Year 4 articles
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
How to talk to your child about sex
Not many parents relish the thought of having the "birds and the bees talk" with their children. We asked professionals for tips on making conversations about sex, puberty and relationships easier.
Fun science activities to try at home
Want to inspire your child to enjoy science? Try these easy, engaging activities together at home.
5 top tips for success learning an instrument
Increased self-confidence, better coordination skills, more focus and general well-being... just a few of the benefits of learning to play an instrument, parents say. Follow this advice to support your child in their musical education; it will take time (years!) and patience, but the rewards for the whole family are immense.
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.
What children gain from school film clubs
Film clubs are enjoying a resurgence of interest thanks to a new scheme which provides schools with a range of films and the technology to screen them. Schools claim the learning opportunities are broad. We sent Emily Organ to investigate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The benefits of blogging for your child
Blogs are a great way to help children use ICT to express themselves but keeping them safe online is vital. Read our advice on safe blogging and how it can help your child learn.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why a homework club could work for your child
Is getting homework done a constant struggle? An after-school homework club could be the solution, says Moira Holden
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What are home-school agreements?
Your guide to how home-school agreements work and how they can improve communication between schools and parents.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
8 questions you must ask your child's teacher
No one understands your child's academic development better than their teacher. Lucy Dimbylow explains how to get the best out of parent-teacher meetings by asking these eight questions.
Teachers' best and worst gifts ever
Yes, it’s the thought that counts, but what would teachers really like as a thank-you gift at the end of term? Lucy Dimbylow asked them to reveal their favourite ever presents – and the ones they could have lived without