Help your child improve their maths skills

Help Your Child Improve Their Maths Skills

Maths can be a tricky subject for many people and as a parent, you may feel helpless if your child is struggling. There are many easy, simple ways you can help your child improve their math skills, here are a few suggestions we have that you can try out.

Use real-world maths

A worksheet full of maths is not always the best method for some learners, try engaging your child in solving real-world problems with you, this might help them catch on and learn much more quickly.

Some examples:

Have them try to figure out the shopping total before you get to the checkout
When out shopping have them figure out how much change you should get back from your purchase
Baking, particularly when you halve, double, or triple a recipe is a great way of learning fractions

Ask your child questions.

Look over your child’s homework and spend time with them reviewing their answers. Ask them the steps they took in order to get to their answer, this will give you an insight into their level of knowledge and if they understand the process. This will give you the opportunity to understand where they need help and identify any breakdown in understanding.
Play games that encourage mathematical thinking or reinforce skills
There is a high possibility that when your child thinks of maths they dread it, try and make it fun by playing mathematical games. Playing math games are a great way to have fun and improve skills, you can find math games online or can even find some such as Sumuko, Prime Club and Monopoly, in store!

Develop a healthy mindset

Confidence is key when it comes to learning a subject like math, if your child is struggling and has lost some confidence, go back a few steps to the skills that they feel comfortable doing and go on from there. Praise for effort not for performance, it is the continued effort that is important. Making mistakes isn’t bad, it will be part of the journey for every learner, be sure to use positive language such as “I can’t do it,” to “I can’t do it yet.” to keep your child motivated to learn!

Is Your Child Ready for Extra Support?

If you feel you’ve tried everything above and your child still needs help, it may be time to bring in some tailored, professional support. At StudyBox, each student gets a personalised lesson plan and works at their own pace with a dedicated tutor — no more than 3 students per tutor, so your child gets real attention. Progress is tracked and shared with you through regular feedback.

StudyBox runs small-group Maths, English and Science tuition for Years 1–11 across three South London centres: Sutton, Wallington and Croydon. The best way to see if it’s the right fit is to book a free trial — your child joins a real session, meets the tutor, and there’s no obligation to continue.

Book a free trial at StudyBox →

Danielle Reid

How to improve children’s concentration skills

How to improve children’s concentration skills

For your child to make the most of their education, it is vital that they have good concentration skills. The school day will involve listening and doing classwork, so it is important they are able to stay engaged throughout the day.

Here are a few ways you can help your child to improve their concentration skills:

Sleep

Sleep is without a doubt a major influence on how well anyone concentrates, especially for children. It is recommended that children get at least 9 hours of sleep a night. Having a designated bedtime will be easier as they can get into a routine.

Diet

Having a good diet is important, particularly amongst children, diet has a great influence on energy levels and concentration skills. Having a well-balanced diet consisting of food from the four main food groups will help brain function and concentration.

We can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure your child never skips breakfast. Breakfast such as oats, whole-grain cereal, and bread release energy slowly, which will help them to stay alert for the day ahead.

Exercise

Research by educational experts has linked physical activity and improved concentration levels. Regular exercise throughout the week is important, even activities such as walking to school and back will be helpful.

Play focus games and exercises

There are studies that have shown that gadgets reduce attention span and memory power of children.

Some ideas of things you can do:

• Thinking games- playing games such as crossword/jigsaw puzzles and card games like ‘Memory’ and ‘UNO’ are a great way to strengthen their concentration!
• Sitting- if your child finds it hard to sit still for a long period of time, try playing ‘statue’ this involves challenging your child to sit in a chair without moving/fidgeting to see how long they can do it.

Extra Tuition

If you feel you have helped your child as best as you can but they still need help, maybe consider a tuition centre where your child can get tailored help from a skilled professional. Here at StudyBox each student has a unique lesson plan & works at their own pace guided by the tutor, goals are set and monitored with weekly feedback to parents.

