What is SPAG?

What Does SPaG Stand For?

SPaG stands for Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar. It’s a term used widely in UK primary schools to describe the core English language skills children are taught — and tested on — throughout Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2).

SPaG isn’t a separate subject. It sits within the English curriculum and underpins everything your child does in reading, writing and comprehension. Strong SPaG skills mean your child can communicate clearly, score well in exams, and build confidence in written English.

Why Is SPaG Important?

SPaG matters for three reasons:

1. It’s tested in SATs

The SPaG test is a formal part of the KS2 SATs, taken by all Year 6 pupils in England. It accounts for 70 out of 120 marks in the English assessment — more than the reading paper. That makes it the single biggest scoring component of the English SATs.

At KS1, SPaG is assessed through two shorter papers (spelling and grammar/punctuation), though KS1 SATs are now optional for most schools.

2. It affects every subject

Clear writing isn’t just for English lessons. Children who spell accurately, punctuate correctly and use proper grammar produce better answers in science, history, geography and RE. Examiners at GCSE level also mark for “quality of written communication” — so the habits built in primary school carry through to secondary.

3. It builds lifelong communication skills

Whether your child is writing an essay, an email, or a job application in the future, strong SPaG skills make their writing clearer, more persuasive and more professional.

What’s in the KS2 SPaG Test?

The Year 6 SPaG test (also called the GPS test — Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling) consists of two papers:

Paper 1: Grammar and Punctuation

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Marks: 50
• Format: Short answer questions — multiple choice, tick boxes, circling, and writing short responses

This paper tests whether children can identify and use grammatical structures correctly. It doesn’t test creative writing — it tests technical knowledge of how English works.

Paper 2: Spelling

• Duration: approximately 15–20 minutes
• Marks: 20
• Format: The teacher reads 20 sentences aloud, each with a missing word. Children write the correct spelling in their answer booklet.

Key SPaG Topics Your Child Needs to Know

The SPaG curriculum builds year on year. Here are the main topics tested at KS2:

Grammar

• Word classes: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, determiners, pronouns
• Sentence types: statements, questions, commands, exclamations
• Verb tenses: simple past, present and future; progressive and perfect forms
• Active and passive voice: “The dog chased the cat” vs “The cat was chased by the dog”
• Modal verbs: can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must
• Relative clauses: using who, which, where, when, whose, that
• Fronted adverbials: “Early in the morning, the birds began to sing.”
• Subjunctive mood: “If I were you…” / “The school requires that he attend.”
• Standard English: “We were” not “We was”; “I did” not “I done”
• Formal and informal language

Punctuation

• Full stops, question marks and exclamation marks
• Commas: in lists, after fronted adverbials, to separate clauses
• Apostrophes: for possession (the dog’s bone, the children’s toys) and contraction (don’t, it’s)
• Inverted commas (speech marks): punctuating direct speech correctly
• Colons and semi-colons: to introduce lists and join related clauses
• Brackets, dashes and commas for parenthesis: adding extra information to a sentence
• Hyphens: in compound words and to avoid ambiguity (e.g. “man-eating shark” vs “man eating shark”)
• Bullet points

Spelling

• Prefixes: un-, dis-, mis-, re-, pre-, anti-, auto-, super-
• Suffixes: -tion, -sion, -ment, -ness, -ful, -less, -ly, -ous, -ible, -able
• Homophones: their/there/they’re, to/too/two, where/wear/were, affect/effect
• Silent letters: knight, write, doubt, island
• Word families and root words
• The Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 statutory spelling lists — these are published by the government and contain the words children are expected to spell by the end of each phase

How to Help Your Child Improve SPaG at Home

1. Read together regularly

Reading exposes children to correct grammar, varied punctuation and accurate spelling in context. Discuss the text as you go — ask your child to spot speech marks, find adjectives, or explain why a comma is used.

2. Practise spelling little and often

Short daily sessions (10–15 minutes) work better than long weekly tests. Use the statutory spelling lists as a starting point, and break words into manageable groups of 5–10 per week.

3. Play word games

Games like Scrabble, Boggle and crossword puzzles build vocabulary and spelling skills naturally. Online tools like Spelling Shed and SPaG.com offer interactive practice too.

4. Use “look, cover, write, check”

This classic method works because it forces active recall:

1. Look at the word carefully
2. Cover it up
3. Write it from memory
4. Check — did you get it right? If not, try again.

5. Practise with SATs-style questions

Past papers and practice booklets (from CGP, Letts, or free resources on the government website) help your child get used to the question format. The SPaG paper has a specific style — practising it builds confidence.

