Free Maths Resources for Parents

Khan Academy: Video explanations of concepts from pre-school through Year 12. Your child can rewatch, slow down, and revisit. Free with no ads if you create a parent account.

nrich.maths.org: Rich problem-solving tasks for all ages. Not about speed or rote—it's about thinking deeply.

Mathspace: Used in many Australian schools. Some free content available; check if your school provides access.

Desmos: Graphing calculator that lets you see algebra visually. Perfect for Year 7-10 students.

PhET simulations: Interactive maths and science activities. Visualise how functions, fractions, and operations work.

• Brilliant.org (free tier): Interactive problem-solving across maths, science, logic
• Wolfram Alpha: Type in a maths problem and see the steps. Helps them understand process, not just get answers
• GeoGebra: Geometry, algebra, and 3D visualisation. Makes abstract ideas concrete
• Photomath: Camera app that shows steps for solving problems. Good for self-checking homework

These aren't shortcuts. They're ways to visualise and understand maths, not avoid thinking.

Kids will practise maths for hours if it's disguised as a game.

Board games: Dice games, card games, strategy games all involve probability, calculation, and planning.

Video games: Many games require strategy, resource management, and quick calculation. Let them play.

Cooking: Measuring, scaling recipes, understanding fractions and ratios. Real-world maths that matters.

Building: Lego, blocks, model kits—spatial reasoning, estimation, problem-solving. All maths, no drill sheet.

• Your state curriculum authority: NSW, VIC, QLD—most publish free sample questions and learning guides
• OpenStax: Free, peer-reviewed textbooks for secondary maths
• Library apps: Many Australian libraries offer access to ebook workbooks and practice materials
• Teacher resources: Teachers often share free worksheets and problem sets online. Sites like TeachersPayTeachers have free sections

Quality free materials exist if you know where to look. You don't need expensive textbooks to support learning.

• School homework clubs: Many schools offer free support sessions after school
• Local libraries: Some run free homework help programs
• University volunteers: Uni students sometimes offer free tutoring as part of outreach programs
• Parent networks: Swap skills with other parents. If you're good at maths, tutor their child; they tutor yours in something else

Before paying for tutoring, ask if free school support is available. Often it is.

All these resources help only if your child believes maths is learnable. If they think "I'm just not a maths person," they won't engage.

Use growth mindset language: "You haven't learned this yet" not "You're bad at maths." Model struggle: "I'm trying this problem and it's tricky. Let me think..." not instant answers.

Effort matters more than being 'naturally gifted.' Help your child see that mistakes and confusion are where learning happens.