Mental Maths Test & Practice

Importance of mental arithmetic

Mental arithmetic is not only about quick calculations; it helps develop number sense, enhances problem-solving skills, and builds a solid foundation for more advanced mathematical concepts. Developing strong mental maths abilities helps pupils improve their problem-solving skills, enhances memory, and fosters logical thinking.

Prim-Ed Publishing’s mathematics resources are crafted to make learning enjoyable and effective, ensuring pupils gain the essential skills through structured practice and testing.

Developing mental math skills through practice

Consistent practice is key to mastering mental math skills. Our resources are structured to provide regular and varied opportunities to practise, ensuring pupils can consolidate their learning. The photocopiable books include worksheets that can be used for daily practice or as part of a weekly routine.

The pupil workbooks offer step-by-step exercises that build on previous knowledge and develop concepts sequentially. This approach helps pupils develop a strong foundation and prepares pupils for more advanced mathematical challenges. Each workbook is aligned with the national curriculum, ensuring relevance and educational value.

Comprehensive mental maths practice resources

Photocopiable books for mental maths

Our photocopiable books are designed for convenience and versatility, making it easy for teachers to provide consistent practise for pupils. These books are filled with exercises that cater to different levels of ability, ensuring pupils can progress at their own pace. Each page is meticulously crafted to challenge while reinforcing pupils’ understanding of mental maths.

Key features:

• Diverse Questions: A mix of question types to thoroughly assess pupils' mental maths abilities, covering all basic number operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Puzzles and Games: Fun activities that challenge children and encourage them to think critically about mental maths problems.
• Problem-solving: Sessions that focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Interactive Lessons: Ideal for individual, group, class or homework use with engaging lessons for the whole class, encouraging active participation.

Pupil workbooks for independent learning

Our pupil workbooks support independent learning, allowing children to practise mental maths at their own pace. These workbooks are structured to provide regular practise, reinforcing concepts taught in the classroom.

Key features:

• Structured Layout: Organised sections to promote the understanding of mental maths concepts and mathematical techniques in the classroom.
• Engaging Activities: Fun math facts and interactive activities to develop mathematical ideas and improve pupils’ speed and accuracy.
• Wide-ranging Concepts: Problems based on many areas of the National Curriculum, designed to improve mental calculation skills and knowledge of the four number operations.
• Comprehensive and Practical: To reinforce mathematical concepts, our resources include worksheets, revision worksheets, answer sheets, speed tests, and curriculum links.

Supporting teachers and pupils

Teacher resources

Our resources include comprehensive teacher guides that provide strategies for teaching mental maths effectively. These guides include tips for differentiating instruction, engaging pupils, and assessing progress.

Key features:

• Lesson Plans: Detailed plans that outline objectives, materials needed, and step-by-step instructions.
• Assessment: Tools and techniques for assessing pupils’ progress and understanding.
• Teaching Strategies: Effective strategies for teaching mental maths in a way that is engaging and accessible for all pupils.

You'll want to check out our bestselling New Wave Mental Maths series, perfect for daily use in the classroom or as consistent and structured homework.

Pupil support

Supporting pupils in their learning journey is at the heart of what we do. Our resources are designed to help children build confidence and develop a positive attitude towards maths. 

Key features:

• Encouraging Feedback: Positive feedback that motivates children and builds mental maths confidence.
• Individual Support: Differentiated resources that cater to different learning styles and abilities.
• Progress Tracking: Tools for pupils to track and celebrate progress and achievements.

There are many benefits to developing your pupils’ mental maths skills, which you can read all about in our blog here.

Improving mental math skills through practice

Focused practice on basic number operations

Building strong mental arithmetic skills requires focused practice on basic number operations. Our resources include targeted exercises for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, times tables, and fractions.

Addition and subtraction

Mastering addition and subtraction is fundamental for young pupils. Our resources provide a variety of exercises to help pupils quickly and accurately perform these operations mentally.

Multiplication and division

Once pupils are comfortable with addition and subtraction, they can progress to multiplication and division. These operations are crucial for more advanced mathematical concepts, and our resources ensure pupils have plenty of opportunities to practise and perfect these skills.

Mental arithmetic strategies

Effective mental calculation involves more than just knowing the answers. It requires strategies that make problem-solving more efficient. Our resources introduce mental maths strategies, such as breaking numbers into manageable parts and using known facts to solve more complex problems. 

Practice makes perfect

Regular practice is crucial for success in mental maths tests. Our resources provide ample opportunities for pupils to practise under test conditions, helping them become familiar with the format and types of questions.

By regularly testing their skills, pupils can build their confidence and improve their performance. Our resources ensure children are well-prepared for mental maths challenges, making them an invaluable addition to any classroom.

Whilst you're at it, check out some of our fun mental maths games. Maths can be fun, we promise!

Transform mental maths lessons with Prim-Ed Publishing

At Prim-Ed Publishing, we are committed to providing high-quality resources that support the development of essential mental maths skills. 

With our photocopiable books, pupil workbooks, and engaging activities, teachers can create effective and enjoyable mathematics lessons that promote general practise and testing. 

Explore our range of mental maths test and practise resources today and contact us for more information!