National Curriculum Articles

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	International Literacy Day With International Literacy Day celebrated on 8th September, MyChild’s Camilla Chafer finds out what it’s all about and ways in which parents can support their child’s literacy learning.
	The primary years: Where are the male teachers? Have you noticed a lack of male teachers in your child’s primary school? It’s been a national issue for some time. However there are some signs that things are changing. Emily Organ investigates.
	Michael Gove is new Schools Secretary Michael Gove has been appointed Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families in the new coalition Government. What does this mean for the future of education, and can a coalition with differing ideas work?
	How to settle your child into school When your child can't drag himself out of bed, and has to be taken kicking and screaming out of the house, you know it's back to school time.
	How to help your child prepare for starting school My Child’s Amy Schofield looks at ways to prepare your child for school life.
	Back to School tips Going back to school brings on a mix of emotions. While children may feel excited at seeing their friends again, they may also be worried about what’s in store, especially if they are making the transition to “big school”, or facing important exams. These useful tips will help your child and you to prepare for going back to school – whether they’re moving up from nursery, going up a year, or going from primary to secondary school.
	Six reasons why summer learning is important The school gates may have closed for the summer, but that’s no reason to allow your child’s mind to follow suit. We have six top tips on summer learning for kids.
	Transition time: From primary to secondary Moving schools from primary to secondary can be a daunting time for parents and children alike. Our expert Sue Atkins offers some invaluable advice on how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
	Children's learning: How hard should you push your child? Do you worry about getting the balance right between your children's learning and playing? How pushy should you be? We take a look at how you can find a balance between work and play for your child.
	How to make thinking and learning fun in the 3Rs Ever wondered how to approach the 3Rs with your child? Not always associated with fun, our expert Bernadette Tynan adds a bit of educational sparkle to thinking and learning in the 3Rs.
	How to prevent your child from falling behind Are you worried your child might be falling behind? Here's a plan of action if you think your child needs extra learning support.
	Five steps to success in developing children's handwriting Children's handwriting is vital to self-identity and expression, and is still important for children in the 21st century. Bernadette Tynan, international best selling author and expert in gifted children, explains how you can empower your child’s self-confidence and pride in this vital skill
	The summer birth debate Summer birth debate - Are summer born children at a disadvantage to peers? Should children born in the summer months be allowed to start school later? We take a look.
	Children learning languages For children, learning languages opens up a whole new world of communication and expression. We take a look at how learning a new language could benefit your child.
	Handwriting practice makes perfect Handwriting practice in schools has recently been criticised for being inconsistent and insufficient. We take a look at how you can help your child's handwriting practice and why it is so important.
	Why do children underachieve? Underachievement for children is defined as when a pupil consistently produces work perceived to be below their ability. A child may perform poorly in maths and not finish homework assignments, yet when he or she takes a test or takes part in a discussion it quickly becomes clear that the child is bright and intelligent.
	Supporting an underachieving child Supporting an underachieving child involves plenty of positivity and an understanding of a child's individual abilities. Parents and teachers must set realistic targets, and find constructive ways to challenge the child.
	Helping your child learn to write To help support the work your child is doing in school, we have practical advice and tips to help your child become a confident and happy writer.
	The magical story-world of Michael Morpurgo Have you read your child any Michael Morpurgo books? We take a look at this fantastic storyteller's life and works AND have some terrific giveaways up for grabs!
	Water for the brain - How water can help your child's thinking skills We all know we need water to survive. With the average body weight comprised of 50 to 70 per cent water, regular top ups are essential. But water can play a very important part in the classroom too.
	Learning English and maths outdoors! Learning opportunities are all around us, so why not make the most of them when you're out and about with your child? Outdoor learning can be imaginative, unrestricted, and best of all - fun! We've got some great English and maths activities to help your child learn learn learn!
	Help your child learn a new skill over the holidays As parents we're all geniuses at devising fun activities and games to play with our kids, but eventually there comes a point when the river of ideas runs dry. We've got a few family activities to liven up the school holidays.
	What makes a good childhood? It’s something many of us do – compare life today for our children, to how things were when we were growing up. But now a two-year inquiry into childhood today has done just this, publishing its findings in a landmark report called A Good Childhood.
	Home learning with an ICT twist Whether we like it or not, our kids are fast becoming the techno-xperts of the 21st century. And while us mums and dads might pride ourselves on finally figuring out how to configure our Outlook, or use PowerPoint, our humble skills are beginning to eat our kids’ cyber-dust.
	Learning goals for a brilliant year Are you one of those mums who loves making lists? Just to give your planning a nudge in the right the direction, we’ve asked Make Your Child Brilliant bestselling author and child development expert, Bernadette Tynan to give you her top tips for a burst of brilliance over the year ahead.
