Year 1 articles

Give your child a really unique introduction to the world of fiction with a personalised book – after all, who wouldn’t want to be the hero or heroine of a fantastic adventure? Seeing their name – and face – in print, alongside favourite characters, will be a thrill whether they’re just starting to read for themselves or ready to embark on classic literature. We pick the best personalised books where your child has the starring role.

Many children feel a bit nervous about the start of a new school year, but for some, the jitters continue beyond the first few days. Here’s how to help your child de-stress if they’re finding going back to school a struggle.

Wish there was a labels fairy to transform the uniform pile into a neat stack of personalised clothing? Whether you’re super-organised and spread your labelling over the holidays or prone to last-minute panics and label-sewing all-nighters, these products are designed to help you get the job done – and look great, too.

Mysteries, thrillers, supernatural tales and chick lit – we all want to pack a good book to read on holiday so make sure your child isn’t left out! From historical fiction to the new classic from Jacqueline Wilson, this super selection of books for KS2 readers means the whole family can have a fiction-packed break.

Struggling to get your child to pick up a book? A comic might have more appeal – and some surprising literacy-boosting benefits, especially for boys. Lucy Dimbylow explains why you don’t need to be snobbish about your child’s choice of reading material.

Gifted and talented, more able, most able, high learning potential… We explain the terms that are used to describe high-flying kids, and how you can tell if your child is one.

Encouraging children to write a story of their very own can give them an enormous confidence boost, as well as help them consolidate their literacy learning by putting their phonics, grammar and reading skills into practice. Primary teacher Phoebe Doyle offers parents tips on how to get their children’s creative thoughts flowing.

Ask any parent of a Reception child about Biff, Chip and Kipper, and they’ll know exactly who you’re talking about. But just how do primary school reading schemes work, and how can you tell if your child is progressing at the right rate? Lucy Dimbylow puts these questions to the teachers who use reading schemes in the classroom.

Students in primary school are required to learn to swim, which is a difficult part of the curriculum for water-shy children to float through. Be prepared by finding out what the learning targets are, what responsibilities your school has, and how to help your child feel confident about taking the plunge.

Once your child can read they’ll be working on understanding what they read and really engaging with words in their literacy lessons. Reading comprehension is also a big part of SATs. Teacher Alice Hart explains how you can help boost your child’s skills at home.

Reading with your children at home not only lets them practise new words and sounds, but it can also help to improve their reading comprehension skills. Education writer and primary teacher Phoebe Doyle gives her top tips on helping to enrich reading time to prepare them for KS1 English SATs.

Celebrate World Book Day with these fun ideas for children of all ages – get a free book, join a reading group, raise money for charity and more!

How does the school education system work in Scotland? What are the differences between the National Curriculum and the Curriculum for Excellence? We explain how students are assessed within both systems in the UK.

Understand more about the curriculum used in Northern Ireland and how students are assessed with this brief guide.

Children often draw pictures of themselves, along with friends and family. Self portraits are actually a key part of learning and personal development, so provide the paper, pencils and opportunity for your child to have a go.

Help your child develop the motor skills needed for handwriting with these no-skills-needed ideas and recipes for playdough and similar slimy substances – ideal for sensory play and scientific investigations!

With technology advancing faster and faster, parents are finding it more and more difficult to stay on top of how their children are using the internet. We spoke to mum and internet-safety guru Pamela Whitby about what you can do to protect your child online.

Birdwatching is a brilliant learning activity to do at home that can also encourage your child to take an interest in the outdoors. We speak to the RSPB about how you can make your garden or balcony more appealing for birds, leading to better birdwatching!

Worried that your child always chooses screen time over books? Mum and teacher Phoebe Doyle asks the experts about turning your child into a busy bookworm.