Learning Resources UK

Some children have a natural talent for numbers, while others tilt towards subjects like art. But whether your child is a future data scientist or a musician in the making, maths is all around us.

Good numeracy is vital, but many British parents are quick to confess that they don’t enjoy maths, or struggle with it. In fact, according to independent charity National Numeracy, one in four people in the UK are put off from applying for a job if it involves numbers. read more

Want your child to click with coding? Kids have an innate curiosity about their worlds, and learning complex concepts and skills comes naturally when done through play.

Learning to code isn’t only about programming computers. We published a blog on five reasons why it’s great for youngsters to learn coding, from encouraging them to develop if-then thinking, to boosting their self-confidence when they master this new skill. read more

National Coding Week takes place every September, and it isn’t only for computer geeks. Coding is simply another way of saying ‘programming or developing’ and at Learning Resources we know that children as young as four can grasp complex coding concepts. Experts recommend that as with learning a new language, the earlier children start, the better. In other words, there’s no better time to begin than today.

Not every child who learns to code will go on to become a software engineer, but don’t let that stop you from introducing your little learner to coding because the benefits go far beyond the obvious. Education experts note that a major benefit kids gain through learning to code is how to break a big task into smaller, more manageable steps – a vital skill for school life and beyond. read more

Entertaining kids doesn’t have to empty your wallet. There’s a lot families can do that doesn’t cost a thing. All it takes is some imagination to find free things to do with kids. (PS. They can be fun for grown-ups, too!)

Whether it’s the weekend, a long school holiday, or a quick half-term break, keeping kids occupied can prove expensive. The good news is there’s lots families can do that won’t break the bank. We’ve lined up some of our favourite free things to do with kids to keep them busy, whatever the weather. read more

 

Taking time out before the new school year starts, Susie Hayes is Headteacher at St German’s Primary School in Kings Lynn, Norfolk. read more

We know that there are plenty of parents, teachers and caregivers out in the Twitterverse, willing to share their valuable wisdom. Therefore we were really looking forward to seeing what tips would come out of the BritMums Twitter Party that we recently sponsored, especially because the topic focused on entertaining children while travelling; a tricky challenge faced by so many of us!

Read more to find out the Top Travel Tips for Entertaining your children! read more

Outdoor play is such an important part of childhood and one that is often overlooked. Children are naturally drawn to being outside but the amount of outdoor play that children get is declining year on year. My own children are 6 and 3 years old, they love spending time outdoors. When I’m not in a tent, at the beach or exploring the woods, you’ll find me sharing our adventures and ideas for outdoor play on my blog, The Ladybirds’ Adventures. First let me tell you some of the many benefits of outdoor play so that you understand why you should be getting your kids outside.

1. It helps increase physical fitness and reduces levels of childhood obesity

Playing outside gives children the space and freedom to run, climb, jump and much more. All of these are fantastic gross motor activities which are so important for kids’ development. Physical activity also helps reduce childhood obesity, although other factors such as diet can also contribute. read more

We’ve been writing a lot about the Moon for the 50th anniversary of the Moon landings, such as the Apollo Moon Landing guide and Space Facts for Kids, and if the little astronauts in your life are planning their own mission to space, but they’re not sure what to do when they get there, perhaps they’ll take some inspiration from the Apollo astronauts?

We’ve put together this guide to what the Apollo astronauts did on the Moon. Whether your kids are at home or in the classroom, they can learn about why we went to the Moon, what we did there, and take inspiration to plan their own super mission to space! read more