NAPLAN Preparation for Numeracy: Building Problem-Solving Skills

for Years 3,5, 7, and 9

Introduction

If your child is preparing for the NAPLAN numeracy test, you may be wondering how to guide them in a simple, effective and stress free way. Numeracy is not only about numbers. It is about thinking clearly, understanding real world situations and making decisions using mathematics. The NAPLAN numeracy test is designed to assess how your child applies mathematical knowledge, rather than how many facts they have memorised.

NAPLAN preparation for numeracy requires only a few months of consistent and meaningful practice. With the right support, children in Year Three, Year Five, Year Seven and Year Nine can develop strong problem solving skills that help them feel confident and calm on test day. This guide is written to help you understand how numeracy works in NAPLAN, how your child can build strong skills and how you can support them at home in a friendly and practical way.

This blog follows the complete Champion Tutors rulebook for writing clear, helpful and research supported content for parents in Western Australia. Let us begin by understanding what numeracy really means in the NAPLAN context.

Understanding the Role of Numeracy in NAPLAN

The NAPLAN numeracy assessment focuses on applying mathematical understanding to real life situations. This includes number, algebra, measurement, space, statistics and probability. Your child will need to read questions carefully, interpret information and decide which strategy to use.

Younger students encounter simple arithmetic, shapes, measurement and basic word problems. Older students face more complex reasoning, patterns, algebraic thinking and data interpretation. The test assesses logical thinking, accuracy and the ability to communicate ideas through numbers.

Because the test is completed online, your child must also be familiar with reading questions on screen, selecting answers, and navigating the digital format. Understanding these elements early helps your child feel comfortable.

When you support your child in building numeracy confidence, you prepare them not only for NAPLAN, but for life long problem solving.

Why Problem Solving Matters More Than Memorising

One of the biggest misunderstandings about NAPLAN numeracy is that children need to memorise formulas or complete countless worksheets. In reality, success in NAPLAN comes from problem solving skills rather than memorisation.

Problem solving involves

Understanding what the question is asking

Choosing a strategy

Applying the correct method

Checking the answer for correctness

When children learn to think clearly, read carefully and apply logic, they handle even unfamiliar questions with confidence. This is why problem solving is the heart of numeracy preparation.

Your role as a parent is to help your child see numeracy as a thinking skill rather than a memorisation skill. When this shift happens, confidence grows naturally.

Step One: Build Confidence with Everyday Numeracy

The best way to begin numeracy preparation is through everyday life. Children learn mathematical thinking by experiencing numbers around them. These everyday moments help your child understand mathematics as a useful tool.

You can involve your child in simple activities such as

Comparing prices at the supermarket

Estimating totals before paying

Measuring ingredients while cooking

Reading clocks and planning times

Discussing distances during travel

Counting objects or grouping items

These activities build number sense, reasoning and estimation skills. They also help children understand that numeracy is about understanding the world, not only answering questions on paper.

For Year Three students, everyday numeracy is essential because it builds comfort with numbers.

For Year Five students, it strengthens flexibility in thinking.

For Year Seven and Year Nine students, it deepens understanding of concepts that appear in higher level questions.

Everyday numeracy is the foundation of confident problem solving.

Step Two: Strengthen Mental Maths in a Natural Way

Mental maths is an important skill in NAPLAN because it improves speed and accuracy. Mental maths allows children to solve basic questions without relying on pen and paper. It also helps them double check answers quickly.

You can support mental maths by encouraging

Quick addition and subtraction

Simple multiplication

Basic division

Number patterns

Doubling and halving

Estimating sums or products

For younger students, simple counting games and number patterns are helpful.

For older students, encourage mental strategies such as breaking numbers apart, rounding or using known facts to estimate.

Mental maths practise does not need to be long. Short and regular moments are more effective than one long session. When children become comfortable with mental strategies, they solve questions more efficiently.

Step Three: Teach Your Child to Understand Questions Clearly

A large number of errors in NAPLAN numeracy come from misreading or misunderstanding the question. Children may know the method but answer incorrectly because they did not understand what the question wanted.

You can support your child by helping them practise reading numeracy questions slowly and carefully. Encourage them to look for

Key information

Numbers involved

What the question is asking

What operation is needed

Any hidden details

Ask your child to explain the question in their own words. This helps them think clearly and ensures that they understand the requirement of the question.

For Year Three and Year Five students, focus on understanding simple language and identifying what needs to be done.

For Year Seven and Year Nine students, encourage them to break down multi step questions into smaller parts.

Understanding the question is the first step in solving it correctly.