	Clever tricks to help reluctant readers We all want our children to learn to read well – after all, reading is a vital skill that affects us throughout our lives. Many children, however, can get stuck with their reading, often unnecessarily.
	Gifted children - how to spot your child's hidden gifts Every child has at least one. It may be mistaken for chattiness, laziness or being away with the fairies, but if you peek a little closer you may just discover that it’s a gift in disguise. Bernadette Tynan explains how to support your gifted child.
	Telling the time - how to help your child learn Eating, sleeping, and playing, there is a time for everything we do. Telling the time might seem like second nature for most of us now but we all had to learn at some point.
	Alternative education - what are the benefits? Whether due to the inflexible curriculum or emphasis on passing evermore tests, more parents are exercising their right to choose alternative education to state sector education. So what alternative schools are out there?
	National curriculum geography Geography should be one of the most exciting parts of the school timetable so why do so many children find it boring? Melissa Murphy unearths ways to put geography learning back on the map
	Parental involvement and the PTA How can joining the PTA benefit your child's experience of school? Annette Wiles, policy and research manager for the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations (NCPTA) takes a look at the importance of parental involvement.
	The importance of non-fiction reading for children Reading non-fiction books can significantly help with the development of your child’s imaginative capacity and even impact on their future career choice. Non-fiction can also be a great way to engage reluctant readers.
	Science for children Why are we here? Will time travel ever be possible? These are just some of the types of BIG questions science tries to answer. Help your child find the answers to these questions by trying some science at home.
	Help your child learn about shapes in maths From an early age shapes play an important part in your child’s development. And shapes are a key part of children’s numeracy curriculum right the way from Early Years Foundation Stage to Key Stage 3.
	Introducing the My Child family learning online shop We've launched our new online catalogue shop. Visit the site at http://shop.mychild.co.uk.
	Your child learning to write right Working with your own child is not always easy. This can be because a parent is keen for his or her child to do well and may become anxious or even impatient when progress seems slow.
	Animation for children Maker of the global TV success Bob the Builder, Curtis Jobling says that kids can learn a lot through this type of filmmaking and it’s never been easier for them to have a go at animation themselves.
	Helping reluctant readers There may be all sorts of reasons why your child is not a reader, explains Nicola Morgan, and all sorts of ways you might help to transform a reluctant reader into a bookworm
	Physical education to tackle childhood obesity Physical education's profile has recently been raised in the fight against obesity. Sue Tibballs, chief executive of the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF), believes it plays as important a role as food.
	Physical education PE has an important role to play in encouraging a desire in children and young people to participate, to be physically active and to be healthy. And when children are happy and healthy they do better in life.
	Key Stage 3 SATs scrapped - what happens next? News of the end of Statutory Assessment Tests (SATs) at Key Stage 3 heralds the start of a new era for 14-year-olds, but what will it look like?
	Children and culture In early 2008, the Government announced its plans to offer all schoolchildren access to at least five hours of ‘high-quality culture per week.’ Recognising that ‘culture enriches lives,’ the government's scheme aims to give children and young people across the country the chance to try out different cultural and creative activities.
	Poetry for children Does your child like to ‘Gargle with Jelly’, go on walks with ‘The Walrus and the Carpenter’, or journey across the oceans in a beautiful pea-green boat with ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’? Children’s poetry takes them on some wonderful journeys through the landscapes of possibility and impossibility - where the imagination rules.
	How to enjoy reading aloud with young children Children benefit greatly from adults reading to them. During the early years it helps with developing vocabulary and the more stories they hear the greater the help to their natural development. Older children benefit too.
	The importance of teaching your child teamwork The ability to work together with others as part of a team is not simply a skill needed at school, it is a vital skill used in all areas of life. School is, however, an excellent time to cultivate the teamwork ethos your child will then draw from throughout their lives.
	Walking as a sport for children Although you may not consider it a sport, walking is a physical activity which most children can participate in. Aside from being an enjoyable pursuit, it can also help improve children’s health. Even the least active child, who claims to lack any sporting aptitude, probably still finds time to walk from the sofa, to the games console, via the TV and back to the sofa.
	Exclusion and Parents Parenting organisations warn that proposals outlining how schools should tackle exclusions and the role of parents are being overlooked and could slip through unchallenged.
	Primary SEAL Many of us may think SEAL refers to a fin-footed aquatic mammal, but in actual fact SEAL practiced in schools is concerned with the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning. Used effectively, SEAL is primarily concerned with teaching children the skills they need for a better life.
	National Curriculum PSHE What are the acts that indicate kindness? Why do we have to eat vegetables? Why do large items sometimes cost less than smaller ones? These are some of the questions that PSHE lessons try to answer.
	So you Want your Child to Learn French? What are the benefits of your child learning a language from a young age? Get your child learning French and it will certainly give them a great advantage later on in their life, says James Charles.
	Why Should Children Learn History? Why should we learn about history? This is a question often on the lips of people when discussing education. Is it worthwhile spending time studying the past, shouldn’t we be looking to the future instead? Nadine Carr digs up some answers.
