How to Subtract Fractions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Subtracting fractions is one of the trickier topics in primary school maths, but it follows a clear set of rules. Once your child understands the method, they can apply it to any subtraction — whether the denominators are the same, different, or the fractions are mixed numbers. This guide breaks it down step by step.

The Key Rule: Denominators Must Be the Same

Before you can subtract fractions, the denominators (bottom numbers) must match. This is the single most important rule to remember:

• If the denominators are already the same → subtract the numerators (top numbers) directly.
• If the denominators are different → find a common denominator first, then subtract.

Step 1: Subtracting Fractions with the Same Denominator

When both fractions have the same denominator, subtraction is straightforward — simply subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.

Example 1

5/8 − 3/8 = ?

• Denominators are the same (8), so subtract the numerators: 5 − 3 = 2.
• Answer: 2/8, which simplifies to 1/4.

Example 2

7/10 − 2/10 = ?

• Subtract the numerators: 7 − 2 = 5.
• Answer: 5/10, which simplifies to 1/2.

Step 2: Subtracting Fractions with Different Denominators

When the denominators are different, you need to find a common denominator — a number that both denominators divide into evenly. The easiest method is to find the lowest common multiple (LCM) of the two denominators.

Example 3

3/4 − 1/3 = ?

1. Find the LCM of 4 and 3. The LCM is 12.
2. Convert both fractions:
   • 3/4 → multiply top and bottom by 3 → 9/12
   • 1/3 → multiply top and bottom by 4 → 4/12
3. Subtract: 9/12 − 4/12 = 5/12.

Example 4

5/6 − 1/4 = ?

1. LCM of 6 and 4 is 12.
2. Convert:
   • 5/6 → multiply by 2 → 10/12
   • 1/4 → multiply by 3 → 3/12
3. Subtract: 10/12 − 3/12 = 7/12.

Step 3: Subtracting Mixed Numbers

A mixed number has a whole number part and a fraction part (like 2 1/3). To subtract mixed numbers:

Method A: Convert to Improper Fractions

1. Convert each mixed number to an improper fraction.
2. Find a common denominator if needed.
3. Subtract.
4. Convert back to a mixed number.

Example 5

3 1/2 − 1 3/4 = ?

1. Convert: 3 1/2 = 7/2 and 1 3/4 = 7/4.
2. Common denominator (4): 7/2 = 14/4.
3. Subtract: 14/4 − 7/4 = 7/4.
4. Convert back: 7/4 = 1 3/4.

Method B: Subtract Whole Numbers and Fractions Separately

Sometimes it is simpler to subtract the whole numbers first, then the fractions:

Example 6

4 2/5 − 2 1/5 = ?

• Whole numbers: 4 − 2 = 2.
• Fractions: 2/5 − 1/5 = 1/5.
• Answer: 2 1/5.

This method works well when the first fraction is larger than the second. If not (e.g., 3 1/4 − 1 3/4), you need to borrow from the whole number, which is where Method A is simpler.

Subtracting a Fraction from a Whole Number

To subtract a fraction from a whole number, convert the whole number into a fraction first:

Example 7

3 − 2/5 = ?

1. Convert 3 to fifths: 3 = 15/5.
2. Subtract: 15/5 − 2/5 = 13/5 = 2 3/5.

Always Simplify Your Answer

After subtracting, check whether your answer can be simplified by dividing the numerator and denominator by their highest common factor:

• 6/8 → divide both by 2 → 3/4
• 4/10 → divide both by 2 → 2/5
• 9/12 → divide both by 3 → 3/4

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Subtracting the denominators. Only the numerators are subtracted — the denominator stays the same (or becomes the common denominator).
• Forgetting to convert. If the denominators are different, you must find a common denominator before subtracting.
• Not simplifying. Always check if your answer can be reduced to its simplest form.
• Converting mixed numbers incorrectly. To convert 2 3/4 to an improper fraction: (2 × 4) + 3 = 11, so it is 11/4.