StudyBox is a maths and English tuition centre based in Wallington and Sutton, to find out more click here: https://studybox.london/

Danielle Reid

Easy Back To School Breakfast

Easy Back-To-School Breakfasts

It’s almost time for back to school, which means the crazy school mornings are back! It’s important that you make sure your children have a good breakfast before they head off for the day. Here are some simple back to school breakfast ideas you can prepare to make sure your children get all the nutrients they need.

1. Overnight Oats- no-fuss, quick and healthy breakfast!

Ingredients

• Oats
• Frozen Berries
• Water
• Frozen Yoghurt, regular yoghurt or soy yoghurt – natural and unsweetened if possible

Equipment

• Jar

Method

1. Spoon 3 dessert spoons, approx 27g of dried rolled oats into the jar
2. Add 1 teaspoon of water
3. Add approx 10 frozen berries
4. Top off with yoghurt and leave overnight in the fridge for best results

2. Smoothies- Perfect for those who don’t want to eat in the morning!

Ingredients

• 1 cup – Greek or plain yogurt
• 2 medium – banana
• 1 cup – strawberries, frozen, unsweetened
• 1/4 cup – flaxseed, ground
• 1 cup – spinach

Method

1. Add all smoothie ingredients to a high-powered blender. (If your blender won’t mix this, add small amounts of water until it begins to blend, but try to keep it as thick as possible.
2. Serve immediately

You can adapt this recipe and change any fruits/yogurt that you prefer.  

3. Oatmeal Breakfast Cookie – Cookies for breakfast are bound to go down a treat!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup 1 mashed banana
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or non-peanut)
• 1/2 cup honey*
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour*
• 1/4 cup ground flax seed (or an additional 1/4 cup flour)
• 1/4 cup nonfat milk powder or vanilla protein powder (+ 2 tablespoons water if dough is too thick)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Equipment

• Bowls
  
• Baking tray
• Measuring Cup
• Container

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat two cookie sheets with cooking spray, and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the banana, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla.
3. In a small bowl, combine the oats, flour, flax seed, milk powder, cinnamon, and baking soda.
4. Stir the oat mixture into the banana mixture until combined. Stir in the cranberries.
5. Using a ¼-cup measuring cup, drop mounds of dough 3 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. With a thin metal or small plastic spatula dipped in water, flatten, and spread each mound of dough to a 2¾-inch round, about ½ inch thick.
6. Bake, one sheet at a time, for 14 to 16 minutes or until browned. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Store in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for up to 3 days, thaw before serving.

Serving Size: 12

4. Eggo Breakfast Sandwiches- Something different!

Ingredients

• 8 individual Waffle
• 4 individual Cheddar Cheese, Sharp, Sliced
• 4 ½ ounces Deli Ham, Sliced

Equipment

• Freezer Bag
• Cling film
• Baking Sheets

Method

1. On one side of the waffle place one slice of cheese and two slices of ham.
2. Place other half of waffle on top of ham to form sandwiches.
3. Bake sandwiches on a baking sheet for 4-5 minutes, until outside is crispy and cheese is melted.
4. Wrap the sandwiches you have NOT baked individually in cling film and place into freezer bags and freeze so they are prepared for the week ahead.
5. Thaw the waffles the night before in the fridge and they will be ready to bake in the morning.

Click Here.

Danielle Reid
14/09/2018

If you’re looking to support your child’s academic journey with personalised tuition, get in touch to discuss our tutoring services at our UK centres or book a free trial.

Five Ways Tuition Can Complement School Learning

Five Ways StudyBox Tuition Can Really Complement School Learning

When it comes to after-school tuition, parents have many questions such as “why should I pay for extra tuition? Shouldn’t my child’s school be covering all of their educational needs?”
Here are our reasons why we complement your child’s school learning.

1. Truly personalised experience

We have the ability to adapt lessons to suit each and every child based on their individual learning needs.
We work in such small ratios allowing time to get to know your child and how they like to learn.

