https://www.thepocketmoneygame.com/blog.html Practical, honest advice on spelling, maths and reading practice, homework battles, ADHD & dyslexia-friendly learning, grammar, and pocket money for UK families. From The Pocket Money Game. en-GB Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 1440 https://thepocketmoneygame.com/10-minute-maths-homework-no-tears.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/10-minute-maths-homework-no-tears.html Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 A calmer approach to daily maths practice — ten minutes, no meltdowns, and a structure you can reuse every single night. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/11-plus-preparation-when-to-start.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/11-plus-preparation-when-to-start.html Wed, 19 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 Starting 11+ prep too early or too late are both common mistakes. Here's genuinely practical guidance on timing, based on how the exam actually works. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/5-minute-reading-comprehension-tired-kids.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/5-minute-reading-comprehension-tired-kids.html Wed, 19 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 Reading comprehension doesn't need a long session to make a difference. Here's a genuinely quick approach for the end of a long school day. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/6pm-homework-meltdown-survival-guide.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/6pm-homework-meltdown-survival-guide.html Tue, 18 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 Every evening at roughly the same time, it kicks off. Here's why the 6pm homework meltdown happens so predictably — and how to actually get through it. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/adhd-dyslexia-learning-app.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/adhd-dyslexia-learning-app.html Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 Built by a dad with ADHD and dyslexia, for his own son. Spelling, maths and reading practice designed around how neurodivergent kids actually learn. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/adhd-learning-at-home-tips-primary-school.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/adhd-learning-at-home-tips-primary-school.html Tue, 18 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 Practical strategies for supporting a child with ADHD through homework and home learning — from a parent who's been there. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/apostrophes-for-possession-and-contraction-explained.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/apostrophes-for-possession-and-contraction-explained.html Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 The single most common punctuation mistake in KS2 writing. Here's a clear, simple explanation of when to use an apostrophe and when not to. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/area-and-perimeter-explained-ks2.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/area-and-perimeter-explained-ks2.html Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 Area and perimeter are commonly confused with each other. Here's a clear, simple explanation of the difference, with formulas and real examples. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/back-to-school-anxiety-after-summer-holidays.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/back-to-school-anxiety-after-summer-holidays.html Tue, 18 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 Some worry about returning to school after summer is completely normal. Here's how to tell normal nerves from something more, and what genuinely helps. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/best-educational-apps-primary-school-uk-2025.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/best-educational-apps-primary-school-uk-2025.html Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 A parent's honest guide to the educational apps actually worth downloading for KS1 and KS2 children — and the ones to avoid. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/best-pocket-money-app-kids-hate-chores.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/best-pocket-money-app-kids-hate-chores.html Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 If chore-based pocket money apps aren't working because your child simply refuses the chores, here's a different approach worth trying instead. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/best-spelling-app-7-year-old-dyslexia-rewards.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/best-spelling-app-7-year-old-dyslexia-rewards.html Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 Not every dyslexia-friendly spelling app is built the same way. Here's what to actually look for, and why reward-based practice matters so much at this age. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/bribing-kids-to-do-homework-does-it-work.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/bribing-kids-to-do-homework-does-it-work.html Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Sweets, screen time, cash — does bribing kids to do homework actually work, or does it backfire? Here's what the research actually says. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/column-addition-and-subtraction-explained.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/column-addition-and-subtraction-explained.html Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 The 'new' way schools teach column addition and subtraction can look unfamiliar to parents. Here's a clear walkthrough of how it actually works. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/comparing-siblings-academically-why-to-avoid-it.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/comparing-siblings-academically-why-to-avoid-it.html Mon, 17 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 It's genuinely hard to avoid comparing siblings, even unintentionally. Here's why it matters, and practical ways to sidestep it. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/creative-writing-ideas-for-reluctant-writers-ks2.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/creative-writing-ideas-for-reluctant-writers-ks2.html Sun, 16 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 Some children love reading but genuinely dread creative writing. Here's why that gap happens, and practical prompts that lower the barrier to starting. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/does-my-child-need-a-tutor-primary-school.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/does-my-child-need-a-tutor-primary-school.html Sun, 16 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 Deciding whether to get a primary-age tutor is a genuinely hard call. Here's a practical framework for working out if — and when — it's actually needed. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/dyscalculia-signs-in-primary-school-children.