TEACHING FOUNDATION PHASE MATHEMATICS-A GUIDE FOR SOUTH AFRICAN STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
A teacher's role is fundamental in the acquisition of the much needed mathematical skills and knowledge that form part of children's early development and beyond. From the year before learners enter formal schooling (Grade R) to the end of the Foundation Phase (Grade 3), teachers contribute to the most important learning cycle and lay the groundwork for learners for the rest of their schooling years. Teaching Foundation Phase Mathematics provides crucial insights into basic principles that are applied both globally and locally with an in-depth discussion of the concepts and theories that underlie the teaching of mathematics to learners at a young age. Carefully considering the CAPS documents issued by the Department of Basic Education in 2012, themes revolve around the physical, social and conceptual knowledge that learners need to acquire and build on in mathematics in order to fully comprehend and develop their skills for the future. Contents include the following: Basic principles of acquiring mathematical skills and knowledge; Diversity and mathematics in the classroom; Teaching and learning mathematics in Grade R; Development of number concepts; Patterns, functions and algebra at an early stage; Teaching and learning about space and shape; Teaching and learning about measurement; Handling data at an early stage; Assessing mathematics in the child-centred classroom. Teaching Foundation Phase Mathematics is the essential guide for beginner teachers and students to prepare their classrooms, plan lessons to support the acquisition of mathematical skills and knowledge, and teach mathematics with confidence. The book will also help parents understand what their children are required to learn in the mathematics classroom. A resource kit is added on CD-ROM to supply teachers with valuable resource materials and each chapter also contains a special section on the use of technology in the classroom