After more than two decades of working in primary schools and specialising in mathematics, one thing has become crystal clear to me: helping children succeed in mathematics isn’t just about teaching numbers - it’s about creating the right environment for learning. In my experience, there are four key ingredients that really make the difference: motivation, memory, mathematical thinking, and mindset. Together, these 4 M’s help children become fluent, confident, and capable mathematical thinkers.

Motivation is where everything begins. Children need to believe that mathematics matters and that they can do it. When the tasks we give them feel relevant and within reach, they’re far more likely to engage and stick with it. Over the years, I’ve seen that motivation really starts to build when children feel capable and in control of their learning journey.

Memory also plays a vital role. Being able to recall number facts quickly helps free up brain space for problem-solving. But memorising through drill alone doesn’t cut it. Children remember more when we teach facts in ways that make sense.

Mathematical thinking is what turns knowing into understanding. It’s about spotting patterns, making connections, and explaining why things work. This kind of thinking helps children move beyond simply remembering facts to actually reasoning with them. Thinking mathematically gives learners power and purpose - it helps them make sense of the maths they’re doing.

And then there’s mindset - how children see themselves as mathematical learners. When children believe their effort leads to progress, they’re more likely to take risks, persevere, and bounce back from mistakes. That belief changes everything.

What’s powerful is how these four areas work together. They’re not separate - they reinforce each other. When we nurture motivation, support memory, develop thinking, and shape a positive mindset, we create a classroom culture where every child has the chance to thrive in mathematics.