Reception articles
What your child learns in Reception year
Understand what your child is learning in their first year of school, and find out how you can help them do their best.
Best educational TV shows for EYFS
We all need to wind down after a day’s work, kids included – but who says relaxing in front of the TV can’t be a learning experience? We pick some of the best programmes to help four and five year olds with their phonics, counting, shape recognition and literacy.
6 outdoor activities for wintry weather
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you need to stay indoors! Bundle up and get everyone outside to enjoy these fun learning activities, perfect for chilly temperatures and snowy weather.
8 great handwriting activities
Put the fun into handwriting practice! From everyday shopping lists to rainy day bookmaking, there’s something to inspire children of all ages and interests to pick up a pencil, says teacher and mum-of-two Phoebe Doyle.
Nativity cringe stories
Heart-melting occasion? All too often, your child’s performance in their school Christmas play leaves you wishing the ground would swallow you up. These not-so-proud parents shared their shame with Lucy Dimbylow
Phonics and sounds explained
Wondering what those noises that your child has been chanting to you are? They're probably practising their phonics sounds – we explain what the sounds of phonics are, and how you can help your child learn them in Reception and beyond.
Handwriting dos and don’ts
Practising handwriting at home doesn’t have to be about copying out rows of letters and reaching writing targets. Make writing fun with these helpful tips from primary school teacher Phoebe Doyle.
‘My teacher hates me!’
There are some things you never want to hear your child say, and when it comes to his education, “Mummy, my teacher doesn’t like me!” tops the list. So what can you do if your child insists the teacher thinks they’re bottom of the class? Sarah Ebner offers some advice.
Handwriting practice: writing to Santa
It’s the handwriting activity your child will be clamouring to start: writing to Father Christmas! Gather your child’s paper and pencils and settle down to compile the list, then organise a response from the big man himself, as well as a personalised Christmas message.
8 no-sew Nativity costumes
If your little angel is honoured with the role of Mary, or your shining star is to be a sheep, here are some sewing-free, stress-free ways of getting simple, yet effective, handmade Nativity costumes recommended by non-crafty mum and teacher, Phoebe Doyle.
Sports Day cringe stories
It’s supposed to be one of the highlights of the school calendar, but in reality sports day is ripe with opportunities for humiliation. From finishing line tantrums to trackside arguments, six mums share their shame with TheSchoolRun.
Handwriting: how your child learns to write
Ever wondered how your child really learns to write? Phoebe Doyle gets expert advice on the best ways to promote good handwriting techniques with your child.
9 fun writing projects to boost literacy skills
Stories aren’t just for reading – teachers regularly use a story as a starting point to engage children in many writing activities that cover a wide range of objectives. Here, education writer Phoebe Doyle gives you a few suggestions for doing the same at home.
10 questions parents of ADHD children should ask their schools
Whether you’ve just found out your child has ADHD, or are checking new schools for your ADHD child, use our list of key questions to get all the information you need.
5 unusual ways to help with spelling
Help your children improve their spelling skills with games and activities that build word-savviness in fun and interesting ways.
9 homework help tips from real parents
Does your child struggle to settle down during homework time? Parents share their favourite tips on motivating their children through it and helping them concentrate on tricky concepts.
What are key stages?
One of the terms you’ll hear most often during your child’s education is ‘key stage’, but what does it mean? We explain what you need to know.
All about dysgraphia
Could your child’s difficulty with writing be dysgraphia? Find out what the signs are, and what to do about it.
Halloween face painting: a step-by-step guide
You don't have to be an artist to face paint! Make your child's Halloween costume stand out by following these easy steps.
Teaching time the 21st century way
Are you struggling to teach your child to tell the time? Elena Dalrymple reviews a new story-based learning method.
Your phonics questions answered
Do you understand how your child is learning to read? We asked the experts to demystify phonics teaching and give you some practical tips to support your child’s learning. You'll also find links to phonics worksheets, games and activities.
5 ways to boost your early reader's confidence
Your early reader may be steaming ahead but you can give them an extra boost with a few easy strategies, says Jackie Cosh. Start today!
5 things you must do to get your child ready for primary school
You've got the primary school place you've been waiting for and have just fired off that acceptance slip. What can you do now to get your child ready for primary school? Camilla Chafer shares her top tips.
Essential computer skills for four and five year olds
Learning about computers is as essential as reading, writing and arithmetic. Amy Schofield shows how to support your child’s ICT learning at home.
Great games to prepare your child for school
Play helps children learn more about themselves and the world around them; it's so important that it’s a key part of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Annemarie Flanagan asks the experts about the best games to play to help prepare children for school – the fun way.
Simple science activities to try today
Science doesn't have to mean complicated experiments with chemicals and Bunsen burners. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage can get involved in science with these fun, fast-results experiments. Sarah Cruickshank reports.
Primary science: what you need to know
Not sure what your child is learning in science? Swot up with our two-minute parents' guide to primary-school science.
How to settle your child into nursery and school
A happy, confident child is every parent's goal. We find the solutions to the questions you want to ask about your child starting nursery and school.
Starting school: the first day
Make your child’s very first day at school a success with a few tips from experienced parents. Reception, here we come!
Starting school: 10 tips for a good first day
You want to give your child the best possible start in school. Read on for easy tips to help.
The beginner's guide to parent-teacher meetings
There’s a lot you can do to make sure you get the most out of meeting with your child’s teacher. Here’s TheSchoolRun’s guide to handling your first parents’ evening.
Develop your child's literacy skills in the early years
Supporting kids’ literacy skills at home is a key factor in helping them to become accomplished readers with broad vocabularies. Get started today!
Should children be able to read and write before they start school?
Emily Organ asks if parents should be educating their children at home before their school days have even begun.
Expert tips on settling your child into school
Antonia Chitty, author of ‘What To Do When Your Child Hates School’, gives her best advice on settling your child at school.
Parents reveal how they prepared their children for school
Starting school is a major milestone in any child’s (and parent’s) life, and preparing for it can feel like a daunting task. TheSchoolRun’s Amy Schofield looks at ways to prepare your child for school life.
Helping your child learn to write
More often than not, parents provide children with their first writing experiences. Here’s how to encourage good handwriting habits from the beginning of primary school.
Writing practice: how to help your struggling child
Is your child’s handwriting a cause for concern? Help them to improve it with these simple activities.
Storytelling for Early Years Foundation Stage children
When it comes to storytelling, children are naturally gifted. Find a range of activities here to support your Early Years Foundation Stage child's storytelling skills.
Personal, social and emotional development in EYFS
Personal, social and emotional education is important for Early Years Foundation Stage children's development. Find out here how you can support your child's emotional education at home.
Telling the time: how to help your child learn
Learning to tell the time is not an easy process, so to help you help your child we have broken it down into separate learning stages.