Step Four: Build Problem Solving Strategies for Different Year Levels

Different year levels require different levels of problem solving. When you understand what is expected in each year, you can support your child more effectively.

For Year Three

Focus on basic addition and subtraction

Introduce simple multiplication concepts

Use shapes, patterns and measurement

Practise reading small word problems

For Year Five

Introduce more complex multiplication and division

Explore fractions and simple decimals

Practise interpreting small graphs

Encourage your child to show working in their mind

For Year Seven

Introduce algebraic thinking

Discuss perimeter, area and basic volume

Explore data interpretation and mean

Practise multi step questions with logic and reasoning

For Year Nine

Discuss probability, patterns and more advanced algebra

Build confidence with percentages and ratios

Explore graphs and complex data interpretation

Practise time management and persistence on challenging problems

When you guide your child with age appropriate strategies, they progress naturally.

Step Five: Use Timed Mini Sessions to Build Focus

NAPLAN numeracy has a time limit, so your child needs to develop focus and pacing. Timed mini sessions help build this ability without creating stress.

Create short practice sessions of five minutes, then ten minutes, then fifteen minutes. Ask your child to concentrate and solve as many questions as they can within the time.

Keep these sessions light and positive. The goal is not high scores. The goal is building stamina and confidence. Over time, your child learns how to read quickly, think clearly and manage their time.

Short timed sessions are more effective than long hours of practice. Children stay fresh, engaged and motivated.

Step Six: Review Mistakes with a Growth Mindset

Mistakes are not failures. They are useful information. When your child makes a mistake, you have an opportunity to teach them something important.

A growth mindset means that your child learns to see mistakes as steps toward improvement. Encourage your child to look at the mistake and ask

What part did I misunderstand

What strategy could I have used

What can I do differently next time

Review mistakes together calmly. Celebrate the learning that comes from each mistake. This builds resilience and confidence.

Avoid solving every question for your child. Guide them with questions that help them think. This strengthens problem solving skills and independence.

Children who learn from mistakes perform more confidently in NAPLAN and in school.

Step Seven: Create a Calm and Effective Numeracy Routine

A routine helps your child feel prepared. It also reduces stress for both you and your child. A numeracy routine does not need to be complicated. It simply needs to be consistent.

Plan three to four short sessions each week. For younger children, ten to fifteen minutes is enough. For older children, twenty to thirty minutes works well.

Include a mix of reading questions, solving problems, practising mental maths and discussing strategies. This keeps sessions balanced and enjoyable.

Always end on a positive note. Even if your child found the session difficult, remind them of what they achieved. Confidence is built through encouragement.

A calm routine helps your child feel ready for NAPLAN numeracy and promotes a healthy attitude toward learning.

How Champion Tutors Support Numeracy Preparation

Champion Tutors provides structured and personalised support for numeracy preparation in Western Australia. Our tutors focus on building strong problem solving skills, improving confidence and supporting children in understanding numeracy concepts clearly.

We offer practice sessions that reflect the NAPLAN format, discuss real world strategies and help children become familiar with the online testing environment. We provide detailed feedback that shows you how your child is progressing and where they may need further support.

Our centres in Canning Vale, Harrisdale, Piara Waters, Hammond Park and Kwinana offer a warm and supportive environment where your child can learn at their own pace. Our goal is to help every child feel confident, calm and ready to approach NAPLAN numeracy with a positive mindset.

Final Thoughts

NAPLAN preparation for numeracy is a journey that focuses on building problem solving skills, confidence and clarity. When your child understands how to interpret questions, choose strategies and think logically, they can approach the test with certainty.

You play a vital role in this journey. Your encouragement, guidance and belief in your child create a safe learning environment where growth feels achievable. With steady preparation over a few months, your child can develop the skills needed for NAPLAN and for life beyond the classroom.

Champion Tutors is here to support you and your child every step of the way. Together, we can build strong numeracy foundations that support success in NAPLAN and in future academic challenges.

Resources Used

ACARA National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy
https://www.acara.edu.au

Western Australia Department of Education NAPLAN Guidelines
https://www.education.wa.edu.au/naplan

University of Western Australia Education Research
https://www.uwa.edu.au

The Conversation Australia Education Articles
https://theconversation.com/au

My School National Reporting Data
https://www.myschool.edu.au

Helpful Links for Parents

ACARA NAPLAN Practice Environment
https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/practice-tests

ACARA NAPLAN Timetable
https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/timetable

Western Australia Department of Education NAPLAN Parent Support
https://www.education.wa.edu.au/naplan

Champion Tutors NAPLAN Preparation
https://championtutors.com.au