First Mental Arithmetic The best books for building fluency and confidence in maths • Build automaticity through practice • Perfect for class use and homework • Supports the KS1 maths curriculum
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First Mental Arithmetic The original maths practice series trusted by teachers 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. Closely linked to the Key Stage 1 maths curriculum, the series allows children to work at their own pace, building confidence and fluency.
Six books covering KS1
First Mental Arithmetic is a downwards extension of the Schofield & Sims bestseller Mental Arithmetic, which has been used across Key Stage 2 in thousands of schools for over 50 years.
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www.schofieldandsims.co.uk/first-mental-arithmetic
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Building automaticity through intelligent practice First Mental Arithmetic was developed by teachers who recognised that effective practice requires more than repetition. Using principles that follow variation theory and intelligent practice, they designed a unique ‘A, B, C’ format that encourages children to think mathematically and make connections between different question types. Each test is carefully graded to become more challenging as children progress through the book.
Part A Questions where use of language is kept to a minimum.
Part B Questions based on mathematical vocabulary and symbols.
Part C Questions featuring one- and two-step word problems.
Why is First Mental Arithmetic so effective? • B readth: The wide range of topics covered means that pupils must apply their full knowledge and skills in answering each question, demonstrating what they know, as well as what they may have forgotten. • D epth: The rich blend of question types in each book not only improves pupils’ vocabulary and mathematical reasoning skills, but also develops their conceptual understanding of number. • P rogress: Each test builds on the previous test, revising topics already covered, while at the same time challenging pupils to tackle more complex problems.
To order call 01484 607080 or email sales@schofieldandsims.co.uk First Mental Arithmetic Leaflet 8pp.indd 3
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Four simple steps to using First Mental Arithmetic First Mental Arithmetic offers a structured and effective approach to developing confidence and fluency. The series is organised by ability rather than age, so we recommend pupils undertake an assessment using the free Entry test to decide on the most suitable starting point before beginning regular practice.
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Initial assessment – Assess what level pupils are working at using the Entry Tests or National Curriculum Charts that are available as a free digital download on the Schofield & Sims website.
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Daily maths practice – Schedule 10–20 minutes a day for pupils to work through part of a First Mental Arithmetic book test. Many schools find that the easiest time to fit in First Mental Arithmetic sessions is either at the beginning of the day, as an early morning starter, or as homework.
www.schofieldandsims.co.uk/first-mental-arithmetic
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Free online resources Visit www.schofieldandsims.co.uk/ first-mental-arithmetic to download free Entry Tests, Achievement Award certificates, Maths Facts copymasters and National Curriculum Charts.
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Effective marking and feedback – Organise weekly group marking sessions to quickly and easily identify areas of difficulty and provide immediate feedback. Where further diagnostic assessment is required, use the Diagnostic Checks provided in the Teacher’s Guides to assess the exact nature of a pupil’s difficulties.
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A positive maths culture – Encourage children to take pride in the development of their maths skills and monitor their own progress using the Progress Tests and Achievement Charts in each pupil book. Reward those whose achievements are especially significant with editable certificates available from the Schofield & Sims website.
Evidence-based mastery practice The First Mental Arithmetic series embodies the principles of intelligent practice and variation theory, providing meaningful, targeted questions that encourage pupils to think critically and apply their knowledge across varied contexts. Rather than repetitive drills, the series offers carefully structured questions that explore concepts from different angles, gradually increasing in complexity. By varying only one aspect of a problem at a time, First Mental Arithmetic promotes deeper understanding, helping pupils make connections and develop fluency without relying on mechanical repetition.
To order call 01484 607080 or email sales@schofieldandsims.co.uk First Mental Arithmetic Leaflet 8pp.indd 5
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Pupil Books 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.
Free answers available online
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Supporting resources The First Mental Arithmetic pupil books are supported by digital and hard-copy resources to help with assessment, marking and learning.
Free digital downloads A range of free downloads are available from the Schofield & Sims website, including: • Entry Tests to help you choose the best book for each individual • an editable Achievement Award certificate for each Pupil Book to help you celebrate the children’s success • Maths Facts copymasters, providing a useful reference tool for teaching • National Curriculum Charts to illustrate how the books align to the National Curriculum programmes of study.
Teacher’s Guide A hard-copy Teacher’s Guide provides a full introduction to the First Mental Arithmetic series, including advice and diagnostic tools for choosing the most appropriate book for each child. Further general resources are provided in the form of Language of Maths glossaries from each of the Pupil Books and photocopiable classroom resources, such as days of the week, numbers as words, 0 to 20 number lines, number cards and word cards.
Answer Books Corresponding Answer Books are available for each Pupil Book that contain answers to each question, as well as guidance on how to use the series and mark results.
To order call 01484 607080 or email sales@schofieldandsims.co.uk First Mental Arithmetic Leaflet 8pp.indd 7
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Why choose First Mental Arithmetic? 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.
Save with Class set prices First Mental Arithmetic pupil books are available for £3.50 when bought as a class set. Place your order by phone: 01484 607080 email: sales@schofieldandsims.co.uk or online: www.schofieldandsims.co.uk
Pupil Books
RRP
Teacher price
Class set price*
First Mental Arithmetic 1
£4.95
£4.00
£3.50
First Mental Arithmetic 2
£4.95
£4.00
£3.50
First Mental Arithmetic 3
£4.95
£4.00
£3.50
First Mental Arithmetic 4
£4.95
£4.00
£3.50
First Mental Arithmetic 5
£4.95
£4.00
£3.50
First Mental Arithmetic 6
£4.95
£4.00
£3.50
*For orders of 10 or more copies of the same title.
Available for Key Stage 2 The Key Stage 2 Mental Arithmetic series is a trusted favourite for homework and classroom use. Each book contains over 1,500 carefully structured questions, combining numerical calculations, written problems, and one- and two-step challenges to strengthen core skills.
FMALEAF
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