	Join PTAs What does a Parent Teacher Association do? From organising activities during and outside school hours to fundraising for extra resources to strengthening parent and teacher partnerships - a PTA is what you join when you want to make your child's school a great place to learn, says Laura Warren.
	The Benefits of PTAs There are many benefits of being part of a Parent Teacher Association. Joining the PTA can make a real difference to your child's school, whether it involves participation in fundraising activities, or just having input into what happens in your child's school, parents working alongside teachers, improves home school relations and goes a long way to create a sense of community within the school.
	My Child Hates School Frequent weekday sickies can be a sure sign that your child is unhappy at school. Danielle Weekes looks at how you can support your child and help rekindle their love of learning.
	Truancy Truancy is at its highest rate ever and the worse type of offender is the child who skives with parental permission. Are these parents aware of the lasting effects that constant absences from school can have on their child's learning?
	What to do if your Child is Excluded from School Exclusion can be a very distressing experience for all involved and disrupts a child's education. If your child has been excluded, whether temporarily or permanently, you may be feeling worried about what you should do. Gerry German, Director of the Communities Empowerment Network, offers some advice.
	Starting School Enthusiastic about your child starting school - or are you feeling a little uneasy? Your child's first day at school can be as nerve-racking for you as it is for your child, the important thing is to give them plenty of reassurance and not let your anxieties rub off them! Jon Allnut, primary headteacher for 25 years, explains.
	Making Transitions and Changes Does your child going back to school cause emotions to fluctuate between excitement and apprehension in your home? Take heart, says Dorit Braun, chief executive of the national charity Parentline Plus - you're not alone.
	How Debating can Benefit your Child Debating is a bit like arguing, but with well thought out and valid points. It's probably one of the most frustrating moments in the life of a parent: the day when you tell your child what not to do before receiving a look of contempt and an unnervingly quick-witted retort.
	Revising for SATs Help your child with SATs revision with our handy and practical tips.
	Teaching your Child Comprehension Comprehension is the art of learning how to understand and there are very good reasons why children need to be taught how to do this as they begin to learn new subjects at school. Your child will obviously get more out of the learning experience if he or she actually understands what it is they are learning.
	Primary Design and Technology curriculum The primary design and technology curriculum invites children to investigate how well familiar products meet the needs of those who use them. They learn how people's needs (whether imagined or real) drive new designs and how things are designed. Children therefore explore how well things are made, and they think about how they could be improved.
	Learning Literacy at Home Beyond national curriculum literacy lessons, opportunities to practise reading and writing are hidden in almost everything we do. Pointing this out helps children to recognise the importance of these skills in everyday life.
	Learning Numeracy at Home Beyond national curriculum numeracy, your home is full of resources that can be used to help your children learn mathematical skills. Lurking in your cupboards, in your everyday tasks and routines, all around you are the resources with which you can help enhance your child's numeracy learning.
	Kids handwriting in the National Curriculum Everyday at school your child will do some writing. Whether it is poetry, stories, or beyond the literacy lessons in other national curriculum subjects, children's writing takes many forms. At times national curriculum English may feel boring or arduous and divorced from real life, which is why parents are in a good position to support their children's learning. They can help their kids handwriting skills by practising in real-life situations at home or while out.
	Developing Mathematical Thinking How much help do you give your child with their maths homework? Many parents offer their children support with homework, and in doing so often end up doing the homework for them. As parents we are all guilty of doing this at some point, but we need to start thinking about how we can motivate children so that they willingly solve the problems for themselves, and what level of assistance will actually maximise their learning.
	National Curriculum Art National curriculum art is a vital part of your child's education and involves exploring the properties of materials and their textures, experimenting with different effects, and generally having the freedom to create. Creativity is an important part of the national curriculum, and encourages children to work independently and continue their creativity at home.
	National Curriculum Drama National curriculum drama is one of the 12 strands of learning in the literacy Curriculum. It helps children think about the 'who, why, where, and when' elements of stories, events, and their everyday experiences. Drama helps children develop a creative perspective on life and gives them freedom of expression.
	Music in the National Curriculum Music is a part of the national curriculum for all children up to the age of 14, or Year 9, when they choose subjects to study toward a national qualification. The aim is to develop a child's aesthetic judgement of different types of music and also to help them understand and appreciate the world we live in. National curriculum music helps children acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to make music and to follow a music related career, should they so wish.
	History in the National Curriculum Of all the national curriculum subjects, history has been accused of being boring and irrelevant... but is it a fair accusation? With many teachers struggling to make national curriculum history teaching interesting, part of this may be that - at least at primary level - many have tended to follow the scheme of works (curriculum outline) that has been in place since the 1990s.

