TOYBOX at AIM Montreal

May 20, 2025

Recently, the TOYBOX team attended The Assessment and Instruction in Mathematics (AIM) conference held in Montreal, Quebec. This marked the third time TOYBOX was invited to present an update on the project. The conference offered a valuable platform to explore current conversations around mathematical assessments, instructions, and interventions. AIM provided rich insights into the importance of mathematical research and allowed us to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas and learn alongside, collaborate, and learn alongside researchers and educators from across Canada.

Team members Taylor Bear and Madison Young presented alongside Patricia Lawrence and Sheri Skwarchuck on “Knowledge Mobilization for Caregivers.” The presentation discussed the objectives of TOYBOX, as well as some special announcements, and outlined our recent findings from two studies: “Learning ABCs and 123s Through the Intervention Project” and “Parents’ Perspectives on Implementing TOYBOX Home Learning and Wellness Activities.” To conclude the presentation, we shared the next steps of the project with the audience, providing an open-ended question that invited them to collaborate with TOYBOX moving forward. Ending on this note fostered a sense of community and encouraged ongoing partnership, both of which lie at the core of our work.

Taylor's Reflection

This is my first time attending AIM and my first conference outside the province of Manitoba. AIM provided insightful research and conversations around Mathematics. This conference opened my eyes to the importance of collaboration in creating and implementing meaningful research within the home, classroom, and in conversations.

From this experience, I've gained an appreciation for math anxiety research and the numerous presentations and conversations I had with passionate researchers working to reduce math anxiety in children across various scenarios. This research demonstrates an improvement in overall math skills. Overall, AIM was an enriching experience that left me eager to continue conversations with the inspiring researchers and educators I had the opportunity to meet.

Written by: Taylor Bear

Edited by: Mikaila Collins