Practice Problems

Try these at home with your child:

Same Denominator

• 7/9 − 4/9 = ? (Answer: 3/9 = 1/3)
• 11/12 − 5/12 = ? (Answer: 6/12 = 1/2)

Different Denominators

• 3/4 − 1/6 = ? (Answer: 9/12 − 2/12 = 7/12)
• 2/3 − 1/5 = ? (Answer: 10/15 − 3/15 = 7/15)

Mixed Numbers

• 4 1/3 − 2 1/6 = ? (Answer: 2 1/6)
• 5 − 2 3/8 = ? (Answer: 2 5/8)

Related Reading

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

How StudyBox Can Help

Fractions are one of the topics our maths tutors work on most with KS2 students. At StudyBox, we break down every step, use visual aids to build understanding, and give children plenty of practice until the method becomes second nature.

Book a free trial lesson at one of our centres in Wallington, Sutton, or Croydon.

Helping children with their spellings

The English language can be challenging to grasp, especially for children learning how to spell. Helping children with their spellings doesn’t have to be difficult though!

Try these tips for making spelling that little bit easier for you child.

Learning letter patters

• I before E except after C. The letter i usually comes before e in a word, however there are a few exceptions to this rule, like seize, weird, science…
• It can be useful to teach children common word endings (called suffixes). Teaching the common word endings, like “-een” “-ough” “-tion” “-ue” “-cian” will help children to remember the spellings  more easily.
• Some words don’t follow any rules or patterns so they have to be memorised, for example the b in ‘subtle’ is silent.
• Some double letters can’t be heard, like ‘accommodation’ and ‘disappoint,’ so learning the spellings for these is useful.
• Homonyms are words that sound the same but have different meanings, like ‘your’ and ‘you’re.’ These must be learnt as two separate meanings, to avoid confusion. The apostrophe in ‘you’re’ stands in place for ‘are,’ so this is a different meaning to the direct address using ‘your.’

Top tips:

• Reading: reading allows spelling to be learnt easily without realising, as well as improving vocabulary.
• Mnemonics: mnemonics involves using imagery or patterns, which ca help to remember spellings. Try learning acronyms, like ‘because’ can be remembered as as ‘Big Elephants Can’t Always Understand Small Elephants’, or the word ‘necessary’ has one c and two s’, which can be remembered by comparing it to a shirt, which has one collar, one c, and two sleeves, two s’.
• Spelling lists: create a new spelling list every week and test your child on it. You can make this fun by creating themed spelling lists, for example one on seaside-related spellings. Writing out the spellings over and over again, especially the incorrect ones, will help with memorising and perfecting them. It may be beneficial to keep a list or notebook to record all the spellings that have been learnt, then you and your child can return to the list to recap.
• Sounding out words: sounding out difficult words can help to break them down when spelling them, like February can be broken down into Feb-ru-ary, or Wednesday can be Wed-nes-day.

Helping children with their spellings has never been easier. Learning spelling patters and rhymes allows certain spellings to be remembered with ease. For some tricky spellings, there is no pattern, like words with silent letters – so these ones have to be memorised. Testing your child on their spellings by giving them weekly spelling tests will help them to remember spellings and letter patterns. For those tricker spellings, make a note of them and go through them together until they are perfected!

Click here for a list of challenging spellings to test your child on.

3 ways to engage children with learning

Keeping children’s focus and maintaining their full attention can be challenging when it comes to learning. This is because not all children will be motivated in every subject they do. This is why trying a range of techniques can be useful for maintaining interest with the topic being taught.

Here are 3 ways you can engage children with their learning:

Monitoring your child’s progress

Going through work with your child that they are currently working can help keep on track with their progress.  Perhaps try talking to them about their day at school. Ask questions like:

• What did you learn?
• What did you think about the topic?
• Did you find it challenging or easy?

Anything they struggle with you can recap together. This will help your child to understand the subject as well as reflect upon their learning.

As well as reflecting on the challenging material, ask them what their favourite subject(s) are. You can encourage and motivate them in what inspires them, too!

Rewarding efforts with positive encouragement 

Children are constantly learning and like to be rewarded when they’ve been working hard. Helping them recognise that they are progressing with learning and doing well will encourage them in education.

