Mathematical learning difficulties in Grade 1: the role and interrelatedness of cognitive processing, perceptual skills and numerical abilities

English: The development and application of mathematical competence have become a strategic educational objective for all learners in South Africa (South Africa 2010:3-6; South Africa 2011c:5; South Africa 2011a:2). The researcher believes that early preventive intervention for at-risk learners in the key aspects of mathematical proficiency might prevent serious deficits in mathematical competence. By the time learners enter formal schooling certain skills must have been acquired so that they will be at risk to develop delays with regard to basic mathematical skills and concepts. Their ability to acquire basic math concepts depend upon the interplay between cognitive, perceptual and other developmental factors. The purpose of this article is to identify the key issues related to mathematical learning disability (MLD) and afterwards to utilise the knowledge to draw up an intervention programme for mathematics that will be implemented within a response to intervention (RtI) framework.