2. National curriculum methods

StudyBox offers English, Maths, Science and Coding tuition. We aim to complement and support your child’s school education which is why all the methods we teach are based on the national curriculum.

3. We keep the fun in learning

We understand that Maths and English are not every student’s cup of tea. We reward positive behaviour and effort with reward cards, once your child has a certain number of stars they will be able to spin the prize wheel and choose a prize!

4. Keep parents involved

As a parent, it is natural that you want to know how your child is getting on. We aim to make sure that parents are always kept involved. Based on the unique lesson plans that we create for your child, at the end of every lesson we always provide parents with in-depth feedback on the session.

5. Our tutor-to-student ratio

It’s no surprise that tuition can give more individual attention to students. At StudyBox we keep the ratios small, tutors are assigned up to 3 students who work independently. The tutors set work and teach the students for the entire hour. Lessons are on the same day and time each week, so your child will always have the same tutor.

Extra Tuition

If you feel you have helped your child as best as you can but they still need help, maybe consider a tuition centre where your child can get tailored help from a skilled professional. Here at StudyBox each student has a unique lesson plan & works at their own pace guided by the tutor, goals are set and monitored with weekly feedback to parents.

Want a free trial at StudyBox Tuition? Click Here.

Making learning fun! Click Here.

Danielle Reid

How to Prepare For Secondary School

How to prepare your child for secondary school

We’ve prepared five ways to help your child prepare for secondary school smoothly and successfully.

Summer is nearly over, which means it is almost time for the big transition to secondary school. It can be an exciting and daunting time for both parents and children. As a parent, you want to ensure your little ones (not so little anymore), are relaxed and prepared.

Be there to listen

Starting secondary school is a big transition and children are bound to be worried.
Encourage them to share what they are worried about, remind your child that everyone is in the same boat when they start.

Help your child become more responsible

Secondary school is a big step up from primary school and requires far more organisation. Get them into the habit of packing bags the night before, help them arrange a homework schedule. Their days are a lot longer, make sure they get enough rest and get into a good sleep pattern.  

Encourage independence

If your child is going to make their own way to school make sure they are familiar with the route. Taking the trip with them over the holidays will allow them to feel confident on where they are going.

Ensure they have everything they need

In order that everything goes smoothly, check your child has everything they need to start the term, the school will often send a starter pack with a list of everything you need to buy.

Stay prepared

You won’t have as much contact with the school as you did with the primary school and you mainly rely on your child to bring home notes and messages from school. If you want to stay in the loop, parent-teacher meetings and get involved with the parents’ association.

Conclusion

According to the Institute of Education, students who have a successful transition display higher levels of self-esteem and confidence once at secondary school. They also adapt much better to school life and find work they completed in year 6 to be very useful for the work they have to undertake in year 7.

Extra Tuition

If you feel you have helped your child as best as you can but they still need help, maybe consider a tuition centre where your child can get tailored help from a skilled professional. Here at StudyBox each student has a unique lesson plan & works at their own pace guided by the tutor, goals are set and monitored with weekly feedback to parents.
StudyBox is a tuition centre based in Wallington, Sutton, Croydon and Battersea. Find out more click here.

Danielle Reid

Be Supportive on Exam Results Day

How to support your child on exam results day

The run-up to exam results day can prove to be an anxious time for your children, and for parents, it is just as stressful. It is a good idea to prepare for the day ahead, here are a few things that you can do to support your child:

Don’t put pressure on them.

Try to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your child in regards to gaining certain grades. Whatever results they get, they will have a lot to think about and it’s important to remind your child not to panic and that there are always options available. Before the results even come out be sure to re-enforce how proud you are of the effort they have put in.

Find distractions

On the run up to the day it is mostly likely your child may be feeling very anxious, having acknowledged how they are feeling it would be helpful to find some distractions. You could take trips during the day or encourage them to take part in an activity, making sure they have something to keep their mind off results day is key!