6. Focus on common mistakes

Keep a list of words your child frequently misspells or grammar rules they get wrong. Revisit these regularly rather than always starting fresh topics.

SPaG at KS1

At Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2), the SPaG curriculum covers the basics:

• Capital letters and full stops
• Question marks and exclamation marks
• Joining words with “and”
• Nouns, verbs and adjectives
• Singular and plural nouns
• Past and present tense
• Common exception words (the, said, come, some, etc.)

The KS1 SPaG test includes a 20-word spelling paper and a grammar/punctuation paper with two sections. While KS1 SATs are now optional for many schools, the skills assessed remain core to the curriculum.

Related Reading

• Phonics: A Complete Guide for Parents
• SATs Explained
• How to Pass the 11 Plus Exam
• When Should My Child Start Tutoring?

How StudyBox Can Help with SPaG

At StudyBox, our English tuition covers SPaG alongside reading and writing at all primary levels. Our tutors at Wallington, Sutton and Croydon:

• Identify your child’s specific SPaG gaps with an initial assessment
• Build spelling, punctuation and grammar skills through structured, age-appropriate sessions
• Prepare children for KS1 and KS2 SATs with practice papers and exam technique
• Make learning engaging — because confident writers are better writers

Book a free trial session to see how we can help your child master SPaG.

How to Pass The 11 Plus Exam

What Is the 11 Plus Exam?

The 11 plus (11+) is a selective entrance exam used by grammar schools across England to assess pupils at the end of Year 5 or the start of Year 6. Children typically sit the exam in September of Year 6, with results arriving in October — in time for the secondary school application deadline on 31 October.

Grammar school places are highly competitive. In areas like Sutton, where five grammar schools share a common test, there can be more than 12 applicants for every place. That makes thorough preparation essential — but it doesn’t have to be stressful.

Which Exam Board Will Your Child Sit?

The two main 11+ exam providers in England are:

• GL Assessment — used by most grammar schools in London, Kent, Buckinghamshire and other areas. Tests four subjects separately with published question types.
• CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) — used in Birmingham, Buckinghamshire (some schools), and parts of the South West. CEM papers blend subjects into mixed sections with unpublished question formats, making the test harder to prepare for through rote learning alone.

In South London and Surrey, the Sutton SET (Selective Eligibility Test) is used by Wilson’s School, Wallington High School for Girls, Nonsuch High School for Girls, and Wallington County Grammar School. Sutton Grammar School sets its own separate exam. All five use GL Assessment-style papers.

Top tip: Check your target school’s admissions page early in Year 4 to confirm the exam board, registration dates and any catchment area requirements.

What Subjects Are Tested in the 11 Plus?

Most 11+ exams assess four core areas:

English

• Reading comprehension — fiction, non-fiction and poetry passages
• Vocabulary and spelling
• Grammar and punctuation
• Sentence structure and writing skills (some schools)

Maths

• Arithmetic — the four operations, fractions, decimals and percentages
• Problem solving and word problems
• Geometry — area, perimeter, angles, symmetry
• Data handling — tables, charts, averages
• Algebra basics — sequences, missing number problems

Verbal Reasoning (VR)

Verbal reasoning tests logical thinking using words and language. GL Assessment uses 21 published question types including:

• Code words and letter sequences
• Word analogies and synonyms
• Hidden words and compound words
• Sentence completion

Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR)

Non-verbal reasoning tests pattern recognition and spatial awareness using shapes and diagrams. Question types include:

• Odd one out
• Matrices and series
• Reflection and rotation
• Spatial folding — nets of 3D shapes

CEM exams blend VR and NVR into mixed papers alongside English and maths, so children must switch between question types quickly.

When Should 11 Plus Preparation Start?

Most education experts recommend starting preparation 12 to 18 months before the exam — ideally at the beginning of Year 5. This gives your child enough time to build skills gradually without cramming.

A realistic preparation timeline looks like this:

• Start of Year 5 (September): Baseline assessment to identify strengths and gaps. Begin regular reading and maths practice.
• January–April (Year 5): Introduce verbal and non-verbal reasoning with workbooks. Focus on one question type at a time.
• May–July (Year 5): Start timed practice papers. Work on speed and accuracy under exam conditions.
• Summer holidays: Increase to 3–4 practice sessions per week. Complete full-length mock exams.
• September (Year 6): Final revision, exam technique and confidence building in the days before the test.

