Articles

17 things you don't want to find in your child's bookbag

Buying your child’s first bookbag and seeing them carrying it proudly when they start school is a special moment. And it can be wonderful when they use it to bring home great ‘masterpieces’ that they have produced in the classroom. But before you know it, the bag has got covered in mud, drink stains and felt tip, the Velcro has stopped sticking, and holes have appeared in the corners. And you soon start to dread what you might discover when you open it... Rachael Newman-Sanders peeks inside.

What are national curriculum levels?

Whether your child has just done SATs or is about to bring home a school report, chances are you’ll be told their National Curriculum level. But what do these numbers actually mean? Lucy Dimbylow explains in parent-friendly language.

31 fantastic activities for the May 2013 half term holidays

Travel through time, come face-to-face with a terrifying T-rex and walk through the heart of 500-year-old warship – it's all going to be an awfully big adventure this half term with 31 amazing and educational activities for you and the kids to enjoy together! By Hetty Walton

15 no-sew history costumes

Another week, another costume… that’s the way it feels sometimes! Non-crafty mum Phoebe Doyle has some no-sew, no-stress ideas to help you create a simple, effective costume for History Week at school, whether your child needs to look medieval, prehistoric or Victorian.

National Reading and Numeracy Tests explained for parents

From May 2013, all children in Wales from Y2 to Y9 will take tests in reading and numeracy at the end of each school year. Find out what these tests involve, and how you can help your child prepare for them.

Chess: the perfect game for kids

It’s free, portable, quiet enough to play anywhere and has powerful brain-boosting benefits for kids – and it’s fun, too. Here’s why you should get your child hooked on chess.

21 things every parent needs to know about cursive handwriting

Learning to print letters was hard enough, and now your child is being encouraged to join them up. Lucy Dimbylow explains everything you need to know about cursive writing, and how you can support your child at home.

KS1 maths SATs: what is tested in the Y2 assessments

Word problems, place value, number bonds, polygons and pictograms – they’re all taught in KS1 maths and can be tested as part of the Y2 SATs. We review the learning objectives in parent-friendly language and give you examples and tips to help you support your child’s mathematical education at home.

5 ways to raise an enterprising child

As parents we have a vital role to play in inspiring an enterprising attitude in our children, nurturing characteristics from an early age which will help them grow into happy adults. Lorraine Allman shares some easy, practical tips to help boost children's self-belief and confidence.

67 fantastic activities for the Easter 2013 school holidays

Examine fossilised eggs, creep through a royal palace after dark, make a sticky critter, meet Doctor Who monsters, join a Mad Hatter's Tea Party, free a captured Empress and launch a rocket... There are some amazing activities, workshops and opportunities for families all over the country during the Easter 2013 school holidays. Loads of them won't cost you a penny, so start planning some (educational) time off now!

TheSchoolRun

Pages

17 things you don't want to find in your child's bookbag

What are national curriculum levels?

31 fantastic activities for the May 2013 half term holidays

15 no-sew history costumes

National Reading and Numeracy Tests explained for parents

Chess: the perfect game for kids

21 things every parent needs to know about cursive handwriting

KS1 maths SATs: what is tested in the Y2 assessments

5 ways to raise an enterprising child

67 fantastic activities for the Easter 2013 school holidays

Pages

Browse by subject

Browse by Key Stage

Browse by topic

Shopping basket

Today's hot topics

Quick Poll

Competitions