Ks1 articles
What is volume?
Volume and capacity are important concepts in primary maths, and your child will start learning about the amount of 3D space occupied by an object in Key Stage 1. Find out how you can support their learning at home, plus the relevant mathematical formulae, with our parents' guide to volume.
7 classic poems to read with primary-school children
Poems come in all shapes and sizes. Some rhyme, some don't. Some are old, some are new. Introduce your child to a world of words to whisper, savour and inspire with some classic poems, chosen for primary-school children of all ages by poet Helen Mort, editor of The Owl and the Pussycat: An anthology of poems that every child should read. Enjoy!
5 back-to-school breakfasts to boost body and brain
Finding it hard to get the brain back into gear every morning? Kate Percy, author of Go Faster Food for Kids, brings you her top three performance-boosting “back-to-school” breakfast recipes, plus expert tips to turn your kids' breakfast into a nutritional powerhouse.
Museums reviewed by parents: The Foundling Museum
At the Foundling Museum the whole family can get a glimpse into a heartwarming piece of London history – the story of abandoned children taken in and given a home by an extraordinary group of philanthropists. And you can take a historical selfie, too!
Museums reviewed by parents: Mary Rose, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Travel back in time to Henry VIII's navy and its flagship, the Mary Rose. Recovered from the sea after nearly five hundred years, the ship is presented to visitors in a new, state-of-the-art museum that's highly recommended for families.
Changes to KS1 SATs in 2024
Year 2 children in England may take KS1 SATs in May, although they are now optional. Here's what parents need to know about the English and maths assessments in Y2.
Primary school computing and ICT glossary for parents
Do you know what your child means when they're talking about compiling algorithms and debugging programs? Computing teacher Billy Rebecchi explains the primary school computing and ICT terms that you might hear from your KS1 or KS2 child.
Best children's books about WWI
Our pick of powerful, informative and evocative novels, anthologies and non-fiction books will help primary-school children understand the facts about the Great War, as well as the everyday lives of the people who lived through it in the trenches and on the Home Front.
14 of the best books for children for summer 2014
Make this summer a fiction-packed break with our pick of the best kids' books to read on the beach, by a lake, up a mountain, in a tent or just in your own back garden! From laugh-out-loud adventures to murder mysteries and junior chick lit, we've got great suggestions for every genre and every child.
Cooking and nutrition in primary schools
For the first time ever, practical cookery lessons are compulsory in primary schools. We explain what your budding MasterChef might learn.
The parent's guide to the pupil premium
Many children from families who receive certain benefits are entitled to a sum of money paid to their school to boost their learning. We explain the ins and outs of the pupil premium for parents.
4 ways to bring poetry to life for your child
With poetry on the new national curriculum for children as young as five, poet Adisa the Verbaliser explains how to make poetry magical for your child.
What your child learns in Key Stage 1 computing
Computing is an essential skill for all children to learn, and an important part of the curriculum. Here’s what your child will be taught in Years 1 and 2.
11 of the best no-waste packed lunch solutions
You recycle cans, glass and scraps of paper religiously, but your child's daily lunch box packs the bin with a steady stream of plastic sandwich bags, clingfilm, bottles and more. Give packed lunches an eco-friendly makeover with some of these brilliant reusable lunch aids and bask in the satisfaction of no-waste lunch boxes.
Museums reviewed by parents: Eureka!
One of the best children's museums in the world, Eureka! is packed with hundreds of hands-on exhibits designed to inspire children to learn through play. Our family testers were amazed at what's on offer and determined to be regular visitors in the future.
Active and inclusive: PE provision for children with disabilities
Andrew Shields examines PE provision for children with disabilities and highlights the opportunities that now exist to play sport both in school and outside the classroom.
Museums reviewed by parents: Manchester Museum
Travel back in time to Ancient Egypt, see reptiles and amphibians from Costa Rica, walk beneath a giant whale skeleton, come face-to-face with a tiger and meet a life-size Tyrannosaurus rex... just a few of the highlights of a visit to Manchester Museum. Our family testers report back.
Museums reviewed by parents: Museum of Liverpool
Dress up as a dock master, play in a pint-sized port, explore first- and third-class travel in Victorian times and fall in love with the sounds of the 1960s... it's all waiting for you (and it's free!) at the Museum of Liverpool. Our parent review highlights the child-friendly activities on offer.
5 learning activities for summer weather
Summer is finally here! Make that wonderful, warm globe of loveliness in the sky into a fantastic learning aid with our hands-on activities, perfect for whiling away the hours on a hot afternoon.
Free school meals: your questions answered
Since September 2014 all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 have been entitled to a free school meal at lunchtime, plus some children in KS2 and beyond. But what's on offer, and what if your child prefers packed lunches? We answer all your questions.