Make a plan

Regardless of your child’s results they are going to need a plan on what their next steps will be, sit down with them and make a plan A and a plan B. Plan A can be the next steps if their grades are what they wanted and plan B can be if they receive unexpected results. Although,  you may not want to think about a plan B it is good to have one in place, so your child feels a sense of reassurance if all does not go to plan on the day.

Be supportive

This is the most important of all, let your child know that you are there for them no matter what the outcome is on the day. Your child might want space on results day and that’s okay, just let them know that you are there for them when they are ready to talk.

Be prepared for your GCSE exams! Click here.

For more information about how StudyBox tuition can help your child, visit our website www.studybox.london

Danielle Reid
14/08/2018

Why is Science Important?

Why is Science Important to learn?

Science is everywhere in our day to day lives.  It can help to answer all those questions children ask, like ‘Why does the moon appear during daylight?’ and ‘How do aeroplanes stay up in the sky?’ Science helps children to learn how and why things happen in the world.

Why should children learn Science?

Encouraging your children to learn science will help them to uncover new beneficial discoveries in the future and develop their knowledge as these skills will be used to prepare for GCSE exams and SATs.

Contents of science

Science is divided into 3 categories such as; Biology (the study of living organisms), Chemistry (investigations of reactions) and Physics (the study of nature and properties of matter and energy).

Science at School

Science is studied in detail starting from KS4 (Year 10). StudyBox provides teaching and learning experiences starting from KS3 to enable children to achieve the highest possible standards at GCSE level.

What methods we use to teach

• Teaching topics using a whiteboard
• Verbal Class quizzes
• Written Exams
• Various levels of Worksheets
• Encouraging students to make revision notes in diverse ways (revision cards, booklets)
• Interactive Science Education videos

After learning science and continuous practice, many students show positive progress and attain better results. We consistently encourage the development of their scientific skills and attitudes to provide lifelong learning.

Free Trial at StudyBox Tuition. Click Here. 

Make sure you’re prepared for your GCSEs! Click Here.

Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check: What Parents Need to Know

The Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is a national test taken by all Year 4 pupils in England every June. If your child is approaching Year 4, here is everything you need to know about the test, how it is scored, and how to help your child prepare with confidence.

What Is the Multiplication Tables Check?

The MTC was introduced by the Department for Education to make sure children have a solid grasp of their times tables by the end of Year 4. Knowing multiplication facts fluently is one of the most important foundations in maths — it underpins long division, fractions, percentages, algebra, and much more.

The check is not designed to cause stress. It is a short, low-pressure online test that helps teachers identify which children may need extra support before they move into upper Key Stage 2.

How the Test Works

The MTC is taken on a computer or tablet in school. Here is the format:

• 25 questions — each is a multiplication fact from the 2× to 12× tables.
• 6 seconds per question — a new question appears automatically after each answer.
• On-screen number pad — children type their answer using a number pad on screen.
• 3-second pause between questions to give a brief rest.
• Total time: around 5 minutes from start to finish.

The questions are generated to cover the full range of tables, with a heavier weighting on the 6×, 7×, 8×, 9×, and 12× tables, as these are typically the hardest to learn.

How Is the MTC Scored?

Each correct answer scores one mark, giving a maximum score of 25 out of 25. There is no pass or fail — the score simply tells the school how well your child knows their tables. Results are shared with parents at the end of the school year, usually alongside the annual report.

Nationally, the average score tends to be around 20 out of 25, with many children scoring full marks. If your child scores lower, it simply highlights which tables need more practice — there is nothing to worry about.

Which Times Tables Are Tested?

The check covers multiplication facts from 2× to 12×. However, the questions are not evenly distributed. The harder tables appear more often:

• Higher weighting: 6×, 7×, 8×, 9×, 11×, and 12× tables
• Lower weighting: 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×, and 10× tables

This means your child should be confident across all tables, but extra practice on the 6–9 and 12 times tables will give them the biggest advantage.