International Literacy Day
With International Literacy Day celebrated on 8th September, MyChild’s Camilla Chafer finds out what it’s all about and ways in which parents can support their child’s literacy learning.

The primary years: Where are the male teachers?
Have you noticed a lack of male teachers in your child’s primary school? It’s been a national issue for some time. However there are some signs that things are changing. Emily Organ investigates.

Michael Gove is new Schools Secretary
Michael Gove has been appointed Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families in the new coalition Government. What does this mean for the future of education, and can a coalition with differing ideas work?

How to settle your child into school
When your child can't drag himself out of bed, and has to be taken kicking and screaming out of the house, you know it's back to school time.

How to help your child prepare for starting school
My Child’s Amy Schofield looks at ways to prepare your child for school life.

Back to School tips
Going back to school brings on a mix of emotions. While children may feel excited at seeing their friends again, they may also be worried about what’s in store, especially if they are making the transition to “big school”, or facing important exams. These useful tips will help your child and you to prepare for going back to school – whether they’re moving up from nursery, going up a year, or going from primary to secondary school.

Six reasons why summer learning is important
The school gates may have closed for the summer, but that’s no reason to allow your child’s mind to follow suit. We have six top tips on summer learning for kids.

Transition time: From primary to secondary
Moving schools from primary to secondary can be a daunting time for parents and children alike. Our expert Sue Atkins offers some invaluable advice on how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Children's learning: How hard should you push your child?
Do you worry about getting the balance right between your children's learning and playing? How pushy should you be? We take a look at how you can find a balance between work and play for your child.

How to make thinking and learning fun in the 3Rs
Ever wondered how to approach the 3Rs with your child? Not always associated with fun, our expert Bernadette Tynan adds a bit of educational sparkle to thinking and learning in the 3Rs.

How to prevent your child from falling behind
Are you worried your child might be falling behind? Here's a plan of action if you think your child needs extra learning support.