Rewarding can be given in many forms, either something tangible like a treat or in verbal praise, maybe an activity or day out.

These rewards can also vary depending on what has been achieved, for example verbal praise can be given when they have aced a spelling test. Something larger, like a fun day out can be for achieving top marks in an exam or a positive report card.

Different learning approaches

Discover whether your child learns best through auditory, kinaesthetic or visual learning. Auditory learning concerns learning through hearing, whether it’s listening to music which aids the learning process or repeating study notes aloud. Kinaesthetic learning is learning by doing, this could be acting out something or creating something, like colour coded notes. Visual learning when the learner helps by seeing what is being taught. This type of learner can write out notes, create a poster or draw.

Knowing how your child learns best is a step towards engaging them with learning. Everyone has a unique way of learning so identifying how your child learns most effectively will make learning fun and achievable. Keeping on track with their learning by knowing what they are being educated in and asking them how they feel about the material. This will help to identify which areas they need help in and offer positive encouragement to reward when they are doing well.

If you’re looking for other strategies to help with your child’s learning, like how to mitigate your child, read more on our blog here!

If you’re interested in the 3 ways to engage children with learning, read more about learning engagement theories here.

Alternatively, if your child would benefit from personalised support to help them thrive academically, get in touch to discuss our tutoring services at our UK centres or book a free trial.

6 ways to help motivate your child

Motivating your child with learning and education doesn’t have to be a challenge. There are many ways parents can help their children stay on track with school work and learning, through monitoring progress, positive encouragement and being supportive.

Here are 6 to help motivate your child throughout their learning:

1. Organisation

• Pack a schoolbag the evening before.
• Complete homework the day it is set.
• Keep a diary or calendar of important dates.
• Create a study timetable.
• Create a list of tasks to be completed.

2. Punctuality

• Establish a routine. Try setting a time for completing homework, a time for dinner and a strict bedtime schedule.
• Plan ahead.
• Focus on a goal or objective to complete e.g. achieving predicted grades.

3. Reading

• Reading for pleasure expands vocabulary,
• Ir enhances creativity.
•  It improves spoken and written English.

 

4. Study skills

• Complete past papers.
• Learn how to process and organise information.
• Prioritise tasks in order of importance.

5. Knowing important dates

• Make a list of important dates.
• Write dates somewhere visible to be reminded of them.
• Work towards the important dates allowing time to be managed effectively.

 

6. Private tuition

• Specialised tutors can assist in areas children need help in.
• Work towards goals together, whether it’s GCSEs, SATs or the 11+.
• Lessons tailored to the individual helping to stay on track and be motivated to learn.

Trying different approaches to motivate your child with learning is good for keeping on track with academic progress. For ideas on how to make learning fun for children, look at our blog here.

Read more about science-based approaches on motivating children here.

How to Develop Critical Thinking Skills in Children

Critical thinking is one of the most important skills a child can develop. It helps them analyse information, solve problems, make decisions, and form their own views — abilities they will use every day at school, at home, and throughout their lives.

The good news is that critical thinking is not something children are simply born with or without. It can be taught, practised, and strengthened at any age. Here is how.

What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking means looking at information carefully before accepting it. Instead of just memorising facts, a critical thinker asks questions like:

• Is this true? How do I know?
• What evidence supports this?
• Could there be another explanation?
• What would happen if I tried a different approach?

In her book Mind in the Making, researcher Ellen Galinsky identifies critical thinking as one of seven essential life skills every child needs. She argues that while children need to learn facts and concepts, they also need the ability to evaluate, analyse, and apply what they learn.

Why Critical Thinking Matters at School

The modern curriculum increasingly rewards critical thinking. In GCSE English, students must analyse texts and evaluate arguments. In science, they design experiments and draw conclusions from data. In maths, multi-step problem-solving questions test reasoning, not just calculation.

Children who can think critically tend to:

• Perform better in exams that require analysis and evaluation.
• Write stronger essays with well-supported arguments.
• Approach unfamiliar problems with confidence rather than panic.
• Become more independent learners who do not rely on being told what to think.

