South Communities Focus Schools Project - Training Session 5 (Number)

Training Session 5 - Number

The recent training session on Number focused on deepening teachers’ understanding of how to teach number concepts in a meaningful, practical, and developmentally appropriate way. The session combined theory with hands-on strategies, equipping teachers with tools they can immediately implement in their classrooms.

Training Details-

• Number of teachers: 14

• Number of officials: 1 present

• Venue: Marine Primary School

• Time: 14H00 - 16h30

• Date: 29 April 2026

89% of the participants rated the overall training session as 'excellent,' while 11% rated the training session as 'good', reflecting the strong impact and value of the session.

Main takeaways - 

Building strong early numeracy skills is foundational to learners’ long-term success in mathematics. The recent training session on Number focused on deepening teachers’ understanding of how to teach number concepts in a meaningful, practical, and developmentally appropriate way. The session combined theory with hands-on strategies, equipping teachers with tools they can immediately implement in their classrooms.

• Strengthening Conceptual Understanding of Number

A central focus of the training was moving beyond rote counting toward true number sense. Teachers explored how learners develop an understanding of quantity, including one-to-one correspondence, stable order, and the meaning behind numbers. Emphasis was placed on ensuring that learners grasp what numbers represent, rather than simply reciting them.

• The Importance of Concrete, Hands-On Learning

Teachers were reminded that young learners understand number concepts best through concrete experiences. The use of physical objects, such as counters, blocks, and everyday classroom materials was highlighted as essential for helping learners visualise and manipulate quantities. This approach supports deeper comprehension and bridges the gap to more abstract thinking.

• Counting with Meaning and Accuracy

The training reinforced correct counting techniques, including touching or moving objects as they are counted and ensuring each object is counted once. Teachers also explored strategies to help learners avoid common errors, such as skipping objects or double-counting, and to build fluency in both forward and backward counting.

• Developing Number Relationships

A key takeaway was the importance of helping learners understand relationships between numbers. Activities focused on concepts such as more/less, equal, before/after, and part-part-whole relationships. These early skills lay the groundwork for later mathematical operations like addition and subtraction.

• Encouraging Mathematical Language

The session emphasised the role of language in learning mathematics. Teachers were encouraged to consistently model and reinforce correct mathematical vocabulary, enabling learners to describe their thinking and engage more confidently with number concepts.

• Linking Teaching to Everyday Contexts

Teachers explored ways to integrate number learning into everyday classroom routines and real-life situations. This helps learners see the relevance of mathematics and supports continuous, informal reinforcement of key concepts throughout the day.

• Practical Application in the Classroom

A standout feature of the training was its strong practical component. Teachers engaged in demonstrations and activities that illustrated how to structure lessons, introduce concepts, and facilitate learner participation. This practical focus ensured that teachers left with clear, actionable strategies.

  Summary of Feedback from the participants about the session -

Teacher feedback on the session was highly positive, with many participants highlighting the engaging and practical nature of the training. Teachers reported increased confidence in teaching number concepts and valued the clear demonstrations of how to translate theory into effective classroom practice. The hands-on approach was particularly appreciated, with many noting that it would enhance learner engagement and understanding. Overall, teachers expressed strong satisfaction with the relevance and usefulness of the training, with only minor suggestions for improving pacing and materials.