Five steps to success in developing children's handwriting
Children's handwriting is vital to self-identity and expression, and is still important for children in the 21st century. Bernadette Tynan, international best selling author and expert in gifted children, explains how you can empower your child’s self-confidence and pride in this vital skill

The summer birth debate
Summer birth debate - Are summer born children at a disadvantage to peers? Should children born in the summer months be allowed to start school later? We take a look.

Children learning languages
For children, learning languages opens up a whole new world of communication and expression. We take a look at how learning a new language could benefit your child.

Handwriting practice makes perfect
Handwriting practice in schools has recently been criticised for being inconsistent and insufficient. We take a look at how you can help your child's handwriting practice and why it is so important.

Why do children underachieve?
Underachievement for children is defined as when a pupil consistently produces work perceived to be below their ability. A child may perform poorly in maths and not finish homework assignments, yet when he or she takes a test or takes part in a discussion it quickly becomes clear that the child is bright and intelligent.

Supporting an underachieving child
Supporting an underachieving child involves plenty of positivity and an understanding of a child's individual abilities. Parents and teachers must set realistic targets, and find constructive ways to challenge the child.

Helping your child learn to write
To help support the work your child is doing in school, we have practical advice and tips to help your child become a confident and happy writer.

The magical story-world of Michael Morpurgo
Have you read your child any Michael Morpurgo books? We take a look at this fantastic storyteller's life and works AND have some terrific giveaways up for grabs!

Water for the brain - How water can help your child's thinking skills
We all know we need water to survive. With the average body weight comprised of 50 to 70 per cent water, regular top ups are essential. But water can play a very important part in the classroom too.

Learning English and maths outdoors!
Learning opportunities are all around us, so why not make the most of them when you're out and about with your child? Outdoor learning can be imaginative, unrestricted, and best of all - fun! We've got some great English and maths activities to help your child learn learn learn!

Help your child learn a new skill over the holidays
As parents we're all geniuses at devising fun activities and games to play with our kids, but eventually there comes a point when the river of ideas runs dry. We've got a few family activities to liven up the school holidays.

What makes a good childhood?
It’s something many of us do – compare life today for our children, to how things were when we were growing up. But now a two-year inquiry into childhood today has done just this, publishing its findings in a landmark report called A Good Childhood.

Home learning with an ICT twist
Whether we like it or not, our kids are fast becoming the techno-xperts of the 21st century. And while us mums and dads might pride ourselves on finally figuring out how to configure our Outlook, or use PowerPoint, our humble skills are beginning to eat our kids’ cyber-dust.

Learning goals for a brilliant year
Are you one of those mums who loves making lists? Just to give your planning a nudge in the right the direction, we’ve asked Make Your Child Brilliant bestselling author and child development expert, Bernadette Tynan to give you her top tips for a burst of brilliance over the year ahead.

Clever tricks to help reluctant readers
We all want our children to learn to read well – after all, reading is a vital skill that affects us throughout our lives. Many children, however, can get stuck with their reading, often unnecessarily.

Gifted children - how to spot your child's hidden gifts
Every child has at least one. It may be mistaken for chattiness, laziness or being away with the fairies, but if you peek a little closer you may just discover that it’s a gift in disguise. Bernadette Tynan explains how to support your gifted child.

Telling the time - how to help your child learn
Eating, sleeping, and playing, there is a time for everything we do. Telling the time might seem like second nature for most of us now but we all had to learn at some point.

Alternative education - what are the benefits?
Whether due to the inflexible curriculum or emphasis on passing evermore tests, more parents are exercising their right to choose alternative education to state sector education. So what alternative schools are out there?

National curriculum geography
Geography should be one of the most exciting parts of the school timetable so why do so many children find it boring? Melissa Murphy unearths ways to put geography learning back on the map

Parental involvement and the PTA
How can joining the PTA benefit your child's experience of school? Annette Wiles, policy and research manager for the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations (NCPTA) takes a look at the importance of parental involvement.

The importance of non-fiction reading for children
Reading non-fiction books can significantly help with the development of your child’s imaginative capacity and even impact on their future career choice. Non-fiction can also be a great way to engage reluctant readers.

Science for children
Why are we here? Will time travel ever be possible? These are just some of the types of BIG questions science tries to answer. Help your child find the answers to these questions by trying some science at home.

