For parents

Plain writing for parents on gaps in the basics, homework at home, reading, and helping a child in Classes 3 to 12.

A pencil eraser rubbing out marks on a sheet of paper, with eraser crumbs scattered around it

For parents11 September 2026 · 3 minute read

What to change first when homework becomes a fight

When homework ends in an argument every evening, the work is usually too hard, not the child. Six things to change, in order, starting with the ones that cost nothing.

A red pen lying beside the open pages of a book in warm light

For parents11 September 2026 · 3 minute read

How to check whether your child's basics are weak

Four simple checks you can do at home in twenty minutes to find out whether your child is stuck on this term's chapter or on something from an earlier class.

Close up of a wooden abacus with rows of brown and black beads on metal rods

For parents11 September 2026 · 3 minute read

Why a child can do a sum in class but not at home

In class your child has the example on the board, the teacher walking past and the chapter heading. At home these are missing. What to do about it this evening.

An open book resting face up in soft warm light, with the pages curving away from the spine

For parents11 September 2026 · 3 minute read

What reading fluency is, and how to build it at home

A child can read every word correctly and still not understand the page. Why this happens, how to hear it, and a ten minute daily practice that helps.