Essential Mentals

Too often, mental arithmetic workbooks present a haphazard assortment of examples and questions that cover too many strands of mathematics all at once. And in some cases, areas of maths that have not yet been taught in class. Stressful, right?
The Essential Mentals series does not do this. It is a cohesive mentals series that has structure. It addresses the major components of Mathematics, which include Number and Algebra, Measurement and Space, and Statistics and Probability.

This series:

• correlates to the new Mathematics curriculum (2022-2024)

• assists teachers to specifically address the vast amount of outcomes, elaborations or dot points of the syllabus

• includes linking charts for each year level to show which curriculum units the content has addressed (see back of workbook or the downloads section of our website)

• includes helpful strategy explanation bars to assist students, teachers or parents

• is great to use in the classroom for curriculum-based work, or at home for revision purposes

• systematically develops numeracy across the curriculum by introducing curriculum content that teaches the fundamentals

By integrating mental maths activities into primary education, educators can support the goals and objectives outlined in the curriculum while equipping students with essential mathematical skills for future success.

Why teach mentals?
Teaching maths mentals in primary school is supported by evidence indicating that it enhances mathematical understanding, fluency, problem-solving skills, confidence, and everyday applicability of mathematics. These benefits contribute to overall mathematical proficiency and academic success.

Teaching mental arithmetic to primary-aged students:

• builds fluency
• develops number sense
• promotes quick thinking
• improves problem-solving skills
• may enhance students’ confidence levels
• prepares students for real world maths, i.e. cooking, shopping, splitting bills