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/dyscalculia-signs-in-primary-school-children.html Sun, 16 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 Dyscalculia is far less well-known than dyslexia, but genuinely affects a similar proportion of children. Here are the signs worth knowing. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/educational-apps-vs-worksheets-which-is-better.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/educational-apps-vs-worksheets-which-is-better.html Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Apps versus worksheets is a genuinely common parenting debate. Here's an honest, evidence-informed look at what each does well, and where each falls short. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/free-printable-times-tables-chart.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/free-printable-times-tables-chart.html Sun, 16 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 A free times tables chart is only useful if it's used the right way. Here's how to get genuine value from one, rather than it becoming wallpaper. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/fun-spelling-practice-ideas-hate-worksheets.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/fun-spelling-practice-ideas-hate-worksheets.html Sun, 16 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 Worksheets not working? These no-paper spelling activities keep kids engaged — and a couple take under 2 minutes to set up. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/gohenry-alternative-kids-too-young-bank-card.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/gohenry-alternative-kids-too-young-bank-card.html Sat, 15 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 GoHenry and similar apps are great — from around age 6-8. Here's what to use if your child is younger, or not ready for a real debit card yet. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/good-screen-time-vs-bad-screen-time-children.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/good-screen-time-vs-bad-screen-time-children.html Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 Not all screen time is equal. Here's a practical framework for distinguishing beneficial digital activities from harmful ones for primary school children. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/half-term-revision-ideas-that-dont-feel-like-school.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/half-term-revision-ideas-that-dont-feel-like-school.html Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 A one-week half term isn't long enough for lost learning to be a serious concern, but light revision can still help. Here's how to do it without a fight. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/homophones-list-ks1-ks2-common-mistakes.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/homophones-list-ks1-ks2-common-mistakes.html Sat, 15 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 There, their, they're. To, too, two. A full list of the homophones that trip up primary school children most often, with simple tricks to tell them apart. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-many-books-should-my-child-read-per-week.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-many-books-should-my-child-read-per-week.html Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 There's no official number, but here's genuinely useful guidance on reading frequency by age, and why consistency matters more than volume. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-much-pocket-money-should-i-give-my-child-uk.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-much-pocket-money-should-i-give-my-child-uk.html Sat, 15 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 UK pocket money guidance by age, plus how to decide between a flat weekly amount and an effort-based system that rewards learning. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-much-screen-time-is-too-much-primary-school.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-much-screen-time-is-too-much-primary-school.html Fri, 14 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 UK guidance on screen time is genuinely more nuanced than a simple number of hours. Here's what the evidence actually says, and how to think about it. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-build-child-vocabulary-at-home.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-build-child-vocabulary-at-home.html Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 Vocabulary size is one of the strongest predictors of reading comprehension and later academic success. Here's how to genuinely build it at home. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-choose-right-book-for-your-childs-reading-level.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-choose-right-book-for-your-childs-reading-level.html Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 Picking a book that's genuinely the right level — not too easy, not too hard — makes a real difference. Here's a practical way to judge it. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-encourage-a-shy-child-to-participate-in-class.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-encourage-a-shy-child-to-participate-in-class.html Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Shyness in class can genuinely hold back a capable child's visible progress. Here's what actually helps build confidence to participate, gently. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-explain-why-school-is-important-to-a-child.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-explain-why-school-is-important-to-a-child.html Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 Explaining the value of school to a child who doesn't see the point is genuinely hard. Here's an approach that actually resonates at a child's level. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-help-anxious-child-with-school-tests.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-help-anxious-child-with-school-tests.html Fri, 14 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 Test anxiety in primary-age children is genuinely common and can significantly affect performance. Here's what actually helps, beyond 'just relax.' https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-help-child-times-tables-at-home.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-help-child-times-tables-at-home.html Thu, 13 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 Practical, evidence-based strategies for helping primary school children master their times tables — without arguments, tears or weekend-long cramming sessions. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-help-child-who-hates-reading.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-help-child-who-hates-reading.html Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 Some children develop a real dislike of reading, not just mild reluctance. Here's what's often actually going on, and what genuinely helps rebuild it. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-help-child-with-slow-processing-speed.