7 Ways to Encourage Critical Thinking at Home

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of questions with a yes/no answer, ask questions that require thought:

• “Why do you think that happened?”
• “What would you do differently next time?”
• “How do you know that is true?”
• “What might happen if…?”

These questions teach children to reason and explain, not just state facts.

2. Let Them Struggle Before Helping

When your child faces a challenge — a tricky homework question, a puzzle, or a disagreement with a friend — resist the urge to solve it for them immediately. Give them time to think it through. Struggling with a problem (within reason) is how critical thinking develops.

You might say: “I can see this is hard. What have you tried so far? What else could you try?”

3. Encourage Them to Consider Different Perspectives

When reading a story or watching the news together, ask: “How might the other person feel?” or “Why might someone disagree with this?” This builds empathy and teaches children that most situations have more than one valid viewpoint.

4. Play Strategy Games

Board games and card games that require planning and decision-making are excellent for critical thinking. Games like chess, draughts, Cluedo, and Settlers of Catan force children to think ahead, weigh options, and adapt their strategy based on new information.

5. Discuss Real-World Problems

Talk about everyday decisions as a family: “We need to plan meals for the week — what should we consider?” or “Should we drive or take the train? What are the pros and cons?” Involving children in real decisions gives them practice with reasoning and evaluation.

6. Encourage Curiosity and Research

When your child asks a question you do not know the answer to, look it up together. Show them how to find reliable information, compare sources, and check facts. This builds the habit of investigating rather than accepting the first answer they find.

7. Model Critical Thinking Yourself

Children learn by watching. When you are making a decision, talk through your reasoning out loud: “I am going to compare these two options because…” or “I read this article, but I want to check another source before I believe it.” This normalises the process of thinking carefully.

Critical Thinking Activities by Age

Ages 5–7 (KS1)

• Sorting and classifying: Give your child a set of objects and ask them to sort them into groups. Then ask: “Can you sort them a different way?”
• Story predictions: While reading a book, pause and ask: “What do you think will happen next? Why?”
• Spot the odd one out: Show four items where one does not belong and ask them to explain their reasoning.

Ages 7–11 (KS2)

• Debate topics: Pick a simple topic (“Should children have homework?”) and ask them to argue both sides.
• Mystery puzzles: Present a scenario with clues and ask them to work out what happened.
• News discussion: Read a child-friendly news article and ask: “What is the main argument here? Do you agree?”

Ages 11–16 (KS3 and KS4)

• Source evaluation: Show two articles on the same topic from different sources. Ask: “Which is more reliable? How can you tell?”
• Ethical dilemmas: Discuss scenarios where there is no clear right answer — this develops nuanced thinking.
• Study groups: Encourage them to explain topics to friends. Teaching someone else is one of the best ways to deepen understanding.

How StudyBox Develops Critical Thinking

Related Reading

• Signs Your Child Needs a Tutor
• When Should My Child Start Tutoring?
• How to Help Your Child with Maths at Home
• Phonics: A Complete Guide for Parents
• Is Private Tuition Worth It? What the Evidence Says

At StudyBox, we do not just teach children what to think — we teach them how to think. Our tutors ask probing questions, encourage independent problem-solving, and guide students to explain their reasoning. This approach builds deeper understanding that lasts far beyond the next test.

Book a free trial lesson at one of our centres in Wallington, Sutton, or Croydon.

Encouraging creative writing for children

Encouraging creative writing for children has a number of benefits. It improves English and writing skills, spelling, creativity, communication skills, to name a few! It’s also great as a hobby, letting children’s imaginations run wild and write for fun.

According to creativity psychologist, Stephanie Dudek, ‘creativity plays an important role in technological advance, in the social and behavioural sciences, and in the humanities and arts.’

Here are some benefits of creative writing:

Improved reading and writing

Creative writing improves vocabulary, whilst developing children’s unique writing style. They may discover that they prefer writing in one particular genre, or explore many different types of writing! Grammar and spelling also improve with writing practice! The GCSE English Language syllabus involves creative writing, so it’s great preparation for that, too!

