ABSTRACT
Numerous studies have revealed that the majority of South African learners lack basic numeracy knowledge. As arithmetic content builds on previous content, a sound foundation for future mathematical learning is crucial for children at the beginning of school. However, many South African children starting school do not have the pre-knowledge to follow the lessons and instructions, so that a knowledge gap opens right from the beginning of school. In this chapter, we present a programme that provides pre-service or in-service teachers with a guideline on how to structure early numeracy pedagogy according to the individual child’s developmental level. The maths training programme presented, ‘Meerkat Maths’, is based on a validated model of the development of arithmetic concepts. It is divided into three modules that take into account how mathematical, language, and general cognitive skills build upon one another. The content is mediated by stories, music, games, and dramatisation to increase learner motivation and promote positive attitudes towards mathematics. The programme thus combines theoretical knowledge with practical classroom activities, thereby enabling teachers to apply theory to practice, with the ultimate aim of providing preschool learners with the knowledge required to be able to follow the Grade 1 maths curriculum.
