What the programme covers
Mathematics — Structured, play-based activities supported by dedicated classroom resource kits. Children learn by exploring, building, and problem-solving through guided play.
Language — A story-based approach rooted in oral storytelling, developing early literacy skills and an understanding of reading and writing in each child's home language.
Both components are delivered through a train-the-trainer model, with GDE Foundation Phase subject advisors supporting teachers and practitioners at a 1:25 ratio — ensuring sustainable, ongoing support.
Resources
All materials are freely available through the JET Education Services website, where educators can access the Creative Commons license and request the full resource set. Gauteng-based teachers and practitioners should contact their subject advisor or CES/DCES directly.
Impact
The Gr R MLIP reached 4,500 Grade R teachers and practitioners, 190 subject advisors, and 1,380 departmental heads across every public school and registered ECD centre in Gauteng.¹ Behind those numbers are classrooms where teachers felt better prepared, where children encountered mathematics through play rather than rote, and where home language became a foundation rather than an afterthought.
An independent evaluation found measurable gains in mathematical competency among learners whose teachers had completed the programme.² The cascading model means that investment continues to pay forward — trained subject advisors remain active, supporting new teachers and running refresher cycles long after the initial rollout.
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Focus area |
Grade R Mathematics and Home Language teaching and learning |
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Project start |
September 2019 |
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Scope |
Gauteng public schools, including Special Needs Education Centres |
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Delivery model |
Train-the-trainer; GDE Foundation Phase subject advisors (1:25 ratio) |
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Languages |
All 11 official languages |
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Professional development |
SACE-accredited: 25 points (Language) + 15 points (Mathematics) |
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Resources |
Training guides, teacher guides, term lesson plans, classroom resource kits, facilitator guides, participant workbooks, and activity and concept guides |
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Partners |
Gauteng Department of Education, JET Education Services, Wordworks, UCT School Development Unit, USAID, Zenex Foundation, Maitri Trust |
The development and production of these resources were made possible by generous project funding from the Gauteng Education Development Trust (GEDT), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Zenex Foundation and the Maitri Trust.
¹ Maitri Trust: Grade R Maths and Language Improvement Programme ² Grussendorff & Langhan (2019): Improving Grade R mathematics teaching in South Africa: Evidence from an impact evaluation of a province-wide intervention