When Should Your Child Start Preparing?

The national curriculum expects children to know all their times tables up to 12×12 by the end of Year 4. However, times tables learning begins much earlier:

• Year 1: Count in 2s, 5s, and 10s.
• Year 2: Learn the 2×, 5×, and 10× tables.
• Year 3: Learn the 3×, 4×, and 8× tables.
• Year 4: Complete all tables up to 12×12 and take the MTC in June.

Starting regular practice in Year 3 gives your child a full year to build fluency before the check.

How to Help Your Child Prepare at Home

1. Little and Often Beats Cramming

Five to ten minutes of daily practice is far more effective than long weekend sessions. Repetition is the key to committing times tables to long-term memory. Try practising during the car journey to school, at breakfast, or before bed.

2. Start with the Easier Tables

Build confidence by mastering the 2×, 5×, and 10× tables first. Then move on to 3× and 4×, using the idea that 4× is simply double 2×. Once these are secure, tackle the trickier 6×, 7×, 8×, and 9× tables.

3. Use a Times Table Grid

A printed multiplication grid (sometimes called a times table square) is a brilliant visual tool. Children can use it to spot patterns — for example, they will notice that the 9× table digits always add up to 9, or that the 5× table always ends in 0 or 5. Print one out and stick it on the fridge or in their bedroom.

4. Make It Fun with Games and Apps

Turn practice into a game. Try:

• Times table bingo — call out questions and children cover the answer on a grid.
• Speed challenges — how many can they answer correctly in 60 seconds?
• Online apps — apps like Times Tables Rock Stars, Hit the Button, and Topmarks make practice engaging.
• Card games — use a deck of cards: flip two cards and multiply them together.

5. Focus on Tricky Facts

Most children find the same facts difficult. These are the ones to drill most often:

• 6 × 7 = 42
• 6 × 8 = 48
• 7 × 8 = 56
• 7 × 9 = 63
• 8 × 9 = 72
• 12 × 7 = 84
• 12 × 8 = 96

6. Teach Useful Tricks

Simple shortcuts help children who get stuck:

• 9× table finger trick: Hold up 10 fingers. For 9 × 4, fold down the 4th finger — you have 3 fingers to the left and 6 to the right, giving 36.
• Doubling strategy: If your child knows 3 × 6 = 18, they can work out 6 × 6 by doubling 18 to get 36.
• Commutativity: Remind them that 7 × 8 is the same as 8 × 7 — so learning one fact gives them two.

What to Do on Test Day

The MTC is designed to be straightforward. On the day:

• Make sure your child has a good breakfast and arrives at school feeling calm.
• Remind them there is no pass or fail — it is just a check.
• Encourage them to move on quickly if they do not know an answer, rather than using up the full 6 seconds worrying.

Related Reading

• Learning Times Tables
• SATs Explained
• How to Help Your Child with Maths at Home
• When Should My Child Start Tutoring?
• Signs Your Child Needs a Tutor

How StudyBox Can Help

At StudyBox, we build times tables practice into every maths lesson. Our tutors use a combination of timed drills, interactive exercises, and personalised worksheets to make sure each child is confident and fluent. Whether your child needs to start from scratch or just wants to sharpen the trickier tables, we can help.

Book a free trial lesson at one of our centres in Wallington, Sutton, or Croydon and see the difference focused practice makes.

5 Ways You Can Encourage Your Child to Read

Encouraging Your Child to Read

1. English Reading Skills

Reading is a vital skill for children to learn as they’re going to need it in their everyday life. Even if they’re not reading books, your child will have to read instructions on the board at school and on test papers. Not being able to read can often make children feel isolated from peers and create low self-esteem. However, if you keep encouraging your children to read, it can expand their imagination as well as their vocabulary and grammar – as well as improve their spelling. Books are a great way to do this as they provide engaging stories and expose children to different sentence types and vocabulary that they can use in their own writing.