Best teachers' gifts
A teacher can change a child's life – and attitude to learning – forever. We've found some of the most original (and delicious) ways to say thank you to the person who has enriched your child's school year, whatever your budget. Chocolate and biscuits, personalised bags, mugs and accessories, charity donations and more – all great tokens of your appreciation for the work of an inspirational teacher.
Museums reviewed by parents: Look Out Discovery Centre
Build a dam, tile a roof, shake your own hand (in an optical illusion) and build a 3D puzzle of the human body − there's all this (and more) to discover at the Look Out Discovery Centre in Bracknell. Read our parent review to find out more.
5 ways to turn your child into a budding writer
While some children love nothing more than sitting down with a blank sheet of paper and a pen, others are filled with dread at the thought of writing much more than their name at the top of their worksheet. Teacher and author Alison Wilcox shares her tips for encouraging the writing bug.
Museums reviewed by parents: DIG
Dig, delve and discover objects and stories from the past at York's wonderfully interactive DIG, a real archeological adventure for children (and adults). We give it our parent-tested seal of approval!
Museums reviewed by parents: York Castle Museum
The UK's museums offer world-class learning experiences for children and families and our parent reviews highlight some of the best. At York Castle Museum your family can travel back in time to the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian England (remember to buy a pink sugar mouse to munch on as you explore!).
Best kids' books about football
Would your child rather be kicking a ball than picking up a book? Get them excited about reading with fiction and non-fiction titles about the beautiful game, from World Cup histories and step-by-step technique manuals to brilliant football fiction for all ages.
Museums reviewed by parents: York's Chocolate Story
Bring learning to life with a visit to one of our parent-recommended museums and experiences. For a delicious, immersive visit into the world of chocolate, take a guided tour at York's Chocolate Story.
Museums reviewed by parents: Discover Children's Story Centre
Bring learning to life with a visit to one of our parent-recommended museums. We love Children's Story Centre Discover, a haven for bookworms, story-tellers and adventurers in Stratford, north east London.
Museums reviewed by parents: World Museum Liverpool
Our parent-recommended museums make bringing learning to life easy and fun. For the chance to explore creatures and people from our past and our present, head to World Museum Liverpool (just watch out for the giant spider!).
Primary-school grading system explained for parents
A new grading system to replace national curriculum levels was introduced into English primary schools in 2014. We explain what parents need to know about primary school assessment levels as well as KS1 and KS2 SATs and the new Reception Baseline Assessment.
10 brilliant primary-school maths aids
Children often learn faster if they are allowed to use practical equipment to support them. Primary teacher Angela Smith explains what maths aids your child might find in the classroom, and how you can also use them at home to help your child practise important numeracy skills with hands-on, practical activities.
Museums reviewed by parents: The Geffrye Museum of the Home
Bring classroom learning to life with a visit to one of our parent-recommended museums, or explore the website to explore from afar. For hands-on fun and a fascinating trip through our Tudor and Victorian past we love the Geffrye Museum of the Home in London.
Best reading scheme books for early readers
Does your heart sink at the thought of another reading practice session after school? Don't lose heart, says primary school teacher, mum and Reading Chest founder Liz Walker. Today's reading scheme books offer exciting stories, non-fiction facts and loads more. Here's how to make the most of early readers, whether your child has just started to blend sounds or is ready to graduate to 'real' books.
Is your child a sports star?
Identifying your child as a high achiever in PE and sport will help to make the most of their ability – but Andrew Shields cautions against believing that stardom beckons.
Why games-based learning is great for your child
If you despair of the amount of time your child spends attached to their tablet, think again: games and apps are an important part of their learning journey, from pre-school to secondary school, and can help to improve problem-solving skills and communication, as well as boost motivation. Lucy Dimbylow finds out why gaming means learning in the twenty-first century.
7 easy energy-boosting after-school snacks
After school the first words to come out of most children's mouths are "What have you brought me to eat?". Sort out the hunger pangs, energy slumps and general moodiness with some healthy but delicious snacks as suggested by Kate Percy, author of Go Faster Food for Kids and mum of three.
'He struggled to form his letters correctly and his handwriting was illegible'
Cécile Watson, from Bromley in Kent, describes her experience of the SEN and school system with her son Jean-Pierre, 11, who has dysgraphia, and shares her tips for other parents.
"He had problems counting up in twos, fives and even tens"
Lillian Blundell, from Bath, describes her experience of the SEN and school system with her son Robbie, 16, who has dyscalculia, and shares her tips for other parents.
6 learning activities for spring weather
Welcome the new season with these spring children's activity ideas from Juno Hollyhock from Learning through Landscapes. Wellies on, gloves off, coats fastened – time to run out into the spring sunshine!
11 of the best ways to introduce children to Shakespeare
You don't have to be a theatre buff or a classic-literature lover to appreciate Shakespeare's wonderful stories, compelling characters and beautiful language. We say it's never too early to introduce children to the Bard, so here are 11 great ways to help under-12s fall in love with his verses.