Supporting The 4 Components Of Learning Maths
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Source domain: elsen.co.za
Collected on 6 August 2026
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Math problem solving (word sums)
Techniques to improve students' ability to solve word problems by using strategic thinking, starting with known facts, and checking answers with calculators.
- Who it is for
- primary and high school students, parents, teachers
- How to act on it
- Use strategic approaches such as starting with what is known, apply commutative property, and check work using a calculator.
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Using a strategic approach and start with what you know, “I don‘t know 7 X 6, but I do know that 7 X 5 = 35, so one more 7 makes 42; or I know that 7 X 7 = 49, so one less 7 makes 42.” Be aware of the impact of attention and memory – don’t do Math homework late at night. Encourage self-checking with a calculator.
Support for learning math facts
Resources and strategies to help students recall basic math facts such as number bonds, multiplication tables, and skip-counting, using real objects, number lines, and mnemonics.
- Who it is for
- primary and high school students, parents, teachers
- How to act on it
- Use real objects, number grids, number lines, times table grids, and mnemonic techniques; consult YouTube for raps and tips.
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Have real objects or counters available. Don’t expect them to count in their heads or calculate in their heads if they aren’t there yet. Encourage them to use number grids, number lines, times table grids (crutches) but always go back to the real object if this is more helpful.
Understanding math concepts
Approaches to help learners grasp mathematical ideas such as measurement, time, money, and vocabulary through concrete and visual tools like real objects and number lines.
- Who it is for
- primary and high school students, parents, teachers
- How to act on it
- Link abstract number symbols to real objects and pictures; use number lines and visual aids to build conceptual understanding.
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It is important to learn to recognize and read number names and symbols. Abstract number symbols must be linked to the number names for the child to see, so it might be necessary to first show the actual object, next show the picture of the object initially for smaller kids to correlate…
Dyscalculia screening and support resources
Access to information and tools for identifying and supporting learners with math learning difficulties, including dyscalculia, through external websites and guides.
- Who it is for
- parents, educators, students with math challenges
- How to act on it
- Visit Additudemag.com for information on dyscalculia screening and related learning difficulties.
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The document also references resources for identifying math learning difficulties such as dyscalculia.
Strategies for learning math procedures
Guidance on mastering math operations like long division, multiplication, fractions, and equations by breaking problems into steps, using rule books, and following school-specific methods.
- Who it is for
- primary and high school students, teachers
- How to act on it
- Break multi-step problems into smaller parts, follow school-specific methods, maintain a rule book, and write down rules for reference.
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Break multi-step problems (including equations with several computations, word problems, etc.) into smaller parts. Often each step counts 1 mark. Skip a step and you lose marks. Have a rule book and write them down for reference purposes.
Facts
Places
Eastern Cape
Key Takeaways
- 4 components of learning maths
- concrete stage
- semi-concrete stage
- abstract stage
- learning math facts
- math procedures
- understanding concepts
- math problem solving
- dyscalculia screening
- Elsen Academy
- primary school
- high school
- number lines
- real objects
- mnemonics
- Khan Academy
- Beast Academy
- Elsen Academy
- Khan Academy
- Beast Academy
- Additudemag.com