First Mental Arithmetic provides rich and varied practice to develop pupils’ essential maths skills at Key Stage 1 and prepare them for all aspects of the national tests. Structured according to ability rather than age, the series allows children to work at their own pace, building confidence and fluency.
Based on best practice: The First Mental Arithmetic pupil books use the same structured ‘A, B, C’ approach as the best-selling key stage 2 Mental Arithmetic series.
Aligned with KS1 assessments: Designed to suit the age and attention span of younger children, questions are similar to those used in end-of-key-stage tests and are presented in an accessible and engaging format.
Varied maths topics: The wide range of areas covered provides pupils with plenty of opportunities to practice and apply their full knowledge and skills, demonstrating what they know, as well as what they may have forgotten.
The First Mental Arithmetic series features six workbooks that are structured according to ability rather than age, designed to be used across Year 1 and 2.
Books 1 to 3 - Year 1
First Mental Arithmetic Books 1 to 3 are designed primarily for pupils in Year 1, with each providing enough work for one term. Each book is divided into two sections – one for each half-term, containing at least five work sessions. The layout is spacious and includes illustrations and a number line on every spread.
Books 4 to 6 - Year 2
First Mental Arithmetic Books 4 to 6 are aimed at pupils in Year 2 and feature an increased number of questions per session. Each of these books is split into three sections – one for each term – featuring at least ten one-page work sessions. Each book also contains three Achievement Charts to enable the children to monitor their own progress and Just Facts questions to help secure knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts.
Closely linked to the Key Stage 1 maths curriculum, each book contains test sessions presented in a unique three-part format comprising:
Two Entry Tests are available in the First Mental Arithmetic Teacher’s Guide and on the Schofield & Sims website, enabling teachers, parents and tutors to select the appropriate book for each child.
All the books can be used flexibly for individual, paired, group and whole-class maths practice, as well as for homework and one-to-one intervention.
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