Boosting creativity

Creative writing involves making up plots, scenarios and characters, in a way which will intrigue the reader. This stimulates the imagination and widens children’s thought processes, which is applicable to many other subjects! Creative writing can be an escapism for children, allowing their mind to become immersed in an imaginary world.

Self-expression

As well as developing an individual writing style, creative writing also allows children to express their thoughts and feelings in a fictional world. Sometimes children find it difficult to express themselves, or are unsure how to, so writing acts as a safe place to let out emotion.

Improved mental wellbeing

Creative writing has been linked to reducing stress levels by decluttering the mind and controlling emotions. This can boost mood and improve mental wellbeing, through participating in this beneficial and fun extra curricular activity.

Encouraging creative writing for children has numerous educational benefits, as well as being a great stress-relief exercise! It is also great practice for the creative writing English Language GCSE syllabus.

For additional help with English, encourage time for creative writing as a hobby at home! There are many ways to build confidence in English, read our blog on expanding your child’s vocabulary here.

StudyBox also offers after-school tuition in English, sign up here for a free trial! Or chat to one of our friendly tutors on  0203 189 1442 for more information.

Preparing for Mock Exams

Preparing for mock exams is key for achieving those predicted GCSE grades.

Mock exams are good preparation for GCSEs, which are sat during the summer. They predict how well students will do in their GCSE exams.

What are GCSE mock exams?

The mock exams for GCSEs are a way of measuring student’s progress, ahead of the official GCSE exams. They determine which GCSE paper the student will sit and which set they go into. Due to the difficulty of the GCSE exams, as well as the removal of coursework from many subjects, it is a way of measuring how well students are coping.

Why are mock exams important?

• Mock exams are an efficient way of preparing for the GCSE exams next summer.
• It gives students an idea of what to expect, completing tests with realistic crafted GCSE material under timed exam conditions.
• They are also a way of boosting confidence and steering students in the right direction. The mock grades received will inform students and teachers which areas students need that extra boost in, and which topics are going particularly well.
• It is important to treat mocks like the official GCSE exams. This allows students to view their feedback and consequently improve any difficult subject areas way in advance, so they are prepared for GCSEs. It is also great in preparing for mock exams. Establishing a revision routine and working on time management will be beneficial to learn ahead of GCSE revision. For more help on how to revise for GCSEs, click here.

How can students prepare?

• Leave plenty of time to revise. There are multiple topics to cover for every GCSE subject, and only some of the topics revised will appear in the exam. To ensure students are prepared, they must cover as much as the syllabus as possible.
• Know the syllabus.  Familiarisation with every topic is vital to ensure students are confident when sitting exams. After all, everything students learn during revision will determine how much they are able to answer.
• Find which learning style works best. Everyone learns differently, whether it’s making revision cards, reciting information aloud or note taking.
•  Practice papers. Writing practice papers will give students a feel for what material will come up. Completing these under exam conditions is even better to make it as realistic as possible!
• Additional tuition. Personalised tuition at StudyBox helps children focus on the areas that need improving, in preparation for their mock exams. Our friendly tutors specialise in maths, English and science, providing one-to-one support and go through GCSE past papers.

Interested in additional help for upcoming mock exams? Book a free trial on our website! Or talk to one of our tutors on 0203 189 1442 to find out more.

Learning Times Tables

Times tables are the building blocks of maths. Once children know their multiplication facts fluently, everything from long division to fractions and algebra becomes much easier. This guide covers everything parents need to know — including when children learn each times table, how to help them practise at home, and what to expect from the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check.

Times Tables Grid 1–12

Here is the full times tables grid from 1 to 12. You can use this as a reference chart or print it out and display it somewhere visible at home.

×	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
1	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
2	2	4	6	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22	24
3	3	6	9	12	15	18	21	24	27	30	33	36
4	4	8	12	16	20	24	28	32	36	40	44	48
5	5	10	15	20	25	30	35	40	45	50	55	60
6	6	12	18	24	30	36	42	48	54	60	66	72
7	7	14	21	28	35	42	49	56	63	70	77	84
8	8	16	24	32	40	48	56	64	72	80	88	96
9	9	18	27	36	45	54	63	72	81	90	99	108
10	10	20	30	40	50	60	70	80	90	100	110	120
11	11	22	33	44	55	66	77	88	99	110	121	132
12	12	24	36	48	60	72	84	96	108	120	132	144

Tip: Notice that 3 × 4 gives the same answer as 4 × 3. This means once your child knows one fact, they already know the reverse — cutting the total number of facts to memorise nearly in half.