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-help-child-with-slow-processing-speed.html Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 Slow processing speed is genuinely different from low ability — a child can understand perfectly well but need more time. Here's what actually helps. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-help-perfectionist-child-primary-school.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-help-perfectionist-child-primary-school.html Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Perfectionism in young children can look like high standards, but it often comes with real distress. Here's how to help without dampening genuine effort. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-improve-child-concentration-and-focus.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-improve-child-concentration-and-focus.html Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 Concentration is a genuinely trainable skill, not a fixed trait. Here's what actually helps children build sustained focus, in a realistic, practical way. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-improve-child-handwriting-primary-school.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-improve-child-handwriting-primary-school.html Thu, 13 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 What genuinely helps with messy handwriting — and what doesn't — based on how handwriting actually develops in primary-age children. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-improve-child-reading-fluency.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-improve-child-reading-fluency.html Wed, 12 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 Reading fluency is different from comprehension or decoding ability. Here's what it actually means, and practical ways to build it at home. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-motivate-child-times-tables-without-fight.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-motivate-child-times-tables-without-fight.html Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 Times tables practice doesn't have to be a daily battle. Here's a practical, low-conflict approach that actually builds recall over time. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-motivate-unmotivated-child-primary-school.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-motivate-unmotivated-child-primary-school.html Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 A child who seems to genuinely not care about school or learning is a real worry for many parents. Here's what tends to actually be going on, and what helps. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-praise-your-child-effectively-growth-mindset.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-praise-your-child-effectively-growth-mindset.html Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Not all praise is equally helpful — some can genuinely backfire. Here's what the research on growth mindset says about praising children well. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-set-up-a-good-homework-space-at-home.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-set-up-a-good-homework-space-at-home.html Wed, 12 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 The physical environment homework happens in genuinely affects how well it goes. Here's what a well-set-up homework space actually needs. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-support-eal-child-with-english-at-home.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-support-eal-child-with-english-at-home.html Wed, 12 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 If English isn't your child's first language at home, here's genuinely practical guidance on supporting their English learning without dropping your own. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-talk-to-child-about-bad-school-report.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-talk-to-child-about-bad-school-report.html Tue, 11 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 A disappointing school report can be hard for both parent and child. Here's how to have the conversation in a way that motivates rather than discourages. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-teach-child-tell-the-time-clock.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/how-to-teach-child-tell-the-time-clock.html Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 Telling the time on an analogue clock is a genuinely tricky skill in a digital world. Here's a step-by-step approach that actually works. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/inference-skills-how-to-teach-reading-between-lines.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/inference-skills-how-to-teach-reading-between-lines.html Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 Inference — working out what isn't directly stated — is one of the hardest reading comprehension skills to teach. Here's a practical approach. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/is-paying-kids-for-chores-or-learning-better.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/is-paying-kids-for-chores-or-learning-better.html Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Two common ways families structure pocket money — chores versus learning. Here's how they actually differ, and which one tends to build better long-term habits. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/ks1-phonics-common-exception-words-guide.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/ks1-phonics-common-exception-words-guide.html Tue, 11 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 Everything parents need to know about phonics and the common exception words their children are expected to know by the end of Year 2. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/ks2-grammar-punctuation-spelling-test-explained.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/ks2-grammar-punctuation-spelling-test-explained.html Tue, 11 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 The KS2 GPS test causes real confusion for parents — here's exactly what it covers, how it's marked, and how to help your child prepare without stress. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/ks2-sats-results-explained-scaled-score.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/ks2-sats-results-explained-scaled-score.html Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 Every July, parents get a scaled score for SATs results with little explanation. Here's what the number means, and what counts as expected. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/ks2-statutory-spelling-list-200-words.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/ks2-statutory-spelling-list-200-words.html Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 The full KS2 statutory spelling list of 200 words, explained, with tips for practising them effectively at home. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/learning-styles-visual-auditory-kinaesthetic-explained.