INTRODUCTION Module 4: Problem Solving

Mathematics is conceptualised as the art of understanding and using numbers to The module introduces learners to activities such as playing mathematical
acquire and develop numeracy, computational skills, and problem solving games, solving simple puzzles, carrying out simple investigations and solving
ability. real life, non - routine and challenging problems. The activities will serve as a
basic form of introduction to real Problem Solving. The module will also help
This Mathematics syllabus is designed for learners from Standards 1 to 4. It is learners realise that mathematics is not abstract but has a variety of functional
observed that when learners begin school they already have acquired some applications in their own lives.
mathematical knowledge and skills from their environment through daily living
activities. Therefore, this syllabus is expected to enhance the knowledge and Module 5: Statistics
skills learners already have and build on these to introduce new concepts.
The module involves collecting, recording and representing data in pictographs
The syllabus is organised into modules as follows: and bar charts as well as interpreting data given in graphs.

Module 1: Numbers and Operations The modules are subdivided into topics whose focus is given by general
objectives. The general objectives give rise to specific objectives, which
The module aims at developing learners’ concepts on numbers and pre – describe the behaviour pupils should display after being taught specific content.
number work. It covers Sorting and Classification, Matching, Counting, To address the objectives of this syllabus, teachers are expected to develop
Addition, Subtraction and Money. activities relevant and accessible to the learner’s environment. The activities
should be learner centred. Emerging issues are catered for in Statistics where
Module 2: Geometry learners would conduct simple survey on HIV / AIDS and the environment.
Teachers are expected to use examples of the emerging issues where
The module deals with geometric flat shapes and solids. Learners will identify appropriate in the teaching of this syllabus.
flat shapes such as squares, rectangles, triangles and circles. They will also
identify solids such as cubes, cuboids, cylinders and spheres. This mathematics syllabus is designed and developed on the basis that
mathematics would be allocated at least four hours per week in the Primary
Module 3: Measures School timetable.

The module intends to develop in learners the skill in measuring length, area, RATIONALE
mass, capacity and time. The learners will compare, estimate and measure
objects in the environment using non – standard and standard instruments and Mathematics plays a key role in everyday life as a communication tool that
units. makes extensive use of symbolic notation. It stirs the intellectual challenge, the
outcome of which is cognitive development that assists in sustaining the
thinking span. It helps to develop mental processes that enhance logical and
critical thinking, accuracy and problem solving; all of which are very important
in decision making.

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Mathematics provides a foundation for logical and lateral thinking essential in ATTAINMENT TARGERTS
acquiring and organising knowledge, developing concepts and skills, and
understanding principles for further learning. It empowers learners to make At the end of four years of primary education every learner should be able to: -
associations and generalisations, which are important in the study of natural,
physical and social sciences as well as in the operation of industry and Read and write numbers
business. It is also seen in nature and thus helps in the interpretation of the • count the number of objects in a set of less than 1000;
environment. Its study will develop in learners the appreciation of its cultural • read and write in numerals any given whole number less than 1000;
and traditional development. • read and write whole numbers in words less than 1000;
• read and write multiples of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 through 100;
The subject demands the active participation of learners to explore the world • classify whole numbers up to 100 into odd, even and multiples;
around them through investigation as well as application of learned principles. • identify, read and write, in numerals, money values through 100 Pula;
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• find the value of digits in numbers less than 1000;
• put in order up to five whole numbers less than 1000;
AIMS OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS PROGRAMME • using a reference point, identify the ordinal position of any object in a set
of no more than 1000;
To develop in all learners • using the correct symbol, (=,<,>), to indicate the correct relationship
1. competence and confidence in the application of computational skills between two numbers less than 1000
in order to solve day to day problems
2. inquiry skills, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving ability Compute fractions
3. an awareness of mathematics as a language to analyse and • read and write basic fractions;
communicate information and ideas • divide a given whole into equal parts: - halves, fourths, fifths, eighths and
4. an awareness of the interrelationship of topics within mathematics and tenths;
with other subjects
• identify one-half, one-third and one-fourth of a given region;
5. positive attitudes and values toward mathematics and its integration
• add two proper fractions having like denominators;
with other subjects
• subtract one proper fraction from another having like denominators;
6. numeracy and literacy skills compatible with technological and
• order fractions with same denominators in terms of size.
scientific developments
7. the ability to demonstrate the use of acquired mathematical concepts
Carryout basic operations
and skills in making informed decisions and drawing conclusions
8. appropriate and adequate concepts for further study of mathematics and − add two 3-digit numbers with carrying given in vertical and horizontal
other related subjects notation giving sum less than 1000;
9. an awareness and appreciation of the role of mathematics in cultural − subtract up to 3-digit numbers vertically and horizontally;
and traditional activities within the environment − multiply a 1-digit by a 2-digit or 3-digit number giving an answer below
10. an awareness of emerging issues in relation to mathematics. 1000;
− divide up to a 3-digit number by a 1-digit number with and without a
remainder;
− divide by ten with and without remainder;
− recognise the relationship among the four basic operations.