10 Top Tips for Passing the 11 Plus

1. Know your target school’s exam format

Different schools use different exam boards and question styles. Download past papers or sample papers from your school’s website and make sure your child practises the right format.

2. Build a consistent study routine

Short, regular sessions work better than long weekend marathons. Aim for 20–30 minutes of focused practice on school nights, with longer sessions at weekends. At age 10–11, children struggle to concentrate for more than 30 minutes at a stretch.

3. Use spaced repetition

Don’t cram the same topic for days in a row. Space out revisits to tricky topics over days and weeks — this is proven to improve long-term retention far more than massing practice.

4. Practise under timed conditions

Time pressure is one of the biggest challenges in the 11+. Once your child is comfortable with question types, start timing practice papers. Teach them to move on from questions they’re stuck on and come back to them at the end.

5. Read widely and often

Strong readers have a massive advantage in the 11+. Encourage your child to read a mix of fiction, non-fiction, newspapers and magazines. This builds vocabulary, comprehension speed and general knowledge — all tested in the exam.

6. Focus on weak areas, not just strengths

It’s tempting to practise subjects your child already enjoys. But the 11+ rewards balanced performance across all papers. Use practice test scores to identify gaps and target them deliberately.

7. Learn exam technique

Teach your child to:

• Read questions carefully before answering
• Eliminate obviously wrong answers in multiple-choice questions
• Show working in maths (some papers award method marks)
• Check answers if time allows

8. Use high-quality practice materials

Stick to reputable publishers like Bond, CGP, and Letts for workbooks. For GL-style tests, use official GL Assessment practice papers. Avoid relying solely on free online resources, which may not match the actual exam standard.

9. Don’t neglect wellbeing

An anxious, exhausted child won’t perform at their best. Make sure your child:

• Gets enough sleep (10–11 hours for this age group)
• Has downtime for play, hobbies and friends
• Eats well, especially on exam day
• Knows that one exam doesn’t define their future

10. Consider professional tuition

A qualified tutor can identify gaps you might miss, teach exam techniques, and keep your child motivated. Group tuition is also a great option — children often learn better alongside peers, and it normalises the preparation process.

Grammar Schools Near Sutton, Wallington and Croydon

If you live in South London or Surrey, these are the main grammar schools your child may apply to:

• Wilson’s School (Wallington) — boys, Sutton SET + individual test, UK Rank #2
• Wallington High School for Girls — Sutton SET + individual test
• Wallington County Grammar School — mixed, Sutton SET + individual test
• Nonsuch High School for Girls (Cheam) — Sutton SET + individual test
• Sutton Grammar School — boys, individual test

Registration for the Sutton SET typically opens in spring and closes in early summer, with the test in September. Check each school’s website for exact dates.

Related Reading

• How to Prepare for the 11 Plus Exam
• SATs Explained
• When Should My Child Start Tutoring?
• Critical Thinking Skills for Children

How StudyBox Can Help

At StudyBox, we offer expert 11 Plus tuition at our centres in Wallington, Sutton and Croydon. Our experienced tutors:

• Assess your child’s current level and create a personalised study plan
• Cover all four 11+ subjects — English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
• Provide regular timed mock exams under realistic conditions
• Build confidence and reduce exam anxiety

Book a free trial session to see how we can help your child prepare for the 11 plus with confidence.

Does Your Child Need a Tutor?

Does your child struggle to do homework?
Do you have to push them in doing it?
Have you tried to help but end up arguing?
As a result if, you answered yes, it’s probably time to get the help from a tutor.

Most children at some point will display signs that they are struggling to keep up with schoolwork or homework due to a number of reasons.
Not all are signs students need extra help, therefore we have put together a shortlist to help you find signs that your child probably needs a tutor.

Six signs your child needs a tutor:

1. The homework excuses:
Your child may exhibit extreme emotions when it’s time for homework. first of all, they will try to avoid the situation by doing anything else.

2. Avoiding school:
Not wanting to go to school can be another sign that your child is finding things difficult, as a result, they may need some extra support.

3. Not doing well in tests:
A bad score in one test may be a temporary issue, consequently, bad test scores on a regular basis can indicate a bigger problem.

4. Loss of confidence:
Avoidance of schoolwork is usually a sign that your child has a loss of confidence, therefore it is important to restore confidence quickly.

