01/29/2026
How do children build confidence with numbers, and what happens when that confidence never has a chance to develop?
For Daniel Ansari, Professor of Psychology and Education at Western University and Canada Research Chair in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, the answer begins early. He believes that when children struggle with numbers in the first years of school, waiting for them to “catch up” on their own can have lasting consequences. Instead, early support can make the difference between lifelong anxiety and lifelong opportunity.
In a society where literacy is essential, numeracy is equally foundational. As Daniel explains, understanding numbers allows individuals not only to succeed academically, but to participate meaningfully in the economy and to critically assess the information they encounter every day. Without these skills, children may feel left behind, develop math-related anxiety, or begin to doubt their own abilities.
Recognizing these risks, Daniel led the development of the Numeracy Screener, an evidence-based tool designed to identify gaps in early numerical understanding. The goal is not to label children, but to understand where additional support can help them thrive. By identifying missing pieces early, educators can tailor instruction and build strong numerical foundations that support future learning.
Originally developed as a printed resource, the Numeracy Screener is now available online, free of charge, and in five languages, thanks to collaboration with undergraduate students at Western University. Today, it supports teachers in designing targeted learning strategies, researchers studying cognitive development, and most importantly, children gaining confidence with numbers.
Daniel’s work reflects a simple but powerful belief: every child can succeed when given the right tools, timely support, and evidence-based instruction. His ongoing efforts to encourage early numeracy screening across Canada aim to ensure that more children have access to the skills that open doors throughout their lives.
🔗 Read the full story: https://www.theimpactproject.ca/stories/daniel-ansari
