Mental maths

A resource that focuses on mental math skills or instant recall of facts such as times tables.

Practise using reordering strategies with these extra E2 (E1 questions are in a separate Wordwall activity) questions for our recently updated E1-E2 Mental addition strategies (reordering) PDF worksheet (Maggie Harnew, 2005, updated Feb 2022). Match the correct answer to each addition problem. (Reordering involves adding up large numbers first and/or looking for pairs of numbers that add up to 10, 20, 30, etc.). Can be used independently of the original resource.

Level
Entry Level 2
Maths
FM Context free underpinning
FM E2.5 Add & subtract 2-digit numbers
Mental maths

Practise using reordering strategies with these extra E1 (E2 questions are in a separate Wordwall activity) questions for our recently updated E1-E2 Mental addition strategies (reordering) PDF worksheet (Maggie Harnew, 2005, updated Feb 2022). Match the correct answer to each addition problem. (Reordering involves adding up large numbers first and/or looking for pairs of numbers that add up to ten. Can be used independently of the original resource.

Level
Entry Level 1
Maths
FM Context free underpinning
FM E1.3 Add numbers which total up to 20, & subtract numbers from numbers up to 20
Mental maths

An introductory PPT based task to find the value of the three words in ‘Happy New Year’, given certain values for each letter. This is followed up by a set of question cards on calculations with the letters of Happy New Year and an algebra worksheet with the same given values, using BODMAS.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Maths
AN N1/L2.4
AN N1/L1.11
Mental maths
Functional Maths - numbers and the number system

A set of cards where learners have to find fractions of money. I use this as a paired game where the learners share the cards between them, then both turn over one cardeach. They work out how much their card is worth then the “winner” or person whose card is worth more keeps both cards. Play continues until 1 player has all the cards.

Level
Level 1
Maths
Mental maths
N2/L1.2
Functional Maths - numbers and the number system

A lovely selection of quick generic and contextualised whole number and decimal problems to improve mental arithmetic skills.

Level
Level 1
Maths
Mental maths
AN N2/L1.6
N1/L1.4
Context
Hairdressing & Beauty therapy

A great way to start a class – provides mental maths practice for E2-E3 but also suitable for higher level learners who can try it out with with large numbers and discuss how it works!

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Maths
Mental maths
AN N1/E2.3
N1/E2.4
N1/E3.3

A super, quick-to-prepare paired game (all you need is paper, pencil and two dice) that is easily differentiated for any E1-E3 group. Example games include addition, subtraction and times tables.

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Maths
Mental maths
Whole Numbers

A rather nifty Word document template where learners can move the digits to the right or left to see the changes in place value when multiplying or dividing decimals by 10, 100 and 1000.

Level
Level 1
Maths
Mental maths
AN N2/L1.6

A quick-to-prepare game that is easily differentiated for any E1-E3 group. Example games include addition and times tables – or make up your own. If you don’t have Monopoly a link is provided so you can print your own Monopoly money!

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Maths
Mental maths
Whole Numbers

A great way to practise written (and mental) multiplication and division skills.

Level
Level 1
Maths
Mental maths
AN N1/L1.3
Context
Retail Hospitality Customer service