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Carryout and compute measurements Identify geometric figures and shapes
• use a given unit of measurement (non-standard and standard) to determine • identify a circle, a square, a rectangle and a triangle;
the length of an object in whole units; • draw a square, a rectangle, a triangle and a circle;
• estimate length using centimetres and metres; • identify solids: cube, cuboid and cylinder;
• find perimeter of given shapes and objects; • identify a right, acute, obtuse and straight angle.
• determine length, width, and height by measuring shapes/objects in
centimetres and metres; Solve problems
• find areas by counting squares; • use addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to solve problems;
• state the days of the week in consecutive order; • play mathematical games;
• name the months of the year in consecutive order; • solve simple mathematical games;
• state the date by day, month, and year from a calendar; • Carry out simple investigations to solve problems involving numbers,
• state the dates of special events of the year; geometry and measures.
• tell and write time on the hour, half-hour, quarter-hour and in minutes of
multiples of 5; Interpret graphs
• estimate capacity of objects; • read, interpret and draw pictographs and bar graphs
• determine capacity of objects by measuring quantities in teaspoons,
tablespoons, cups, ml and litres;
• estimate mass of objects;
• determine mass of objects in grams and kilograms.

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 STANDARD ONE

MODULE 1: NUMBERS AND OPERATIONS

TOPICS General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
1.1 Sorting, Classification 1.1.1 acquire knowledge on sorting, [Link] identify objects according to colour, size, texture and shape
and Matching classifying and matching objects [Link] group objects by colour, size, texture and shape
[Link] match objects using one-to-one correspondence
1.2 Counting 1.2.1 develop counting skills [Link] use number rhymes to count from 1 to 20
[Link] use concrete objects to count from 1 to 20
[Link] count numbers forward and backwards from 1 to 20 in ones and twos
[Link] read numbers from 1 to 20 in numerals
[Link] write numerals from 0 to 9
[Link] match objects with numerals and number names
[Link] arrange numbers in descending and ascending order up to 20
1.3 Addition and 1.3.1 add and subtract whole numbers [Link] find the total by counting on with sum up to 20
subtraction [Link] relate addition to putting together
[Link] use the symbols (+) and (=) in addition of numbers sum up to 20 using
concrete and semi – concrete objects
[Link] add horizontally numbers with sum up to 20
[Link] relate subtraction to taking away
[Link] use the symbols ( - ) and (=) in subtraction of numbers 1 to 20, using
concrete and semi – concrete objects
[Link] subtract horizontally numbers from 1 up to 20
1.4 Classification of 1.4.1 acquire knowledge on classification of [Link] classify numbers from 1 to 20 as odd and even
numbers numbers [Link] differentiate between counting numbers and position numbers up to 20
1.5 Money 1.5.1 Carry out addition and subtraction [Link] identify and name Botswana coins
involving money [Link] add in multiples of 5 up to 20 thebe
[Link] subtract in multiples of 5 within 20 thebe

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MODULE 2: GEOMETRY
TOPICS General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
2.1 Lines 2.1.1 develop skills in drawing lines [Link] identify vertical, horizontal and slanting lines
[Link] draw vertical, horizontal and slanting lines
[Link] draw patterns using horizontal, vertical and slanting lines
2.2 Shapes 2.2.1 acquire knowledge on geometric [Link] identify, sort and name solids as box, tin and ball
shapes/figures [Link] identify, sort and name flat shapes and figures – triangle, rectangle,
square, circle
MODULE 3: MEASURES
TOPICS General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
3.1 Measuring 3.1.1 develop manipulative skills on [Link] compare length, area, weight and mass of objects
measurement [Link] use non-standard units and instruments to estimate the length, area,
weight and mass of objects
[Link] use non-standard units and instruments to check the length, area, weight
and mass of objects
[Link] describe and compare the capacity of containers
3.2 Time 3.2.1 acquire knowledge on time [Link] identify different times of the day by name and events
[Link] state the days of the week, months and seasons of the year
[Link] relate events to the time of their occurrence in the past, present and future
[Link] state the names of national calendar events

