This study examined factors contributing to poor literacy and numeracy development among black South African children ages 5.5 to 7 years. Findings pointed to a conglomerate of factors, namely inadequate visual-motor integration, poor visual analysis and synthesis, poor fine motor development, and inadequate exposure to mediated reading and writing experience. Cultural strengths of these children included enjoyment and ability in visual arts, expressive gestures, and excellent storytelling. (Author/KB)