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Reception articles

Teamwork in primary school
How to teach your child teamwork
We take a look at the importance of building team skills from a young age, and what you can do to support your child.
Child writing a poem
Inspire your child to write poetry
Encouraging your child to pick up a pen and try writing some poetry can help them become more emotionally literate and improve their confidence. We have some top children's poetry tips.
family having fun in car
Learning games to play on long car journeys
Going on a long car journey with the kids? Sick of hearing ‘are we nearly there yet?’ Banish boredom by trying some fun, educational games with your children.
Sperm and egg
Top tips on talking to your kids about the birds and the bees
As a parent it’s not always easy to know where to start when it comes to your children's sex education. To help ease into the subject, try our top tips.
Child on a farm
Learning English and maths outdoors
The great outdoors is a place where learning can take diverse shapes and forms. We take a look at how you can use it to strengthen your child’s literacy and numeracy skills.
Desk with lots of learning gear on it
Private tutors – your questions answered
Giving children a bit of extra support with their learning is something many parents choose to do. We take a look at what you need to consider when choosing a tutor.
Boy drawing plans on blackboard
DIY for children – what it teaches them
Have you ever considered keeping your kids busy round the house with a spot of DIY? Find out what it could teach your child, plus some handy activities to try.
Microphone
How singing can support children’s learning
Singing can support children’s learning and emotional development. We take a look at how a good sing-song could help your child.
Girl reading on the beach
6 reasons why summer learning is important
The school gates may have closed for the summer, but that’s no reason to allow your child’s mind to follow suit. We have six top tips for summer learning fun.
Child writing letters on blackboard
How does dyslexia impact on a child's learning?
We look at how dyslexia can affect your child at school and strategies to use at home to support their learning.
Mum reading with her sons
Why it’s important to make time for reading
Reading with your child is a valuable part of their learning, and your relationship, but how do you make the time in busy family life?
Piggy bank
9 ways to teach your children the value of money
Every child can benefit from learning some valuable lessons about finance. We suggest simple strategies to help your primary-school child understand money, whatever their age.
Father laughing with son
How to tell your child a story – without a book
Once upon a time, before the onslaught of video games, DVDs and the internet, telling stories was one of the only forms of entertainment. Jasmin Qureshi looks at how it can still be beneficial (and great fun!) today.
Children doing experiments
Fun science activities to try at home
Want to inspire your child to enjoy science? Try these easy, engaging activities together at home.
Boy having piano lesson
How to support your child in learning an instrument
Fewer children than ever are taking up a musical instrument. However, learning music is a fantastic skill. How do we get our children to take it up and which instrument should you pick? Emily Organ reports.
Letters in sand
How multi-sensory learning works
Multi-sensory learning is a not only a great way to help children develop their literacy skills, it's also great fun. Author of Spelling Made Magic, Clare Winstanley, explores the technique.
Reading tips for dyslexic children
Top tips to help your dyslexic child enjoy reading
Reading might be difficult for some dyslexic children, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy it. We have tips to help you inspire them to love books.
Child holding globe
How to help your child learn a foreign language
Learning a language opens up a whole new world for children. But where should you start? Dawn Francis-Pester reports.
Mum and daughter giggling
How storytelling can boost learning
As a tool for developing speaking skills, literacy and bonding between parent and child, storytelling is unsurpassed. Phoebe Doyle investigates why it’s so beneficial.
Boy studying a map
Simple strategies to end the homework wars
Do battles over homework leave you – and your children – seething? Moira Holden looks at ways to make homework time run more smoothly.
Happy children
How to help your child to love learning
Want to support your child’s education but at a loss as to where to start? Emily Organ spoke to educational psychologist Jeni Hooper to pick up some practical, easy-action tips.
Little girls at computer
The importance of ICT
Information and communication technology (ICT) is such an integral part of our lives that it is embedded right across the curriculum. Crispin Andrews looks at its importance.
Boy smiling at computer
Home learning with an ICT twist
Help your child get ahead with their ICT skills and learning in other subjects all at once with these clever tips
Children working at computer
How technology can boost dyslexic children's learning
Mind mapping is a great way for dyslexic children to learn and using computer software to do it makes it even easier. Read on to find out more.
Class sat at computers
Is technology changing the way children learn?
If you’ve ever seen your toddler load a DVD, then you’ll already have realised just how quickly today’s children take to technology. But why is technology so important in primary education? Camilla Chafer reports.
Maths addition number sentences on the blackboard
Three tips to help your child with maths
Giving your child too much help with their maths work can be detrimental to their learning, but it’s still good to show your support. Read on for top tips and techniques to get your child learning maths independently.
Little girl with stacks of books
How to create a good homework/life balance
School and homework can take up a large portion of every day. In addition, more hours are dedicated to extra-curricular classes after school and at weekends. As much as many children love learning, they need down time too. Camilla Chafer investigates how you can strike a balance.
Dad doing homework with his children
How to help your child with their homework
Homework is the bane of many parents’ lives. Whether it’s getting your child to sit down and get on with it or knowing how to help them, Camilla Chafer finds out how to get good homework habits in place.
Child with their head in their hands
What to do if your child is excluded from school
Exclusion can be a very distressing experience for all involved and disrupts a child's education. Gerry German, Director of the Communities Empowerment Network, offers some advice on what to do.
Empty desk
Truancy: why it’s risky for parents and children
Although you may not realise it, truancy can not only affect your child's attitude towards school and their ability to learn, it can also affect you as a parent. Read on to find out why.
Child with their head between their knees
What to do when your child hates school
Frequent sick-days and a general reluctance to go in are signs that your child is not enjoying their school experience. Follow this expert advice on how to address and resolve these issues.
Group of governors
How to become a school governor
School governors work with head teachers to decide policies, oversee management and create a general ethos for the school. We take a look at who can become a school governor and what role they play in the community.
Group of mums
The benefits of joining a PTA
Why should a parent join the PTA? National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations (NCPTA) communications manager Laura Warren explains.
Teacher reading with pupil
What are home-school agreements?
Your guide to how home-school agreements work and how they can improve communication between schools and parents.
Little girl laughing
Making sense of the SEN Code of Practice
Your guide to some of the key procedures and recommended actions in the SEN Code of Practice. Plus find tips on supporting your child.
Mum and child working at computer together
Home education: what could it offer your child?
Why do parents choose home education for their children and what are the benefits of this type of education? Find out here.
'Back to school' written on blackboard
Back to school tips
When those blissful weeks of the summer holidays are drawing to a close, here’s what you can do to help your child get back in gear for school.
Children wearing life jackets
School trips - what to expect
Your guide to why school trips are organised and how you can prepare your child to make the most of learning outside the classroom.
Letter to teacher
Great gift ideas for teachers
Chocolates or smellies are typically the gifts of choice but if you fancying giving something more original try one of these ideas.
Page of workbook
7 ways to get the best out of parents' evening
Does your mind go blank as soon as you sit down with your child’s teacher? Lucy Dimbylow offers expert tips on making the most of parents’ evening.