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MODULE 4: PROBLEM SOLVING
TOPICS General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
4.1 Games and Puzzles 4.1.1 develop knowledge and skills in [Link] play counting games
problem solving [Link] play simple number games involving addition and subtraction
[Link] play matching games
[Link] solve simple puzzles

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 STANDARD TWO

MODULE 1: NUMBERS AND OPERATIONS

Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
1.1 Counting 1.1.1 develop further knowledge on [Link] count up to 50 in 1s, 2s, 5s and 10s
counting skills [Link] compare sets of objects by their number properties
[Link] read and write numbers in numerals up to 50
[Link] read and write number names up to 20
1.2 Addition and 1.2.1 add and subtract whole numbers [Link] identify and use place value of up to Tens
Subtraction [Link] add whole numbers with sum up to 50
[Link] subtract whole numbers from 50 without decomposition
[Link] relate addition to subtraction (subtraction reverses addition)
1.3 Multiplication and 1.3.1 multiply and divide whole numbers [Link] relate multiplication to repeated addition
Division [Link] use symbols (x) and (=) in multiplication of one digit numbers with
product up to 50
[Link] multiply one digit numbers with product up to 50
[Link] relate division to repeated subtraction, grouping or equal sharing
[Link] use symbols (÷) and (=) in division of numbers up to 50 by 2
[Link] divide even numbers up to 50 by 2
[Link] relate multiplication to division (division reverses multiplication)
1.4 Classifications of 1.4.1 develop further knowledge on [Link] classify numbers as odd and even (numbers from 1 to 50)
numbers classification of numbers
1.5 Fractions 1.5.1 identify and represent fractions [Link] identify equal parts, halves, thirds and quarters
[Link] read and write fractions 1, 12 , 13 , 1 4 ,
[Link] add halves; add thirds and quarters of shapes and objects to show one
whole
[Link] identify half of an even number for numbers up to 50
1.6 Money 1.6.1 carry out addition and subtraction [Link] carry out additions up to 50 thebe
involving money [Link] carry out subtraction up to 50 thebe
[Link] obtain change from up to 50 thebe

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MODULE 2: GEOMETRY
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
2.1 Lines 2.1.1 develop further knowledge in drawing [Link] draw intersecting lines
lines [Link] identify T – junctions and crossroads from the local environment
2.2 Shapes 2.2.1 acquire further knowledge on [Link] identify and describe flat shapes and figures by number of sides: square,
geometric shapes/figures and solids rectangle, triangle
[Link] make pictures by tracing around shapes
[Link] name solids as cube, cuboid, sphere, cylinder
MODULE 3: MEASURES
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
3.1 Length and area 3.1.1 carry out activities involving length [Link] compare and order up to 3 objects by length, height and area
and area [Link] use non – standard instruments and units (including parts of the body) to
measure and record length, height and area
[Link] measure and record lengths of objects in metres
[Link] estimate and measure objects in metres
3.2 Capacity, weight and 3.2.1 carry out activities involving capacity, [Link] compare and order up to 3 objects by capacity, weight and mass
mass weight and mass [Link] use non-standard instruments to measure capacity, weight and mass
[Link] measure and record capacity of objects in litres
3.3 Time 3.3.1 acquire knowledge on time [Link] identify and name non –standard and standard instruments of time
[Link] use non – standard and standard instrument to measure time
[Link] show time as o’clock by setting clock hands
[Link] read, tell and write time as o’clock
[Link] show in sequence daily activities according to their time of occurrence as
o’clock
[Link] sequence days of the week and months of the year
[Link] state, read and write the date (day, month, year)

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MODULE 4: PROBLEM SOLVING
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
4.1 Games and puzzles 4.1.1 develop further Knowledge and skills [Link] solve simple problems involving numbers, geometry and measures
on problem solving [Link] play games
[Link] solve puzzles
[Link] decode information using letters and numbers
MODULE 5: STATISTICS
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
5.1 Pictographs 5.1.1 acquire knowledge on pictographs [Link] collect and record information in tabular form
[Link] represent the information on pictographs
[Link] read and interpret information given on pictographs

