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Oral and mental work in mathematics

At the time the National Numeracy Strategy was introduced, there was concern that children's mental calculation skills and recall of facts were generally weak. In the 1999 Framework for teaching mathematics from Reception to Year 6, there is a section (page 13) that describes a typical daily mathematics lesson. This refers to the first part of the lesson as:

  • Oral work and mental calculation (about 5 to 10 minutes)
    Whole-class work to rehearse, sharpen and develop mental and oral skills

The focus of this phase of the lesson was on strengthening children's oral and mental skills through regular daily practice. The 1999 Framework lists a number of activities that might form part of this oral work and mental work. This initial phase of the lesson has become known as the oral and mental 'starter' and was often judged by Ofsted to be the strongest part of mathematics lessons. Successful starters were short, focused activities that introduced the lesson and prepared the children for the main teaching activity. These 'starters' were objectives-based activities that supported children's learning and moved it on.

While the 1999 Framework states that the aims of the 'starter' were to rehearse, sharpen and develop mental calculation and related oral skills, the range of purposes and related activities has increased. Over time, the focus on oral and mental calculation has widened and become a vehicle for teaching a range of mathematics. Too often, the 'starter' has become an activity extended beyond the recommended 5 to 10 minutes. In these situations, there can be more teacher talk than there is oral and mental work that engages and involves the children. There is some evidence that the focus on oral and mental calculation has been lost and needs to be reinvigorated. It is important that the considerable gains made in schools are retained. The 'starter' to a lesson remains an effective way of engaging children at the start of a lesson through a brisk, well-focused activity that helps to secure children's knowledge and sharpens their skills.

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Oral and mental work guidance paper

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Oral and mental work table

PDF 39.6KB
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