Key Stage Two

The best way to help children aged 7 to 11 learn is to:

• give them support and direction, but encourage them to do work independently too
• include active and practical things, rather than trying to make them sit and work for long periods
• try to break down the work into shorter periods, based on how long they can concentrate
• take frequent breaks
• praise or reward them when they do well

To check if they are learning try to:

• ask them questions as they go
• talk about things they learned

Talking

Ask children to talk through what they have learned during the day and find time to talk with them more generally.

Reading

Talk to your child about what they are reading. This will help them understand what they have read and encourage them to read for fun.

Ask your child questions about what they are reading. For example:

• ask questions that make them think about the story, such as how a character is feeling
• ask them to tell you what has happened in the story so far

Writing

Try to help children practise their writing. Work from school may be sent digitally, but using pen and paper will help children be ready for when they go back to school.