Help your child learn about shapes in maths
From an early age shapes play an important part in your child’s development. And shapes are a key part of children’s numeracy curriculum right the way from Early Years Foundation Stage to Key Stage 3.

Introducing the My Child family learning online shop
We've launched our new online catalogue shop. Visit the site at http://shop.mychild.co.uk.

Your child learning to write right
Working with your own child is not always easy. This can be because a parent is keen for his or her child to do well and may become anxious or even impatient when progress seems slow.

Animation for children
Maker of the global TV success Bob the Builder, Curtis Jobling says that kids can learn a lot through this type of filmmaking and it’s never been easier for them to have a go at animation themselves.

Helping reluctant readers
There may be all sorts of reasons why your child is not a reader, explains Nicola Morgan, and all sorts of ways you might help to transform a reluctant reader into a bookworm

Physical education to tackle childhood obesity
Physical education's profile has recently been raised in the fight against obesity. Sue Tibballs, chief executive of the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF), believes it plays as important a role as food.

Physical education
PE has an important role to play in encouraging a desire in children and young people to participate, to be physically active and to be healthy. And when children are happy and healthy they do better in life.

Key Stage 3 SATs scrapped - what happens next?
News of the end of Statutory Assessment Tests (SATs) at Key Stage 3 heralds the start of a new era for 14-year-olds, but what will it look like?

Children and culture
In early 2008, the Government announced its plans to offer all schoolchildren access to at least five hours of ‘high-quality culture per week.’ Recognising that ‘culture enriches lives,’ the government's scheme aims to give children and young people across the country the chance to try out different cultural and creative activities.

Poetry for children
Does your child like to ‘Gargle with Jelly’, go on walks with ‘The Walrus and the Carpenter’, or journey across the oceans in a beautiful pea-green boat with ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’? Children’s poetry takes them on some wonderful journeys through the landscapes of possibility and impossibility - where the imagination rules.

How to enjoy reading aloud with young children
Children benefit greatly from adults reading to them. During the early years it helps with developing vocabulary and the more stories they hear the greater the help to their natural development. Older children benefit too.

The importance of teaching your child teamwork
The ability to work together with others as part of a team is not simply a skill needed at school, it is a vital skill used in all areas of life. School is, however, an excellent time to cultivate the teamwork ethos your child will then draw from throughout their lives.

Walking as a sport for children
Although you may not consider it a sport, walking is a physical activity which most children can participate in. Aside from being an enjoyable pursuit, it can also help improve children’s health. Even the least active child, who claims to lack any sporting aptitude, probably still finds time to walk from the sofa, to the games console, via the TV and back to the sofa.

Exclusion and Parents
Parenting organisations warn that proposals outlining how schools should tackle exclusions and the role of parents are being overlooked and could slip through unchallenged.

Primary SEAL
Many of us may think SEAL refers to a fin-footed aquatic mammal, but in actual fact SEAL practiced in schools is concerned with the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning. Used effectively, SEAL is primarily concerned with teaching children the skills they need for a better life.

National Curriculum PSHE
What are the acts that indicate kindness? Why do we have to eat vegetables? Why do large items sometimes cost less than smaller ones? These are some of the questions that PSHE lessons try to answer.

So you Want your Child to Learn French?
What are the benefits of your child learning a language from a young age? Get your child learning French and it will certainly give them a great advantage later on in their life, says James Charles.

Why Should Children Learn History?
Why should we learn about history? This is a question often on the lips of people when discussing education. Is it worthwhile spending time studying the past, shouldn’t we be looking to the future instead? Nadine Carr digs up some answers.

Join PTAs
What does a Parent Teacher Association do? From organising activities during and outside school hours to fundraising for extra resources to strengthening parent and teacher partnerships - a PTA is what you join when you want to make your child's school a great place to learn, says Laura Warren.

The Benefits of PTAs
There are many benefits of being part of a Parent Teacher Association. Joining the PTA can make a real difference to your child's school, whether it involves participation in fundraising activities, or just having input into what happens in your child's school, parents working alongside teachers, improves home school relations and goes a long way to create a sense of community within the school.