When Do Children Learn Their Times Tables?

The UK national curriculum sets out clear expectations for each year group:

• Year 1 (ages 5–6): Count in multiples of 2, 5 and 10. No formal times tables yet, but children build the foundations through skip counting and doubling.
• Year 2 (ages 6–7): Learn the 2, 5 and 10 times tables. Children should be able to recall these facts and use them for simple multiplication and division.
• Year 3 (ages 7–8): Learn the 3, 4 and 8 times tables, in addition to those from Year 2.
• Year 4 (ages 8–9): Know all times tables up to 12 × 12 by heart. This is the year of the Multiplication Tables Check (see below).
• Years 5–6 (ages 9–11): Continue to practise for speed and accuracy, and apply times tables knowledge to long multiplication, division, fractions and problem solving.

The Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)

Since 2022, all Year 4 pupils in state-funded schools in England take the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) in June. Here’s what parents need to know:

• Format: An online test with 25 multiplication questions.
• Time limit: Children have 6 seconds to answer each question, with a 3-second pause between questions. The whole test takes about 5 minutes.
• Range: Questions cover times tables from 2 × 2 up to 12 × 12, with more questions on the harder tables (6, 7, 8, 9 and 12).
• Scoring: Out of 25. There is no official pass mark — the check is designed to be diagnostic, not punitive.
• 2026 dates: The MTC window runs from Monday 1 June to Friday 12 June 2026.
• Results: Schools share your child’s score with you. The national average in 2025 was 21 out of 25.

The best way to prepare is regular, short practice sessions — little and often works better than long cramming sessions.

8 Tips for Learning Times Tables at Home

1. Start Small and Build Up

Begin with the easier tables (2s, 5s, 10s) and work up to the harder ones. Once your child knows the 2 times table, double it for the 4 times table, then double again for 8. This builds confidence and shows how the tables connect.

2. Use a Times Tables Grid

Create a 12 × 12 grid together or print one out. Practise filling in the blanks, or cover certain squares and test recall. Display it somewhere visible — the fridge, a bedroom wall, or next to the desk.

3. Colour Code Each Table

Assign a different colour to each times table. This helps visual learners spot patterns and makes the grid less overwhelming. Highlight matching pairs (e.g. 3 × 4 and 4 × 3 in the same colour) to show that learning one fact gives you two for free.

4. Look for Patterns

Every times table has patterns that make it easier to remember:

• 9 times table: The digits always add up to 9 (e.g. 18 → 1+8=9, 27 → 2+7=9). The tens digit goes up while the units digit goes down: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45…
• 5 times table: Always ends in 0 or 5. You can also halve the 10 times table.
• 11 times table: Up to 9 × 11, just repeat the digit (11, 22, 33… 99).
• Odd × odd = odd, even × anything = even.

5. Make Flash Cards

Write the question on one side and the answer on the other. Shuffle and test daily. Start with the ones your child finds hardest and gradually add easier ones. Flash cards are portable — perfect for practising in the car or before bed.

6. Use Songs and Rhymes

Musical multiplication — whether it’s a catchy YouTube video or a made-up rhyme — uses a different part of the brain. Many children remember “5, 6, 7, 8… 56 is 7 × 8” more easily than the raw numbers.

7. Practise Little and Often

Five minutes of daily practice is far more effective than an hour once a week. Consistency builds long-term memory. Try testing a few facts at breakfast, in the car, or before bedtime.

8. Make It a Game

Turn practice into a challenge rather than a chore:

• Beat the clock: How many facts can they get right in 60 seconds?
• Dice games: Roll two dice and multiply the numbers.
• Online apps: Times Table Rock Stars and Hit the Button are popular with children.
• Scavenger hunt: “Find 3 × 4 green leaves in the garden!”