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 STANDARD THREE

MODULE 1: NUMBERS AND OPERATIONS

Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
1.1 Numbers 1.1.1 acquire further knowledge on numbers [Link] count on and backwards within 100.
[Link] read and write numbers up to 100 in numerals
[Link] read and identify number names for “tens” up to a hundred
[Link] read and write number names up to 100
[Link] count in multiples of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 up to 100
[Link] generate simple number patterns and sequences
[Link] use the appropriate symbols (=, >, <) to compare two whole numbers up
to 100.
1.2 Addition and 1.2.1 acquire further knowledge on addition [Link] use place value of up to Hundreds
Subtraction and subtraction [Link] add hundreds, tens and units by changing the place value (horizontal and
vertical)
[Link] subtract hundreds, tens and units by changing the place - value (horizontal
and vertical).
[Link] find the missing number by counting on
[Link] fill in the box to represent the missing number in an equation
[Link] solve word problems involving addition and subtraction
1.3 Multiplication and 1.3.1 develop further knowledge on [Link] build multiplication tables:1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and10, product up to 100
Division multiplication and division [Link] divide numbers up to 100 by 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 without remainder
[Link] solve word problems involving multiplication and division

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1.4 Fractions 1.4.1 acquire further knowledge on fractions [Link] divide a shape into 2, 3 and 4 equal parts
[Link] describe given diagrams as mixed numbers involving halves, thirds and
quarters
[Link] represent fractions including mixed numbers, using shapes
[Link] write mixed numbers involving halves, thirds and quarters
1.5 Money 1.5.1 gain further knowledge on money [Link] identify all local coins and notes
[Link] compare and order all local coins by value
[Link] add up to P 100 in Pula only
[Link] obtain change in Pula up to P 100
[Link] make simple bills - sum up to P 100
[Link] use the four basic operations to solve real life problems involving money
MODULE 2: GEOMETRY
TOPICS General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
2.1 Lines 2.1.1 develop further knowledge on lines [Link] draw figures and shapes using horizontal, vertical and slanting lines
[Link] identify diagonals of a square and rectangle
[Link] draw diagonals of a square and rectangle
2.2 Solids 2.2.1 acquire further knowledge on solids [Link] identify, describe and name three dimensional figure by number of faces,
edges and vertices
[Link] model three dimensional objects using available materials

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MODULE 3: MEASURES
TOPICS General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
3.1 Length and area 3.1.1 develop the skills of measuring and [Link] measure and record length in mm, cm and m
estimation in length and area [Link] estimate and record length in mm, cm and m
[Link] find the area of different shapes by counting whole squares
[Link] estimate the area of different surfaces in unit squares and check by
counting squares
3.2 Capacity 3.2.1 develop the skill of measuring and [Link] measure and record capacity in litres and ml
estimating in capacity [Link] estimate and record capacity in litres and ml
3.3 Mass 3.3.1 develop the skill of measuring and [Link] measure and record mass in kg and g
estimating in mass [Link] estimate and record mass in kg and g
3.4 Time 3.4.1 acquire further knowledge on time. [Link] read the calendar
[Link] read, tell and write time in whole hours, half hours and quarter hours.
MODULE 4: PROBLEM SOLVING
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
4.1 Games and Puzzles 4.1.1 develop further skills on Problem [Link] play games
solving [Link] solve puzzles
4.2 Investigations 4.2.1 develop an skills on simple [Link] carry out simple investigations involving numbers, geometry and measures
investigations [Link] make mobiles from shapes
MODULE 5: STATISTICS
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
5.1 Graphs 5.1.1 acquire knowledge on graphs [Link] collect and record information in tabular form using tally marks
[Link] represent information on pictographs and bar charts
[Link] read and interpret information given in pictographs an bar charts