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/learning-styles-visual-auditory-kinaesthetic-explained.html Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 Learning styles are a popular idea, but the science is more nuanced than the theory suggests. Here's an honest, practical explanation for parents. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/long-division-explained-for-parents.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/long-division-explained-for-parents.html Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Long division is often the maths topic parents feel least confident helping with. Here's a genuinely clear, step-by-step explanation. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/mathletics-alternative-pays-kids-to-learn.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/mathletics-alternative-pays-kids-to-learn.html Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 Mathletics is a solid subscription tool, but it doesn't reward effort with anything tangible. Here's what to look for in an alternative that does. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/maths-app-8-year-old-real-pocket-money-uk.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/maths-app-8-year-old-real-pocket-money-uk.html Mon, 10 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 Looking for a UK maths app for an 8 year old that actually rewards them with real pocket money, not just points? Here's what to check before signing up. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/maths-games-ks2.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/maths-games-ks2.html Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 Curriculum-aligned maths games for Years 3–6 — fractions, percentages, arithmetic and reasoning. Kids earn real pocket money for every correct answer. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/mental-maths-tricks-for-kids-quick-strategies.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/mental-maths-tricks-for-kids-quick-strategies.html Sun, 09 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 Strong mental maths comes from a handful of genuinely useful strategies, not just memorisation. Here are the ones worth teaching first. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/my-child-can-read-but-cant-spell-why.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/my-child-can-read-but-cant-spell-why.html Sun, 09 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 A genuinely common and confusing pattern for parents. Here's why reading and spelling can develop at very different rates, and what actually helps. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/my-child-mixes-up-b-and-d-letter-reversal.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/my-child-mixes-up-b-and-d-letter-reversal.html Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Letter reversal (b/d confusion) worries a lot of parents. Here's when it's genuinely normal, and when it's worth a closer look. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/my-child-refuses-to-do-homework-what-works.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/my-child-refuses-to-do-homework-what-works.html Sun, 09 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 Outright homework refusal is different from reluctance. Here's how to tell the difference, and what genuinely helps when a child is refusing point blank. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/negative-numbers-explained-for-kids.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/negative-numbers-explained-for-kids.html Sun, 09 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 Negative numbers are one of the more abstract concepts in primary maths. Here's a genuinely simple way to explain them that actually clicks. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/parents-evening-questions-worth-asking-teacher.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/parents-evening-questions-worth-asking-teacher.html Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 Parents evening slots are short. Here's a list of genuinely useful, specific questions that get more out of the time than 'how's she doing?' https://thepocketmoneygame.com/phonics-screening-check-2026-pass-mark.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/phonics-screening-check-2026-pass-mark.html Sat, 08 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check explained: when it happens, what the pass mark actually means, and what to do if your child doesn't reach it. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/place-value-explained-simply-for-parents.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/place-value-explained-simply-for-parents.html Sat, 08 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 Place value underpins almost all primary maths, yet it's rarely explained clearly to parents. Here's a genuinely simple breakdown. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/reading-app-rewards-kids-finishing-not-badges.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/reading-app-rewards-kids-finishing-not-badges.html Sat, 08 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Most reading apps hand out virtual badges for milestones. Here's why a tangible reward system often works better for reluctant readers. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/reading-comprehension-games.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/reading-comprehension-games.html Sat, 08 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 36 original stories with comprehension questions matched to your child's reading level. Builds inference and vocabulary skills — free 7-day trial. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/reading-comprehension-questions-parents-can-ask.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/reading-comprehension-questions-parents-can-ask.html Sat, 08 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 A genuinely useful list of comprehension questions parents can ask during reading time, going beyond 'what happened' to build deeper understanding. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/reading-record-struggling-what-it-means.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/reading-record-struggling-what-it-means.html Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 A teacher's comment about reading struggles doesn't always mean what parents fear. Here's how to read the signals and what to actually do next. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/rounding-numbers-ks2-explained.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/rounding-numbers-ks2-explained.html Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 Rounding numbers trips children up mainly around the '5 rounds up' rule. Here's a clear explanation of rounding to the nearest 10, 100 and 1000. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/should-i-pay-my-child-for-good-grades.