The Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract method, often shortened to CPA, moves through three connected ways of understanding mathematics. Concrete work gives students an intuitive or tangible representation of an idea. Pictorial work uses diagrams, bar models, visual relationships, or other representations to make the structure clear. Abstract work then connects that understanding to numbers, symbols, equations, and formal procedures. The purpose is to help students understand why a method works, not only remember what steps to follow. For fifth graders, this can support the transition from elementary concepts into ratios, equations, geometry, and other Pre-Algebra topics.