2. How to encourage reluctant students

Some students are reluctant to read as they find it boring and difficult. To help combat this issue it is often helpful to start reading books with interesting covers, with pictures that are about stories they recognise or that friends are already reading.

For example, a book many children want to read is the Harry Potter series. This is because it is a well-known story that many other children they know have read, as well as having movies that children have often already seen. These types of books are then more accessible to children.

3. What if that doesn’t work?

If books like this still don’t gain your child’s interest, it can often help to choose a book to read together. You can then take turns reading a paragraph each or each reading a different character’s part. This is something I do when my students are reluctant to read as it makes them feel like they are reading less and makes the activity more engaging.

Here’s a more recent blog post about how to improve a child’s concentration. Click Here.

4. Understanding what they’ve read

Understanding what they have read is an important skill that children will need, especially when they begin taking exams. To make sure your child has understood what they’ve read it can be a good idea to ask them questions after they have read each chapter – this can be done straight after they’ve read it or a little while afterwards. The more they remember over a period of time the more you know that they have understood what they’re reading.

Another relevant blog about the importance of reading skills! Click Here.

5. Progress over time

At StudyBox students are often encouraged to complete comprehensions during the lesson – something they will have to do in their SATs in year 2 and 6. The students who read at home often find the comprehensions easier to complete. This increases the child’s confidence in their own abilities as they know that this is a task that they can complete well.

We’re a tuition company based in Sutton, Wallington, Croydon & Battersea. Would you like to know more about our free trial? Click Here.

We continue to write engaging blogs, weekly. Click Here.

Annabel Yates,
English Tutor at StudyBox

Understanding the new GCSEs:

Understanding the new GCSEs: What you need to know

What exactly are the new GCSEs?

We’ve all heard about or are experiencing first hand the recent reforms to the education system, starting with the way in which 16-year-olds are tested at the end of year 11.

Teens are being challenged like never before, so it is important to know how the new GCSEs work, to understand what students are experiencing this summer.

Why did the government change them?

The government wanted to make these changes so that the new GCSEs would be more ‘demanding and challenging’ for students. The new, two-year course aligns more with the essay based, analytical and evaluative skills needed at A-level. This is better preparing students for their future.

It also makes tests ‘fairer’, the government argues, through the limited coursework, there is across the curriculum. Previously, coursework has been varied and dependent on the school’s teaching methods. This way, everyone has the same chance at the end of two years to show their skills off in an exam.

Why did the grading system change?

The government changed the grading system to give more opportunity for students of all abilities to achieve higher. Students may now achieve a standard or a strong pass, allowing those who achieved a grade C under the old system to be rewarded a higher grade. Similarly, higher achieving students can now strive further for something higher than an A*, so a level 9 was created.

What’s changed?

Firstly, grades are different. Instead of A*-U grades, they have been replaced with 9-1, where nine is the highest grade achievable. A grade 9 will be harder to achieve than an A* and, now, both a grade 4 and 5 is viewed as a pass. A 4 will be a standard pass and a 5 will be a strong pass. Pupils will need to re-take English Language and Maths exams in the next years if they don’t achieve a 4 or above.

Coursework is also different too. Only in subjects where it is crucial to show skill, such as drama and dance. This makes the final exam at the end of the two-year course more important than ever.

Other changes will include compulsory double or triple science (foundation or higher), a single science will no longer be available.

What to expect?

One thing to remember in the face of the new GCSEs is that we are all in this together. This is new to every parent; student and teacher so don’t panic!

Prepare for an exam in whichever way is best for you; be it flashcards, posters, past papers or any other way that makes you comfortable. Little and often is always good when revising, and be sure to take necessary breaks.

Remember, you have a great long summer ahead of you, which will make the work you put in now all the more worthwhile!

You can read more about this topic on the AQA website. Click Here.

Harriet Nokes,
GCSE Tutor at StudyBox

Why not contact your local StudyBox GCSE tuition centre for a Free Trial.

More important GCSE information. Click Here.