The Hardest Times Tables — and How to Tackle Them

Research shows that the 7 times table is the hardest for most children, followed by 8 and 6. This is because 7 is a prime number, so the multiples don’t follow obvious patterns.

By Year 4, most children have already learned their 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s and 10s — so the “new” facts to memorise are actually quite few. The trickiest ones tend to be:

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

Focus extra practice on these — if your child knows the harder facts, the rest will come easily.

Why Times Tables Matter Beyond Primary School

Times tables aren’t just for primary school tests. Fluent recall helps with:

• Fractions: Finding common denominators, simplifying, and multiplying fractions
• Long division: Every step of division requires a times tables fact
• Algebra: Factorising and expanding brackets at GCSE
• Mental maths: Quicker problem-solving in exams and everyday life
• 11+ preparation: Speed and accuracy in the maths and non-verbal reasoning sections

Investing time in times tables now pays dividends for years to come.

Need Extra Help?

If your child is finding times tables a challenge, our experienced maths tutors can help them build fluency and confidence through personalised, step-by-step support.

We offer maths tuition for ages 5–17, covering everything from basic times tables to GCSE preparation.

Related Reading

• Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check
• How to Make Multiplying Fractions Easy
• How to Help Your Child with Maths at Home
• When Should My Child Start Tutoring?

Book a free trial at one of our tuition centres in Wallington, Sutton or Croydon, or call us on 0203 189 1442.

Phonics: A Complete Guide for Parents

Phonics is the method used in UK schools to teach children how to read and write. It works by teaching children the sounds that letters and groups of letters make, so they can blend those sounds together to read words. If your child is in Reception or Key Stage 1, phonics will be a central part of their learning — here is everything you need to know.

What Is Phonics?

Phonics is a way of teaching reading by connecting sounds (called phonemes) with the letters or letter groups (called graphemes) that represent them. For example:

• The letter s makes the /s/ sound.
• The letters sh together make the /sh/ sound.
• The letters igh together make the /igh/ sound (as in “night”).

Children learn to decode words by sounding out each phoneme and then blending them together: c-a-t → cat. They also learn to encode (spell) by listening to the sounds in a word and writing the matching letters.

The Phases of Phonics

Phonics is taught in six phases, roughly aligned with the school year. Each phase builds on the one before:

Phase 1 (Nursery / Pre-school)

Before children learn letters, they develop awareness of sounds in the environment. Activities include listening games, rhyming songs, clapping syllables, and distinguishing between different sounds. This is all about tuning children’s ears to sound.

Phase 2 (Reception, first half-term)

Children learn 19 letters and the sounds they make. They start blending sounds to read simple words like sat, pin, and dog. They also learn to segment words for writing.

Letters taught: s, a, t, p, i, n, m, d, g, o, c, k, ck, e, u, r, h, b, f, ff, l, ll, ss

Phase 3 (Reception, second and third terms)

Children learn the remaining letters of the alphabet and begin learning digraphs (two letters that make one sound) and trigraphs (three letters that make one sound).

New sounds include: ch, sh, th, ng, ai, ee, igh, oa, oo, ar, or, ur, ow, oi, ear, air, ure, er

Phase 4 (Reception / Year 1)

No new sounds are introduced. Instead, children practise blending and segmenting longer words, especially those with consonant clusters (two consonants together) like stop, clap, and drink.

Phase 5 (Year 1)

Children learn alternative spellings for sounds they already know. For example, they already know the /ai/ sound from “rain,” and now learn it can also be spelled ay (day), a-e (cake), and ey (grey). This is also when they encounter more unusual or irregular words.

Phase 6 (Year 2 and beyond)

Children become fluent readers and start learning spelling rules, prefixes, suffixes, and how to tackle longer multisyllabic words. Phonics knowledge is now applied automatically as part of everyday reading and writing.

The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check

In June of Year 1, all children in England take the Phonics Screening Check. Here is what it involves:

• 40 words to read aloud, one at a time, to their teacher.
• 20 real words (like “cat,” “fresh,” “train”) and 20 pseudo-words (made-up words like “terg” or “spron”) that test pure decoding ability.
• The pass mark is typically 32 out of 40.
• Children who do not meet the threshold are given extra support and retake the check in Year 2.