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/should-i-pay-my-child-for-good-grades.html Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 A genuinely divisive parenting question. Here's what the research says, what UK parents actually do, and how to decide what's right for your family. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/skimming-and-scanning-reading-skills-explained.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/skimming-and-scanning-reading-skills-explained.html Fri, 07 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Skimming and scanning are specific, teachable reading skills, distinct from careful reading. Here's what they are and why schools teach them. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/spelling-games-ks1-ks2.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/spelling-games-ks1-ks2.html Fri, 07 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 Fun, effective spelling games for KS1 and KS2 children — practical ideas that make practice feel like play, not homework. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/spelling-practice-children-with-dyslexia.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/spelling-practice-children-with-dyslexia.html Fri, 07 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 Children with dyslexia struggle with spelling for neurological reasons that traditional practice doesn't address. Here's what the evidence says actually works. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/subordinating-conjunctions-ks2-examples.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/subordinating-conjunctions-ks2-examples.html Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 Because, although, since, unless — subordinating conjunctions explained simply, with a full KS2 list and examples parents can actually use to help. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/summer-learning-loss-how-to-prevent-it.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/summer-learning-loss-how-to-prevent-it.html Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 The 'summer slide' is a genuine, well-documented phenomenon. Here's what causes it and practical, low-pressure ways to prevent it. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/teaching-children-value-of-money-through-learning.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/teaching-children-value-of-money-through-learning.html Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 Connecting pocket money to academic effort teaches children financial responsibility while motivating genuine learning. Here's how to do it well. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/teaching-decimals-to-children-simple-explanation.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/teaching-decimals-to-children-simple-explanation.html Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Decimals often get taught as a set of rules to memorise. Here's a clearer way to explain the actual concept, so it genuinely makes sense. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/teaching-kids-to-count-money-uk-coins.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/teaching-kids-to-count-money-uk-coins.html Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 Counting UK coins and notes confidently is a genuinely useful life skill, not just a maths topic. Here's how to teach it step by step. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/times-tables-app-adhd-child-wont-sit-still.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/times-tables-app-adhd-child-wont-sit-still.html Thu, 06 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 Standard times tables practice assumes a child can sit and focus for a stretch. Here's what actually works when that's not realistic. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/times-tables-homework-why-child-gets-it-wrong.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/times-tables-homework-why-child-gets-it-wrong.html Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 Your child can recite their times tables perfectly at home but freezes on a worksheet. Here's the real reason — and what actually fixes it. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/times-tables-order-to-teach-easiest-to-hardest.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/times-tables-order-to-teach-easiest-to-hardest.html Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 Not all times tables are equally hard, and teaching them in a smarter order genuinely builds confidence faster. Here's the order that works best. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/times-tables-year-4-mtc-curriculum.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/times-tables-year-4-mtc-curriculum.html Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 The Multiplication Tables Check in Year 4 tests all tables up to 12×12. Here's exactly what children need to know and the most effective ways to practise. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/transition-to-secondary-school-what-to-expect.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/transition-to-secondary-school-what-to-expect.html Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Moving from Year 6 to secondary school is a big change for the whole family. Here's what genuinely helps children (and parents) through it. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/ttrockstars-alternative-free-rewards.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/ttrockstars-alternative-free-rewards.html Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 Times Tables Rock Stars is brilliant for speed, but its in-game currency doesn't mean anything outside the app. Here's an alternative worth trying. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-are-fractions-explained-for-parents.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-are-fractions-explained-for-parents.html Wed, 05 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 Fractions confuse plenty of parents trying to help with homework. Here's a genuinely clear explanation, plus how to make the concept click for kids. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-is-a-fronted-adverbial-ks2-explained.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-is-a-fronted-adverbial-ks2-explained.html Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 Fronted adverbials trip up plenty of parents, not just kids. Here's a genuinely simple explanation, with examples straight from the KS2 curriculum. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-is-a-senco-and-when-to-contact-them.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-is-a-senco-and-when-to-contact-them.html Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 SENCO is a term parents often hear without a clear explanation. Here's what the role actually is, and genuinely practical guidance on when to get in touch. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-is-a-subordinate-clause-explained-simply.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-is-a-subordinate-clause-explained-simply.html Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 Subordinate clauses confuse plenty of adults, not just children. Here's a genuinely clear explanation with examples straight from primary school writing. