to commencing at Charles Sturt, Lorraine worked at both the University of Southern Queensland and the University of Queensland. Having completed her PhD in 2020, Lorraine’s research interests include supporting numeracy development and promoting inclusive mathematics education in the secondary school classroom. Additionally, Lorraine is passionate about improving the wellbeing of individuals with disabilities and promoting inclusive communities.

Belinda Trewartha is an Early Childhood Education Specialist with a broad knowledge base and experience spanning thirty years, both within Australia and internationally. Currently she is a Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at The University of South Australia, specialising in Maths and Science. Related interests include digital pedagogy, authentic assessment and culturally responsive practises. Belinda is passionate about making Mathematics accessible to all, including anxious parents and educators, whom she believes hold the key to engaging and exciting young children about all things mathematical and scientific. With this in mind, she is currently undertaking an Educational Doctorate investigating authentic assessment in early years mathematics. Belinda is involved in research work around the engagement of children who are d/D/HoH in mathematics.