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STANDARD FOUR

MODULE 1: NUMBERS AND OPERATIONS

Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
1.1 Sorting and 1.1.1 acquire further knowledge on sorting [Link] identify a set of numbers according to multiples of 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 up to 100
classification and classification [Link] find factors of selected numbers up to 100
1.2 Number 1.2.1 acquire further knowledge on numbers [Link] count in 10s and 100s up to 1000
[Link] use place value of up to Thousands
[Link] read and write in numerals and words numbers up to 1000
[Link] describe a number in terms of its nearness (position) to another number
using number lines
[Link] use symbols (=, >, <) to compare numbers up to 1000
[Link] generate patterns involving even, odd numbers and multiples of 2, 3, 4, 5,
10 up to 100
1.3 Addition and 1.3.1 acquire further knowledge on addition [Link] add two to three numbers (up to 3 digits) sum up to 1000
Subtraction and subtraction [Link] subtract up to 3 digit numbers within 1000
[Link] solve word problems involving addition and subtraction

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1.4 Multiplication and 1.4.1 develop further knowledge on [Link] build multiplication tables from 1 to 12
Division multiplication and division [Link] multiply up to a three digit number by a one digit number with product up
to 1000
[Link] multiply up to two digit number by 10
[Link] divide up to a three digit number by a one digit number without remainder
[Link] divide up to a three digit number by a one digit number with remainder
[Link] divide up to a three digit number by 10 with and without remainder.
[Link] carry out multiplication and division in box notation
[Link] solve word problems involving multiplication and division
1.5 Fractions 1.5.1 acquire further knowledge on fractions [Link] identify fifths, eighths and tenths
[Link] illustrate with the aid of diagrams, fifths, eighths and tenths
[Link] order sets of fractions with same denominators in terms of value
[Link] add two proper fractions with same denominators
[Link] subtract proper fractions with same denominators
[Link] solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions with
same denominators up to 10
1.6 Money 1.6.1 develop further knowledge on money [Link] write money in Pula and thebe
[Link] convert up to P 10 to thebe and vice-versa
[Link] determine equivalent amounts of up to P100 using coins and notes
[Link] perform the four basic operations involving money up to P100
[Link] obtain change from up to P100
[Link] make simple bills sum up P100
[Link] solve word problems involving money up to P100

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MODULE 2: GEOMETRY
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
2.1 Angles 2.1.1 acquire knowledge on angles [Link] draw two straight lines that meet / cross each other to show angles
[Link] identify and draw / sketch, right, acute and obtuse angles
[Link] identify right, acute and obtuse angles within triangles, squares and
rectangles in the environment
MODULE 3: MEASURES
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
3.1 Length 3.1.1 acquire further knowledge and skills [Link] estimate and record lengths of objects in terms of m and cm, then check
on length actual measurement.
[Link] measure and record lengths of objects using standard instruments and units
[Link] identify the properties of a square and rectangle
[Link] measure and state perimeter of shapes in mm, cm and m.
[Link] discover the formula for finding the perimeter of a square and rectangle
[Link] convert units of length from mm to cm and vice – versa
[Link] convert units of length from cm to m and vice – versa
3.2 Area 3.2.1 develop further knowledge and skills [Link] discover formula for finding areas of square and rectangle
on area [Link] find areas of squares and rectangles in cm2 using the formula
3.3 Capacity 3.3.1 develop further knowledge and skills [Link] use standard instruments and units to measure capacity
on capacity [Link] measure, compare and record capacity of given container in l and ml
3.4 Mass 3.4.1 acquire further knowledge and skills [Link] use standard instruments to measure mass of objects in g and kg
on mass [Link] convert units of mass from g to kg and vice - versa
[Link] use the four basic operations in solving mass problems.
3.5 Time 3.5.1 develop further knowledge and skills [Link] read, tell and write time from digital displays / watches (restrict to 12 hour
on time notation)
[Link] read, tell and write the time in hours and minutes from digital displays
and clock faces
[Link] state as a.m. or p.m. in terms of 12 hour clock time of the day.
[Link] read and use simple time - tables involving same day and single journey

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MODULE 4: PROBLEM SOLVING
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
4.1 Games and Puzzles 4.1.1 develop further knowledge and skills on [Link] play games
problem solving [Link] solve puzzles
4.2 Investigations 4.2.1 develop further understanding on simple [Link] carry out simple investigations involving numbers, geometry, and
investigations measures
[Link] conduct a simple research project
MODULE 5: STATISTICS
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Students should be able to: Students should be able to
5.1 Graphs 5.1.1 acquire further knowledge and skills [Link] conduct a simple survey on emerging issues and the environment
on graphs [Link] represent data in a tabular form
[Link] draw pictographs and bar graphs using information from the survey
[Link] interpret information given in a graph
[Link] find mode from a given data

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