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-is-mastery-maths-teaching-explained.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-is-mastery-maths-teaching-explained.html Tue, 04 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Many UK primary schools now teach maths using a 'mastery' approach. Here's what that actually means, and why it can look different from how parents learned. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-is-reading-age-how-is-it-measured.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-is-reading-age-how-is-it-measured.html Tue, 04 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 Reading age often appears on school reports without explanation. Here's what it actually means, how it's measured, and how much weight to give it. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-is-working-memory-and-why-it-matters-school.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-is-working-memory-and-why-it-matters-school.html Tue, 04 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 Working memory comes up a lot in discussions of ADHD and learning difficulties. Here's a clear explanation of what it actually is and why it matters. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-should-my-child-know-by-end-of-reception.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-should-my-child-know-by-end-of-reception.html Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 A clear guide to the Early Learning Goals children are expected to reach by the end of Reception year in the UK — literacy, maths, and personal development. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-should-my-child-know-by-end-of-year-1.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-should-my-child-know-by-end-of-year-1.html Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 A clear guide to what UK children are typically expected to know in reading, writing and maths by the end of Year 1, including the Phonics Screening Check. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-should-my-child-know-by-end-of-year-2.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-should-my-child-know-by-end-of-year-2.html Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 What UK children are expected to know by the end of Year 2, and how the KS1 SATs (now non-statutory in many schools) actually work. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-should-my-child-know-by-end-of-year-3.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-should-my-child-know-by-end-of-year-3.html Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 What UK children are typically expected to know in reading, writing and maths by the end of Year 3 — the first year of lower Key Stage 2. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-should-my-child-know-by-end-of-year-4.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-should-my-child-know-by-end-of-year-4.html Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 What UK children are expected to know by the end of Year 4, including full details on the statutory Multiplication Tables Check (MTC). https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-should-my-child-know-by-end-of-year-5.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-should-my-child-know-by-end-of-year-5.html Mon, 03 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 What UK children are typically expected to know in reading, writing and maths by the end of Year 5, the year before SATs. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-should-my-child-know-by-end-of-year-6.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/what-should-my-child-know-by-end-of-year-6.html Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 What UK children are expected to know by the end of Year 6 (and the KS2 SATs), covering reading, maths, and grammar, punctuation and spelling. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/when-to-get-extra-help-child-falling-behind.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/when-to-get-extra-help-child-falling-behind.html Sun, 02 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 Worried your child is falling behind at school? Here's how to work out whether it's genuinely a concern, and what the right next step actually is. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/why-homework-time-turns-into-a-fight.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/why-homework-time-turns-into-a-fight.html Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 If every homework session ends in tears or shouting, you're not doing it wrong. Here's why it happens — and three changes that genuinely helped. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/why-reward-based-learning-works-for-adhd.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/why-reward-based-learning-works-for-adhd.html Sun, 02 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Children with ADHD respond differently to traditional learning methods. Here's the science behind reward-based learning and why it works. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/word-classes-nouns-verbs-adjectives-explained.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/word-classes-nouns-verbs-adjectives-explained.html Sun, 02 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100 Word classes underpin most of KS1 and KS2 grammar teaching. Here's a clear, jargon-free explanation of the main types, with easy examples. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/year-2-spelling-list-5-minute-trick.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/year-2-spelling-list-5-minute-trick.html Sun, 02 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100 One simple technique that gets Year 2 spelling lists to actually stick — takes 5 minutes a day, no flashcards required. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/year-3-spelling-homework-games.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/year-3-spelling-homework-games.html Sat, 01 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100 Dreading Year 3 spelling homework again? Here are 10 quick games that actually get your child practising — no worksheets, no tears. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/year-4-maths-homework-help-busy-parents.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/year-4-maths-homework-help-busy-parents.html Sat, 01 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100 Short on time and Year 4 maths feels unfamiliar? Here's how to help effectively in ten minutes, even if you're not confident with the topic yourself. https://thepocketmoneygame.com/year-6-sats-preparation-guide-parents.html https://thepocketmoneygame.com/year-6-sats-preparation-guide-parents.html Sat, 01 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0100 Everything parents need to know about the Year 6 SATs — what's tested, when they happen, and how to support your child's preparation without adding pressure.