writing

Writing: The first step – planning.


The writing Roles of 'writer' and 'editor' help keep your writer in control of their writing.  Dear families. Many of us have a tendency to believe that we know more than our children...and often we are right, but in the case of writing stories our children will know more. Do NOT take over your child's… Continue reading Writing: The first step – planning.

coaching, Get ready

Help your child learn: Change how you think.


Our beliefs either help us succeed, or limit our success when helping our children do their homework. We have more control over our lives than we think. Did you know that what we think and believe has a strong influence on what we feel and on what we do? Even more extreme, did you know… Continue reading Help your child learn: Change how you think.

coaching, Get ready, homework, Problem-solving

Being positively persistent about regular homework


Are you frustrated about the lack of homework happening in your home? Do you find it hard to be consistent and persistent with your child and their homework? I'm here to encourage you to persist. As Babe Ruth the famous American baseball player said, "You just can’t beat the person who won’t give up. Webster's… Continue reading Being positively persistent about regular homework

Get ready, goal-setting, maths, reading, writing

How to set reading, writing, or maths goals with your child: Create win-win deals.


If mind and body are aligned we have the force of the universe behind us. It is easier to work together when you both know where you want to go - when you can see the goal ahead of you quite clearly and the steps you need to reach it.  Clear and exciting reading, writing,… Continue reading How to set reading, writing, or maths goals with your child: Create win-win deals.

handwriting, writing

Learning how to handwrite is not an unnecessary skill….yet.


Handwriting helps our children learn easier - and it can be taught. I've already written  in a previous post about how handwriting can help us learn and remember. Many of you might have children with dyslexia or learning disabilities and I still firmly believe that even if your child has poor motor skills, they can… Continue reading Learning how to handwrite is not an unnecessary skill….yet.

Get ready, homework, maths, reading, writing

Coming from left field when coaching reading, writing, or maths: The importance of surprise!


Coming from left field: How to use reverse psychology when coaching reading, writing, or maths skills. Surprise works! Your main aim when teaching your children is to encourage your student to stay alert, or in optimal learning mode while learning reading, writing, or maths skills. So I often do the opposite of what an adult… Continue reading Coming from left field when coaching reading, writing, or maths: The importance of surprise!

coaching, phonics, reading

Phonics: The secret weapon that helps your child learn to read and spell.


Reading and writing should be easy to learn Many children are reluctant readers and poor spellers who struggled to learn to read and don’t like writing. They prefer not to read, or see reading as work rather than fun, and write the minimum, using simple words they can spell. What a great pity this is… Continue reading Phonics: The secret weapon that helps your child learn to read and spell.

coaching, Get ready, homework

How to Develop Mutual Respect When Helping Your Child Learn New Skills


How to develop a respectful coaching relationship to help your child master reading, writing, and maths skills A respectful coaching partnership: Different but equal. Your child can be keen to work with you at home on reading, writing, and maths skills in the beginning. If you had a honeymoon period when you both loved working… Continue reading How to Develop Mutual Respect When Helping Your Child Learn New Skills

Get ready, homework, learning and remembering, maths

Revise, Revise, Revise


REVISE, REVISE, REVISE! Give your child a most important gift: The chance to revise their reading, writing, and Mathematics skills. Do not take for granted that the reading, writing, and Mathematics skills your child learnt yesterday, a few minutes ago, or last week, are remembered. Always revise reading, writing, and Mathematics ideas and skills until your… Continue reading Revise, Revise, Revise