Step 5 Objective
Consolidate and extend mental methods of calculation to include decimals, fractions and percentages, accompanied where appropriate by suitable jottings; solve simple word problems mentally.
- Examples of what pupils should
know and be able to do - Probing questions
- What if pupils find
this a barrier?
What if pupils find this a barrier?
Give pupils a large set of calculations to sort into those they can do mentally (with jottings) and those where they need to use formal written methods. Make sure that most should be done mentally.
After the initial sorting in pairs, get pupils to work in fours to discuss the mental methods they would use. Take feedback on those causing difficulties and use this to focus teaching.
When pupils are given a calculation, encourage them first to decide whether they can do it in their heads before using other methods.
- Teaching mental calculation strategies to L5 - Acrobat pdf document (455Kb) pages 15-44. You will need to modify the activities as appropriate to the objective.