5. Poor time management:
Time management is the key to get success. A student who has issues in managing their time and getting homework done will benefit from a tutor.

6. Hopelessness:
Especially relevant is to look for signs of hopelessness. This will include signs of getting disappointed and not having enough confidence.

Interested in after-school tuition? Sign up for your free trial here.

Want to keep your child motivated during school breaks? Click here.

Preparing for an upcoming exam? Click here.

Mental maths, why is it important for children?

Mental maths, why is it important for children?

Every child can train their brain for mathematical calculations.

There is a specific part of the brain that performs mental maths but if it is not developed properly at an early age, it can become a challenging task.
For this reason, it is important to develop the ability to do mental maths in children while they are still young.
The best age considered for this is between 5 to 10 years.
This will develop their ability to perform basic arithmetic rules at speed without using pencil or paper.

7 reasons why doing mental maths is important:

• Enhances children’s ability to concentrate.
• It stimulates children’s interest in maths.
• Improves the self-confidence of the child.
• Helps with the application skills in maths.
• Helps to reduce mistakes in problem-solving.
• Strongly associated with better memory skills.
• It stimulates both sides of the brain.

There is a need to create number sense in a child:

This means that students will be able to perform each calculation in their head with ease.
Number sense is essential to achieve the goal and allows a person to incorporate estimation, place value and measurement.
This will further result in increasing the ability of children to memorise the facts of maths with ease.
Practising all the calculation is the first step and developing speed for doing it, again and again, is the second step.

One of the major benefits of mental maths:

Children will be able to understand the mathematical concepts instead of just reading them.
Maths is logical and it should be solved with logical steps.
These logical steps can be learnt and practised and are especially relevant with mental maths.

In Conclusion:

If children have a better understanding of the mental maths concepts,  they are more likely to approach maths with a positive outlook.

It must be noted here that when it comes to mental maths, the duration of exercises does not matter a lot. Instead, the frequency is what matters so doing them on a daily basis is essential.

At StudyBox, we believe that mental maths is the key to confidence. Click here for a Free Trial today or here for more information on our maths tutoring services.

Tips to keep your child’s mind active over the summer holidays

Tips to keep your child’s mind active over the summer holidays

During the holiday season, learning can easily take a back seat. Especially when you and your family are in the midst of the holiday festivities and are enjoying some well-deserved fun in the sun. However, if you want to make sure your child is still learning and developing their academic skills during their break, there are lots of strategies you can use:

1. Give them some screen time

Believe it or not, sometimes allowing your child to engage with technology at home is a good thing. There are loads of free and cheap educational apps available on tablets and phones and games available on the internet that are designed to encourage and develop a number of academic areas. If you know your child needs to work on their reading or mathematics skills, find a reading or maths app or a computer game that is both fun and a learning opportunity.

2. Have some fun in the kitchen

One of the easiest and most hands-on ways to encourage your child’s learning and development is in the kitchen. Cooking and baking together, for example, will enhance their reading and their math skills as they read recipes and gather and measure out ingredients. There are also lots of easy and safe science experiments available on the internet that you can conduct in the kitchen which will help embed the scientific principles that they may have already learned in the classroom.

3. Go on a day trip

If you and the kids are feeling a bit of cabin fever, why not take a day trip? At the beach or the park, they can experience and learn about nature and the environment while getting some much needed fresh air. Or you could go somewhere historical where they can learn about the history of their region or country and discover more about the world they live in.

4. Go to the library

One easy and free way of entertaining your kids during the summer holidays is to take them to the local library where they can choose the stories they love. Letting your child guide their own learning, will also teach you what their interests and passions are and allow you to nurture them as they grow up.

5. Play with your kids

Last but not least, play with your child! Let them make games and give them free reign to let their imaginations run wild! And if you can, join in the fun! Stimulating their creativity will allow them to be better learners and eventually more productive and motivated adults.

Interested in after-school tuition? Sign up for your free trial here.

Preparing for an upcoming exam? Click here.

Successful Exam Preparation Tips for Students

Successful exam preparation tips

Exams are stressful for everyone.  Even the most academically minded of students can become nervous and anxious at the thought of having to take an exam. But rest assured, there is a range of strategies you can put in place to help get you through and get the results you want!

