A Process-Based Curriculum: Mathematics
PRIME
Approach to Holistic Mathematics
in the Foundation Phase
Play Relate Imagine Move Express
In the Foundation Phase, Mathematics is far more than just learning number concept.
It is about nurturing curiosity and developing confident learners who see Maths in the world around them.
The PRIME Approach transforms Maths into a meaningful, engaging experience,
connecting mathematical concepts to a child’s life world and developmental level.
Through Play, Teamwork, Creativity, Movement, and Expression, PRIME turns Maths lessons into adventures.
Learners are not limited to right or wrong answers, instead they are encouraged to
explore, experiment, think critically, and share their ideas.
PRIME not only builds a strong foundation for mathematical understanding, but also cultivates essential life skills,
such as problem-solving, critical thinking, confidence, and communication.
Play
Explore and Experience
The importance of Play
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Play is a child’s natural way of learning.
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It sparks curiosity and builds motivation from within.
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Helps children make sense of abstract concepts by experiencing them concretely.
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Lays the groundwork for number sense, problem-solving, and critical thinking—without fear of failure.
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Encourages creativity, imagination, and flexible thinking.
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Builds social skills through cooperation, communication, and turn-taking.
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Strengthens focus, resilience, and self-regulation.
Relate
Integration and Social Construction
Imagine
Creative Thinking & The Arts
The importance of Relationships
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Maths is not just about numbers, it is about relationships, patterns, and shared meaning.
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When learners work together, they construct knowledge socially, practice language skills, and
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co-create understanding.
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Relationships nurture collaboration, empathy, and communication. while
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Relationships strengthen the grasp of mathematical vocabulary and reasoning.
The importance of the Imagination
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Creativity unlocks deeper understanding.
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By connecting maths to visual art, storytelling, music, and Drama, Learners engage both hemispheres of the brain.
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They begin to see and feel Maths, transforming abstract ideas into memorable, meaningful experiences.
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Creativity supports spatial awareness, pattern recognition, visual literacy, creative thinking, and emotional engagement.
Move
Whole Body Maths
Express
Cognitive and Language Skills
The importance of Movement
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Young children learn best through movement.
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When they run, stretch, climb, and dance, they are not just being active, they are developing mathematical concepts, problem-solving skills, and confidence.
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Movement builds spatial awareness, strengthens memory, and supports key processes such as sequencing and directionality.
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It also develops gross motor skills, proprioception, and kinesthetic awareness, while fostering focus, self-regulation, and curiosity.
The importance of the Expression
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When learners explain their thinking, they transform ideas and new knowledge into personal understanding.
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Expression through speaking, writing, drawing, or acting out their understanding boosts metacognition, strengthens memory, and cultivates confidence.
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Expression provides insight into where they are in their thinking allowing teachers to scaffold appropriately.