Sierra Leone Class 1 Syllabus - Mathematics

This syllabus outlines the learning objectives and teaching content for Class 1 Mathematics in Sierra Leone. It is structured around several thematic areas, each covering key mathematical concepts and skills appropriate for this grade level.

1. Number and Numeration:

• Counting:
• Counting forwards and backwards up to 100, starting from 0, 1, or any given number.
• Counting objects up to 10 and writing the corresponding numerals.
• Using pictorial representations to count and write numbers up to 10.
• Using different representations for numbers up to 10, including real objects and pictorial representations.
• Counting objects up to 50 outside the classroom.
• Using rhymes, songs, and games to count numbers up to 100.
• Grouping objects in tens.
• Locating numbers up to 100 on a 100 chart and a number line.
• Comparing and ordering numbers up to 100.
• Reading and writing numbers up to 100 in numerals and words.
• Making up stories for numbers up to 100.
• Place Value:
• Recognizing place value for numbers up to 100.
• Fractions:
• Identifying halves and quarters using pictures and stories.
• Sharing using halves and quarters.
• Ordinal Numbers:
• Recognizing ordinal numbers from first to tenth.

2. Everyday Arithmetic (Including Financial Literacy):

• Addition:
• Using counters, real objects, and fingers to add two numbers up to 20.
• Writing addition sums using correct mathematical symbols.
• Using the 100 chart and number line to add two numbers that sum to 10.
• Drawing pictures to visualize addition of two numbers that sum to 10.
• Identifying numbers and performing addition in word problems up to 10.
• Using one-step addition up to 10 in word problems.
• Constructing one-step word problems using addition up to 10.
• Adding up to 10 from pictures.
• Representing word problems using addition up to 10 by drawing.
• Adding two numbers up to 15 and 20 using counters, real objects, and fingers.
• Subtraction:
• Using counters, real objects, and fingers to subtract numbers up to 10.
• Practicing writing subtraction sums using correct mathematical symbols.
• Identifying numbers and performing subtraction in word problems up to 10.
• Using one-step subtraction up to 10 in word problems.
• Constructing one-step word problems using subtraction up to 10.
• Subtracting two numbers up to 15 and 20 using counters, real objects, and fingers.
• Subtracting two numbers with a difference of 10.
• Solving word problems using subtraction up to 20.
• Performing subtraction calculations using correct mathematical symbols.
• Multiplication:
• Recognizing multiplication as repeated addition.
• Using models and pictorial representations to solve simple one-step multiplication problems.
• Repeating patterns inside and outside the classroom.
• Repeating patterns in pictures.
• Repeating patterns using sound.
• Multiplying by 2, 4, 5, and 10 using counters and objects.
• Financial Literacy:
• Recognizing and identifying the national currency in everyday use.
• Buying and selling using counters.
• Giving change using counters.
• Recognizing and identifying denominations of national currency.

3. Measurement and Estimation:

• Length:
• Using everyday and comparative language for length (e.g., big/small, long/short, tall/short).
• Comparing and sorting objects by length and height.
• Using long, tall, and short to describe lengths.
• Comparing length as high and low.
• Measuring small objects using a thumb.
• Measuring and comparing the length of spaces using footsteps.
• Measuring and comparing heights of pupils using hands.
• Ordering objects according to their length.
• Inventing non-standard units to measure length.
• Area:
• Identifying objects in the classroom as big or small in area.
• Comparing and sorting objects by area using bigger and smaller.
• Measuring the area of objects using hands and leaves.
• Ordering objects according to their area.
• Mass:
• Identifying objects in the classroom as heavy or light.
• Comparing and sorting objects by weight using heavier and lighter.
• Estimating the weight of heavier and lighter objects.
• Ordering objects according to their weight.
• Time:
• Using everyday and comparative language for time.
• Using non-standard units to estimate time.
• Recognizing, telling, and drawing time to the hour and half-hour on a 12-hour clock face.
• Identifying hands on the clock face.
• Talking about the time of home and school activities.
• Using pictures to learn about earlier and later.
• Using the 12-hour clock face to learn about earlier and later.
• Making up stories using time.
• Illustrating a story involving time with 12-hour clock faces.

4. Geometry:

• 2D Shapes:
• Identifying and naming simple two-dimensional shapes (circles, triangles, squares, rectangles).
• Classifying two- and three-dimensional shapes.
• Identifying circles, triangles, squares, rectangles, and their properties.
• Giving differences between rectangles and squares.
• Making drawings using triangles, squares, rectangles, and circles.
• Singing the plane shapes song.
• 3D Shapes:
• Identifying and naming simple three-dimensional shapes (cylinders, spheres, cubes, cuboids).
• Identifying cylinders, spheres, and their properties.
• Identifying cubes, cuboids, and their properties.
• Classifying two-dimensional shapes outside the classroom.
• Making up stories involving two- and three-dimensional shapes.
• Position, Direction, and Movement:
• Using appropriate language to describe position, direction, and movement.
• Describing the position of an object or person.
• Describing distance away from objects or people.
• Comparing objects that can be easily moved and those that cannot.
• Describing movement to a new position of an object or person.
• Practicing vocabulary learned to describe position, direction, and movement.

5. Algebra:

• Patterns:
• Identifying and describing simple number patterns involving addition and subtraction.

6. Basic Computing Skills:

• Using general ICT tools (e.g., spreadsheets, videos) to illustrate mathematics concepts.
• Using computer games and other mathematics teaching software to introduce, practice, and consolidate mathematics concepts.

This detailed breakdown of the Sierra Leone Class 1 Mathematics syllabus provides a comprehensive guide for educators to effectively teach and assess students' understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts. The syllabus emphasizes a learner-centered approach, encouraging active learning through various methods and resources. It also promotes the use of concrete materials and pictorial representations to help students visualize and grasp abstract mathematical ideas.