Here’s how:

1. Make a realistic plan

Before you start anything, make sure you have a plan of attack.  Write down a list of the subjects and the areas that require specific revision, the number of hours you wish to spend on each of those areas and what your exam prep goals are. A study plan will help you to provide some order to your work and give you a sense of control, especially when you are stressed!

2. Study with peers

Studying with peers in the right circumstances can be so beneficial. Not just to help calm any feelings of isolation and stress that come with studying, but also to motivate you and give you a fresh perspective on what you are learning. Your friends may also have answers to some of your burning questions and you may have the answers to some of theirs.  Working together is always more fun than doing it on your own.

3. Ask for help

Sometimes no matter how many times you try to solve a problem or comprehend a text, it just won’t sink in. This is when it is time to ask for help. Whether it’s seeking the help of your teacher or a friend or seeking out the services of a private tutor, it’s always important to ask for help when you need it.

4. Schedule in some downtime

When you are the midst of exam preparation hell, remember it’s important to also give yourself some time away from your school books. Just as our bodies need a rest, our brains do too, and taking that time will actually aid your performance in long run. So when planning your study sessions, pencil in some time to catch up with your friends, or meditate or just spend some time in the fresh air. Downtime will do you the world of good!

5. Look after your body as well as your mind

Lastly, it is so important to give your body the nourishment and movement it needs, especially during stressful study periods. Eating healthy and nutritious meals regularly and drinking plenty of water will maintain your energy, mood and sleep. Exercise, whether it’s a relaxing walk or a boxing class, will make sure your brain is firing on all cylinders and give you the energy you need to get through your exams.

Want to boost your child’s confidence? Click here.

Interested in after-school tuition? Sign up for your free trial here.

5 Tips For Stress Free Homework

5 Tips for Stress-Free Homework

Homework is a necessary part of education and can teach your child discipline, organisation and provide a sense of accomplishment. However, for some children, just the mention of the word homework can cause significant stress and even have negative impacts. Rest assured, there are some ways to turn homework into manageable chunks and even stress-free.

1. Create a designated place for homework

It is important for children to have an area that is designated for work and area designated for play. A work area that is free from distractions and clutter such as TVs, toys and other electronic devices will create a sense of clarity and calm and encourage them to focus.

2. Create a study schedule

Creating a schedule for study can be just as important as the study itself. Not only will it help to shift your child into study mode during the time allocated for study, but it will also encourage them to be more organised and a sense of control over their learning. A study schedule is also great training for kids who will undoubtedly to juggle the many responsibilities and duties that come along with adult life.

3. Set smaller work goals

Sometimes children come home with projects and homework tasks that are so large they seem insurmountable. They often become overwhelmed by the task and are then discouraged from attempting it in the first place. When work is broken down into smaller goals, with breaks to cement those goals, your child is more likely to achieve them and feel a sense of accomplishment.

4. Teach relaxation techniques

When your child is struggling with a particular task or feeling frustrated by the amount of homework they have to do and you have exhausted all of your planning and scheduling options, sometimes it will help to practice relaxation techniques. Proper breathing and meditation techniques and even aromatherapy can provide an instant sense of calm and help your child to re-focus on the task at hand.

5. Provide positive reinforcement

Staying positive about homework is always key! Children will listen to and internalise positive feedback. When they know you believe in them, they will believe in themselves.

The professionals at Studybox can give you strategies on how to make your child’s homework more manageable. For more information on how we can help just get in touch.

5 Tips For Your Child At Home

5 Tips for teaching your child at home

Every parent wants to ensure that their child has the best opportunities when it comes to their education. However, they often don’t know how or when to get involved until deficiencies are brought to their attention. Whether your child is excelling or needing extra assistance with particular subjects, we’ll show you tips for you to teach your child at home.

1. Find out how they learn best

Some children are linguistic learners and love to read and write. While others are interpersonal learners and work best when given an opportunity to talk things through in groups.  Some may even find learning is easiest through movement and have a preference for kinesthetic learning. There are many different styles of learning and finding out your child’s preference will help you to achieve the best outcomes for them.

2. Establish a relationship with your child’s teachers

Before creating a plan for your child’s learning, meet their teachers and find out what your child should be learning in each subject at that stage. This way you can ensure your child won’t be daunted by the school curriculum and will be prepared for what’s to come.

3. Invest in creative study aids

The best thing about teaching your child at home is that you don’t have to mimic the classroom environment. These days, there are so many different ways a child can learn and so many different kinds of materials to aid in their learning. Whether its flashcards to assist with spelling, on online games for maths or e-books to assist with reading, study aids come in all forms – so embrace them!