The pseudo-words are often called “alien words” and are presented with a picture of a monster or alien to show they are not real. Children simply need to sound them out using their phonics knowledge.

Key Phonics Terms Explained

• Phoneme: The smallest unit of sound in a word. “Cat” has three phonemes: /c/ /a/ /t/.
• Grapheme: The letter or letters that represent a phoneme. The grapheme for /sh/ is the two letters “sh.”
• Digraph: Two letters that make one sound (e.g., sh, ch, th, ee, oa).
• Trigraph: Three letters that make one sound (e.g., igh, ear, air).
• Blending: Pushing sounds together to read a word: /s/ /t/ /r/ /ee/ /t/ → street.
• Segmenting: Breaking a word into its sounds for spelling: “shop” → /sh/ /o/ /p/.
• Split digraph: Two letters split by a consonant that still work together, like the a…e in “cake” or the i…e in “time.”

How to Help Your Child with Phonics at Home

1. Practise Sound Buttons

Write a word on paper and put a dot under each sound (not each letter). For “ship,” you would put dots under “sh,” “i,” and “p” — three dots for three sounds. Then ask your child to point to each dot and say the sound.

2. Play Sound-Spotting Games

“Can you find something in this room that starts with the /b/ sound?” or “How many things can you see that have the /ee/ sound?” These games make phonics feel like play rather than work.

3. Read Together Every Day

Shared reading is the single most powerful thing you can do. When your child encounters a tricky word, encourage them to sound it out rather than telling them the answer. Praise them for trying, even if they get it wrong.

4. Use Phonics Apps and Games

Free apps from Phonics Play, Teach Your Monster to Read, and the Oxford Owl website provide interactive phonics activities that children enjoy. Even 10 minutes a day makes a difference.

5. Say the Sounds Correctly

When practising phonics, say the pure sound — /s/ not “suh,” /m/ not “muh.” Adding an extra “uh” to the end makes blending harder for children.

6. Practise Pseudo-Words for the Screening Check

If your child is approaching the Year 1 check, practise reading nonsense words together. Explain that these words are not real — they just need to sound them out. This removes the temptation to guess based on what looks like a real word.

Related Reading

• What Is SPaG?
• Signs Your Child Needs a Tutor
• When Should My Child Start Tutoring?
• How to Pass the 11 Plus Exam
• How to Help Your Child with Maths at Home

How StudyBox Can Help

At StudyBox, our English tutors build strong phonics foundations through structured, multisensory lessons. We work on decoding, blending, spelling, and reading fluency — whether your child needs extra support before the Year 1 check or wants to become a more confident reader. Our small-group setting means every child gets the individual attention they need.

Book a free trial lesson at one of our centres in Wallington, Sutton, or Croydon.

StudyBox opens a new centre in Battersea!

On the 21st October, StudyBox opens a new centre in Battersea!

StudyBox Battersea will be the latest addition to our other three centres, in Wallington, Sutton and Croydon.

With our new centre situated on the rear side of Riverside Nursery, it is ideal for parents who wish to drop their children off at nursery, or StudyBox for tuition!

StudyBox is an after-school tuition company established in March 2015, teaching children aged 5-16. We hire a wide range of enthusiastic tutors who adapt to the different learning styles and abilities of students.

At StudyBox, we believe it is important to build confidence. This encourages a love of learning that can help children to reach their full potential. We teach students in line with the National Curriculum and tailor each child’s lesson to meet their unique needs and to attain their learning goals.

Whether it’s assistance for GCSEs, SATs, the 11+ exam, or just additional tuition to be top of the class, StudyBox are here to help!

For a free trial at our new Battersea centre, or any of our other centres, apply here! Alternatively, call us on 020 7459 4110 for a chat.

The address for StudyBox Battersea:

Rear of Riverside Nursery,
Ensign House,
Battersea Reach
Juniper Drive,
Wandsworth, London,
SW18 1TA