You will then be asked a question about the numbers. All in the mind! S3.2 Extension Starter A few numbers will be read to you – don’t write them down. Try to fix them is your memory. The numbers will be read out again – but no writing down! You will then be asked a question about the numbers. Jot down the answer. Preamble This whole-class activity will give pupils practice remembering and processing numbers in their head. Holding numbers in short-term memory is a skill at the very heart of mental arithmetic. It is a ‘snappy’ activity that should not occupy too much time. Initially it may be necessary to police the ‘no writing down the numbers’ rule. Here are some examples of numbers and questions suitable for this level of capability. 2 6 2 3 6 Which is nearest to the square root of 3? [2] 2 1 7 3 0 Which is bigger than a half? [1, 2, 3, 7] 1 3 5 7 9 What is the next number in the sequence? [11] 9 12 13 23 6 Which number is closest to 1? [6] 6 9 10 11 12 Which is a prime number? [11] 2 6 21 13 6 Which is a multiple of seven? [21] 2 6 2 4 6 What is the mean? [4] Possible content Virtually any previous number work. Resources Possibly wipe boards. Solution/Notes See above.