My Child Hates School
Frequent weekday sickies can be a sure sign that your child is unhappy at school. Danielle Weekes looks at how you can support your child and help rekindle their love of learning.

Truancy
Truancy is at its highest rate ever and the worse type of offender is the child who skives with parental permission. Are these parents aware of the lasting effects that constant absences from school can have on their child's learning?

What to do if your Child is Excluded from School
Exclusion can be a very distressing experience for all involved and disrupts a child's education. If your child has been excluded, whether temporarily or permanently, you may be feeling worried about what you should do. Gerry German, Director of the Communities Empowerment Network, offers some advice.

Starting School
Enthusiastic about your child starting school - or are you feeling a little uneasy? Your child's first day at school can be as nerve-racking for you as it is for your child, the important thing is to give them plenty of reassurance and not let your anxieties rub off them! Jon Allnut, primary headteacher for 25 years, explains.

Making Transitions and Changes
Does your child going back to school cause emotions to fluctuate between excitement and apprehension in your home? Take heart, says Dorit Braun, chief executive of the national charity Parentline Plus - you're not alone.

How Debating can Benefit your Child
Debating is a bit like arguing, but with well thought out and valid points. It's probably one of the most frustrating moments in the life of a parent: the day when you tell your child what not to do before receiving a look of contempt and an unnervingly quick-witted retort.

Revising for SATs
Help your child with SATs revision with our handy and practical tips.

Teaching your Child Comprehension
Comprehension is the art of learning how to understand and there are very good reasons why children need to be taught how to do this as they begin to learn new subjects at school. Your child will obviously get more out of the learning experience if he or she actually understands what it is they are learning.

Primary Design and Technology curriculum
The primary design and technology curriculum invites children to investigate how well familiar products meet the needs of those who use them. They learn how people's needs (whether imagined or real) drive new designs and how things are designed. Children therefore explore how well things are made, and they think about how they could be improved.

Learning Literacy at Home
Beyond national curriculum literacy lessons, opportunities to practise reading and writing are hidden in almost everything we do. Pointing this out helps children to recognise the importance of these skills in everyday life.

Learning Numeracy at Home
Beyond national curriculum numeracy, your home is full of resources that can be used to help your children learn mathematical skills. Lurking in your cupboards, in your everyday tasks and routines, all around you are the resources with which you can help enhance your child's numeracy learning.

Kids handwriting in the National Curriculum
Everyday at school your child will do some writing. Whether it is poetry, stories, or beyond the literacy lessons in other national curriculum subjects, children's writing takes many forms. At times national curriculum English may feel boring or arduous and divorced from real life, which is why parents are in a good position to support their children's learning. They can help their kids handwriting skills by practising in real-life situations at home or while out.

Developing Mathematical Thinking
How much help do you give your child with their maths homework? Many parents offer their children support with homework, and in doing so often end up doing the homework for them. As parents we are all guilty of doing this at some point, but we need to start thinking about how we can motivate children so that they willingly solve the problems for themselves, and what level of assistance will actually maximise their learning.

National Curriculum Art
National curriculum art is a vital part of your child's education and involves exploring the properties of materials and their textures, experimenting with different effects, and generally having the freedom to create. Creativity is an important part of the national curriculum, and encourages children to work independently and continue their creativity at home.

National Curriculum Drama
National curriculum drama is one of the 12 strands of learning in the literacy Curriculum. It helps children think about the 'who, why, where, and when' elements of stories, events, and their everyday experiences. Drama helps children develop a creative perspective on life and gives them freedom of expression.

Music in the National Curriculum
Music is a part of the national curriculum for all children up to the age of 14, or Year 9, when they choose subjects to study toward a national qualification. The aim is to develop a child's aesthetic judgement of different types of music and also to help them understand and appreciate the world we live in. National curriculum music helps children acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to make music and to follow a music related career, should they so wish.

History in the National Curriculum
Of all the national curriculum subjects, history has been accused of being boring and irrelevant... but is it a fair accusation? With many teachers struggling to make national curriculum history teaching interesting, part of this may be that - at least at primary level - many have tended to follow the scheme of works (curriculum outline) that has been in place since the 1990s.