Mathematics learning at the elementary school level remains challenging because many students, particularly those in the early grades, experience difficulties in understanding abstract mathematical concepts, especially basic addition and subtraction operations. Concrete learning media are needed to bridge the gap between abstract symbols and students’ real learning experiences. This community service program aimed to describe the implementation of mathematics learning assistance through the use of an addition and subtraction ladder as a concrete learning medium for first-grade students at SD Juara Al Hikmah Jayapura. The program employed a learning assistance approach based on concrete media, implemented through four stages: identifying learning needs, preparing learning materials and media, conducting learning assistance activities through concept introduction, media demonstration, and direct student practice, followed by evaluation through observation, documentation, teacher discussions, and activity reflection. The results showed that the program was successfully implemented with the participation of 30 students. The use of the addition and subtraction ladder encouraged active student involvement, provided meaningful learning experiences, and supported students in understanding basic mathematical concepts through direct interaction with learning media. Furthermore, teachers gained an alternative simple instructional medium to support mathematics learning in early grades. This program demonstrates that concrete media-based learning assistance can serve as an effective supporting strategy for elementary mathematics learning.
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