Foundation Phase Mathematics: Grades R-3 Map, Content Areas and PDFs

by

Foundation Phase Mathematics covers Grades R to 3. CAPS provides Mathematics Grades 1 to 3 files and separate Mathematics Grade R files on the DBE Foundation Phase CAPS list. Download the set that matches the grade you teach.

This page is a practical subject hub for Foundation Phase teachers and HODs: the Grades R to 3 map, the five content areas by official name, where to get the official PDFs, and how ATPs fit next to planning. For the full phase subject map, use the Foundation Phase CAPS guide. For assessment planning and recording, use the Foundation Phase assessment page. CAPS123 is not an official DBE site. Always prefer the live file on education.gov.za.

Need this now

Grades R to 3 map

Grade band Official CAPS files Weekly Mathematics time
Grade R Mathematics Grade R language files on the FP CAPS list 7 hours
Grades 1 to 3 Mathematics (Grades 1-3) language files on the same list 7 hours

Do not plan Grade R from the Grades 1 to 3 PDF alone when a Grade R Mathematics file is listed for your language. Keep the matching ATP for the grade you teach.

Five content areas (official names)

Mathematics in the Foundation Phase covers five content areas. Each contributes specific skills. Work from Section 2 and Section 3 of the official Mathematics CAPS for the detailed focus. This hub lists the official names only. Topic detail stays in the CAPS.

  1. Numbers, Operations and Relationships
  2. Patterns, Functions and Algebra
  3. Space and Shape (Geometry)
  4. Measurement
  5. Data Handling

Across Grades R to 3, Numbers, Operations and Relationships is the main focus. Learners need to leave the Foundation Phase with secure number sense and operational fluency.

Weighting of content areas (Grades 1 to 3)

Weighting guides teaching time and the spread of content in assessment. It is not the same for each grade. From the Foundation Phase Mathematics CAPS:

Content area Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3
Numbers, Operations and Relationships 65% 60% 58%
Patterns, Functions and Algebra 10% 10% 10%
Space and Shape (Geometry) 11% 13% 13%
Measurement 9% 12% 14%
Data Handling 5% 5% 5%

For Grade R term overviews and planning detail, use the Mathematics Grade R CAPS. Do not copy Grades 1 to 3 percentages onto Grade R without checking that file.

From concrete work to more abstract mathematics

Foundation Phase Mathematics links the child’s everyday experience to the more abstract mathematics of later grades. CAPS expects learners to do, talk and record their mathematical thinking.

In Grade R guidance, children move through stages that start with the body and senses, then concrete 3-D objects, then paper-and-pencil (semi-concrete) representations such as drawings and matching cards. Across the phase, keep practical work and drawings in place for as long as learners need them before moving to more abstract number work. Mental mathematics also features strongly in counting and number concept development.

This is a teaching-path note, not a content list. Topic detail stays in the CAPS and ATP for your grade.

Official CAPS PDF path

  1. Open CAPS for Foundation Phase.
  2. Choose Mathematics (Grades 1-3) or Mathematics Grade R.
  3. Download the language version you teach.
  4. File the PDF name and date for your HOD or district if required.

Parent hub (all phases): Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS).

How ATPs fit next to Mathematics CAPS

  • CAPS sets content areas, weighting, classroom guidance and Section 4 assessment requirements.
  • ATPs give the year’s teaching sequence and week markers for Mathematics by grade. They do not replace the CAPS document.
  • For planning this year, DBE still points to the 2023/24 ATPs, retained with exclusions under Circular S19 of 2025. Confirm the live file and any exclusions on the official pages.

Official starting points:

CAPS123 grade hubs (indexes to DBE files):

Assessment (keep it light)

Formal assessment detail lives in Section 4 of the Mathematics CAPS (and the Grade R Mathematics CAPS where you teach Grade R). For Foundation Phase programme-of-assessment rules, use the Foundation Phase CAPS assessment page. Stay with the Section 4 programme of assessment in the CAPS you teach from.

Classroom resources on this site

Related CAPS123 pages

Check the live official page for the current file or circular. This page does not replace a Mathematics CAPS document, ATP or promotion policy.

Comments are closed.