Recommended Reading
I recommend the following book:
Rapid Maths Tricks and Tips by Edward H. Julius. ISBN 0-471-57563-1
The title of the book does not reflect the degree of fascination and joy you'll experience when you study it. Well, yes you cannot simply browse through 200 pages because it will require your brainpower all the time. The author make a promise to increase your calculating speed in 30 days and divides the book into 30 days, dividing each day between two tricks, each on a single topic (multiplying and dividing with decimal points, rapidly estimating division by 17, etc).
If you have a little experience with 11+ Entry Exams you would agree that all Maths and the majority of Verbal Reasoning papers require not only strong primary knowledge and understanding of the main concepts, but test your child’s skills under tough time constraints. The author helps you to use a new skill to different applications (estimating, decimals, fractions, percentages), which is a skill on its own.
Although I have recommended the book to 11+ entrants, it would be an intriguing read for children of all ages as well as their parents. And, finally, if you are a teacher you might find it useful for brushing up your mental ability, no matter what your subject is.