4. Remove distractions

We all know that when we aren’t focused on the task at hand, we tend to make mistakes and can’t perform to the best of our abilities. Children are particularly prone to distractions so it’s important to let your child know that TV, phones, the internet and other hobbies will be available to them after their study period is over.

5. Provide positive reinforcement

Positive feedback is one of the best motivators for your child. This rule applies even more for our children than it does for us. So when running a tutoring session at home, don’t delay giving positive feedback. If they are challenged by a subject but are showing continued commitment, encourage their efforts and if they complete a task or project well, always celebrate their success.

The professionals at StudyBox can give you advice on what strategies work best for your child. For more information on how we can help just get in touch or take us up on our free trial offer.

How Private Tuition Can Reduce Stress For Parents

You come home after a stressful and busy day at work. You muster up the energy to cook, tidy up, catch up on the day’s events and at the end of it, you are exhausted. Then your child comes to you to ask for help with their long division, or history essay or some other very difficult academic task.  That is where our private tuition in Wallington comes in.

You don’t want panic to set in as you trawl the farthest reaches of your memory (or Google) to help your child answer questions to things that you have long forgotten about. For many parents, this is a familiar story and on top of all the pressures that come along with parenting, ensuring your child has the best quality education sometimes seems impossible.

At StudyBox, we provide private tuition to children of all ages to ensure they can reach their true academic potential.

Here’s how:

One on one tuition approach

Our tutors provide a personalised approach to learning with a focus on what your child needs. Your child will have the opportunity to concentrate on areas that are challenging and learn in a far more creative and flexible way than they could in the classroom.

Positive learning environment

Private tutors love what they do. This is why they do it. They will be enthusiastic and confident about the subject that they are teaching and will create a learning environment that is both fun and exciting for you child. This environment will cultivate a more positive and confident mindset, encouraging your child to take responsibility for their education and reduce your need monitor them.

Continuous feedback

Private tutors are invested as much in your child’s learning as you are and will give you honest and ongoing feedback on their progress. They will keep you informed of your child’s success as well as any areas they are struggling in and will put in place effective strategies to address them.

Better performance in exams

Finally, private tutors are adept at knowing what examiners are looking for. They can help your child deal with the pressures of the exam environment and teach them how to give the best possible responses. They can work through previous exams and tests to ensure your child has the competitive edge when it comes to exam time.

There is a whole host of reasons why private tuition can help give you piece of mind that your child is getting the best possible education, and lift the weight off your shoulders. For more information on how we can help just get in touch.

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How To Improve English Reading Skills

Five tips on how to improve your child’s English reading skills

There are very few things more important to your child’s education and development in life, than becoming proficient and confident with reading. Children who are well read are often more confident at school, have better communication skills and have higher self-esteem. However, being a good reader is a skill and is not something that comes naturally to all children.

Here are some ways you can help your child improve their reading skills:

Change the reading environment

The first thing to remember is that all children are different. Some would prefer to read aloud in front of their parents, some might prefer that you read to them, and others might prefer a combination of the two methods.  It’s important to know which environment your child is most comfortable reading in so that they are encouraged and motivated to read.

Pick the right reading material

Making sure your child is surrounded by the right reading material is almost as important as the environment they read in. If your child has to suffer through a book which he or she has no interest in, they will not be motivated to want to learn. Whether it’s a story about ghouls and ghosts; a comic book featuring superheroes; or a magazine about wild animals, feeding your child’s passions and interests is the key to their literacy success.

Making reading part of their routine

The old adage “practice makes perfect” rings true, especially when it comes to improving your child’s reading. If you set aside regular time for reading with your child, this will eventually become part of their routine.

Set achievable goals

We all know that when unrealistic targets are set at work, it leaves us stressed, anxious and demotivated to meet our goals. The same thing goes for kids and their attitude to reading. If they are given a book that seems impossible to get through or reading material that they can’t relate to or understand, they are likely to give up before they have even started. However, if you set achievable goals, such as setting a time limit on reading, or reading a chapter of a book per night, your child will be challenged but also motivated to read.

Celebrate achievements

If your child finishes a challenging reading task or shows continued commitment to their reading, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate that success. When you reward their effort, they will want to continue the hard work.

Studybox can teach your child a range of strategies to help them improve their English reading skills. For more information on how we can help just get in touch.

Find ways to improve your child vocabulary

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