Grade 1 is the foundational year where learners transition from informal counting to structured mathematical thinking. The 2026 curriculum focuses on building number sense, understanding basic operations (addition/subtraction), and recognizing patterns and shapes in the world around them.
This guide outlines the 2026 Mathematics Annual Teaching Plan (ATP), providing a structured weekly roadmap to help teachers guide young learners through concepts like counting to 100, money sums, and geometric patterns.
Mathematics Grade 1 ATP 2026
The curriculum is divided into four terms, with a heavy emphasis on Numbers, Operations and Relationships (NOR). Each week dedicates time to mental maths, new concept teaching, and independent group work.
Term 1: Numbers 1–10 & Basic Operations
Focus: The first term focuses on readiness assessments and mastering numbers up to 10, including counting, ordering, and basic calculations.
- Weeks 1–2: Readiness Assessment
- Assessing learner readiness for formal schooling concepts.
- Weeks 3–6: Counting & Number Sense (1–10)
- Counting: Forward and backward in 1s (1–10 and 1–20).
- Comparisons: Using vocabulary like “more,” “less,” “fewer,” “most,” and “least.”
- Ordering: First, last, and in the middle.
- Subitising: Immediate recognition of small groups of objects (e.g., dots on a dice) without counting.
- Weeks 7–10: Operations & Measurement
- Calculations: Addition and subtraction up to 5. Number bonds to 3, 4, and 5.
- Measurement (Time): Sequencing events (yesterday, today, tomorrow) and comparing lengths of time (faster/slower).
- Space & Shape: Position words (left, right, on top, behind) and identifying 2D shapes.
Term 1 Assessments
- Format: One Formal Assessment Task (FAT) per term covering Oral, Practical, and Written components.
Term 2: Numbers to 50 & Measurement
Focus: The second term expands the number range to 50 and introduces more complex concepts like money and geometric patterns.
- Weeks 1–4: Counting & Number Sense (1–50)
- Counting: Forward and backward in 1s to 50. Counting in multiples of 10, 5, and 2.
- Ordering: Before, after, between, ascending, and descending order.
- Problem Solving: Solving addition and subtraction problems involving totals and change using South African currency.
- Weeks 5–8: Operations & Patterns
- Calculations: Addition and subtraction up to 10. Number bonds to 6 and 7.
- Repeated Addition: Introduction to multiplication concepts (e.g., 2 + 2 + 2).
- Patterns: Copying, extending, and describing simple geometric patterns using physical objects and drawings.
- Weeks 9–10: Data Handling
- Collecting and sorting objects.
- Creating simple pictographs (e.g., birthday calendars) and answering questions about the data.
Term 2 Assessments
- Topics: Numbers, Operations & Relationships, Patterns, Space & Shape, Measurement, Data Handling.
Term 3: Numbers to 80 & Capacity
Focus: The third term pushes the number range to 80 and introduces capacity/volume and more advanced problem-solving strategies.
- Weeks 1–4: Counting & Place Value (1–80)
- Counting: Forward and backward to 80.
- Place Value: Decomposing 2-digit numbers into tens and ones (e.g., 12 is 10 and 2).
- Operations: Addition and subtraction up to 15. Number bonds to 8 and 9.
- Weeks 5–8: Measurement (Capacity)
- Comparing amounts of liquid using language like “full,” “empty,” “more than,” and “less than.”
- Using non-standard measures (spoons, cups).
- Weeks 9–10: Space & Shape (3D)
- Recognizing and naming 3D objects (balls, boxes).
- Describing position and direction.
Term 3 Assessments
- Format: One FAT covering Oral, Practical, and Written tasks.
Term 4: Numbers to 100 & Consolidation
Focus: The final term solidifies all concepts, extending counting to 100 and operations to 20.
- Weeks 1–4: Counting & Operations (1–100)
- Counting: Forward and backward to 100.
- Operations: Addition and subtraction up to 20.
- Ordinal Numbers: First through tenth (1st–10th).
- Weeks 5–8: Problem Solving & Data
- Solving word problems involving sharing (division) and grouping with remainders.
- Analyzing data from pictographs.
- Weeks 9–10: Geometry & Review
- Consolidating knowledge of 2D shapes and 3D objects.
- Final revision of number patterns and calculations.
FAQ: Mathematics Grade 1
Q: How is “Mental Maths” taught? A: Mental Maths is a daily activity (10-15 minutes) designed to promote quick thinking. Techniques include using number lines, doubling and halving, and “building up and breaking down” numbers.
Q: What is “Subitising”? A: Subitising is the ability to instantly recognize the number of objects in a small group without counting them one by one (like seeing 5 dots on a dice instantly). It is a key skill developed in Term 1.
Q: How are learners assessed in Grade 1? A: Assessment is continuous and informal (Assessment for Learning). Teachers observe learners daily during oral, practical, and written activities. Formal recording happens once per term (FAT) to gauge progress against specific criteria.