Project Title
Multiply
Funders
Devon County Council
Jayne's Journey -
Background/Reason for Joining Eat That Frog
Jayne came to Eat That Frog looking for a way to build her confidence and address a long-standing fear of maths. Like many adults, she had carried anxiety about maths for much of her life, which had held her back from pursuing further learning opportunities. When Jayne heard about Eat That Frog’s Multiply programme—offering a creative and supportive approach to numeracy through practical activities—she felt it might be the right environment to help her gently re-engage with learning in a non-traditional, stress-free way. However, her anxiety was extremely high when she first arrived, and stepping into a learning setting was a significant personal challenge.
Support given by Eat That Frog
Jayne took part in a Multiply programme centred around building a gingerbread house, which cleverly embedded key mathematical concepts such as measuring, weighing, and calculating, all in a fun, hands-on way. The Eat That Frog team, particularly Kate and Carol, provided a warm, welcoming, and highly supportive space, which immediately helped to calm Jayne’s nerves. Their patience, kindness, and encouragement were instrumental in helping her not only to complete the practical task but also to confront and gradually overcome her fear of maths.
The unique approach of using creative activities to teach numeracy allowed Jayne to focus on the enjoyment of making, rather than the fear of getting the maths wrong. This shift in mindset was the catalyst she needed to start seeing maths as something achievable and even enjoyable.
Outcome / Qualifications gained
Jayne’s experience on the Multiply programme was transformative. By the end of the session, her fear of maths had significantly reduced, and her confidence had grown to the point where she felt ready to continue her learning journey. She described the programme as “the best thing I have ever done for myself” and has now committed to starting a new maths programme in January to further develop her skills.
Jayne’s story is a powerful example of how Eat That Frog’s tailored, supportive learning environment can help learners to overcome deeply ingrained anxieties and unlock their potential. The Multiply programme not only gave her practical numeracy skills but also restored her confidence and belief in herself—empowering her to continue progressing towards her personal goals.