What Father Christmas Can Teach Us About Time Management

As a tutor working with a range children, I see it happen all the time. A child gets a maths question wrong, and immediately their face falls. They either hurriedly cross out their work furiously, scrunch up the paper, or worst of all – they say those three words that make my heart sink: "I'm so stupid." But here's what I want every child (and parent!) to understand: mistakes aren't the enemy of learning – they're the very foundation of it. The Rubber Mentality Think about it. Every pencil case in every classroom across the UK contains a rubber. Not as a backup plan, but as an essential tool. We expect children to make mistakes. We plan for them. Yet somehow, we've created a culture where getting something wrong feels like failure rather than progress. The truth is, our brains learn far more from getting something wrong than getting it right first time. When we make a mistake, our brain sits up and pays attention. It creates stronger neural pathways as it works to understand what went wrong and how to fix it. Scientists call this "productive failure" – and it's one of the most powerful learning tools we have. Real Learning Looks Messy I often tell my students: if your page looks perfect, you probably haven't challenged yourself enough today. Real learning is messy. It's filled with crossings out, second attempts, and "wait, let me try that again." It's the child who confidently declares 7 x 8 = 54, realizes it doesn't feel quite right, works it through again, and discovers it's actually 56. That moment of correction? That's when the real learning happens. In our tutoring sessions, we embrace mistakes. When a child gets something wrong, we don't move on quickly or pretend it didn't happen. We lean into it. We explore it together: "That's interesting – what made you think that?" "Can you show me how you worked that out?" "Brilliant! You've found something we need to understand better." The Growth Mindset Difference Children who are praised for being "clever" or "smart" often become afraid of making mistakes. After all, if you're supposed to be clever, getting things wrong feels like proof you're not. This is what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a "fixed mindset" – the belief that our abilities are set in stone. But children who develop a "growth mindset" understand that their abilities can improve with effort and practice. They see mistakes not as evidence of failure, but as stepping stones to success. And the difference in their learning journey is remarkable. When I work with a new student, one of my early goals is helping them shift from "I can't do this" to "I can't do this yet." That one small word – yet – changes everything. What This Looks Like in Practice Here are some of the ways I help children embrace mistakes in their learning: Mistake of the Week: We look at a common mistake together and unpick why it happens. This normalizes errors and helps children realize everyone makes them – even their tutor! Show Your Working: I always encourage children to show their working out, even if they get the final answer wrong. This helps them (and me) see exactly where their thinking went astray, making it much easier to correct. The "What If" Game: When a child makes a mistake, we play "what if" – what if this answer was right, what would the question need to be? This helps them understand the logic behind their error. Celebrate Effort Over Outcome: I make a point of praising the process, not just the result. "I love how you tried three different strategies there" matters more than "Well done for getting it right." A Message for Parents If you're a parent reading this, here's my advice: resist the urge to jump in and correct every mistake your child makes. When they bring home homework covered in corrections from school, don't focus on what they got wrong. Instead, ask: "What did you learn today?" "What was tricky?" "What mistakes helped you understand something better?" And perhaps most importantly, share your own mistakes. Let them see you get things wrong and figure them out. Model the behaviour you want them to develop. The Long Game The children I work with aren't just learning maths, English, and reasoning skills. They're learning how to learn. They're developing resilience, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to tackle challenges head-on. The child who can look at a page of 'red pen' corrections and say "Great! Now I know what to work on" is developing a skill that will serve them far beyond their exams. They're learning that difficulty isn't a dead end – it's a signpost showing them where to focus their effort. Moving Forward So the next time your child makes a mistake – whether in tutoring, at school, or at home – pause before you correct it. Ask them what they think. Give them space to figure it out. Let them experience that wonderful "aha!" moment when the penny drops. Because here's the beautiful truth: every mistake is simply an opportunity we haven't unwrapped yet. And that's not just good teaching – that's good life advice. Looking for tutoring support that focuses on building confidence as well as capability? I work with KS2 children, helping them develop the skills and mindset they need to thrive. Get in touch to find out more.

Keep Key Stage 2 minds active this October half-term—without it feeling like homework. From historic abbeys to wildlife adventures, the Waltham Abbey area is packed with family outings that double as learning opportunities. Here are our top picks, all within easy reach of EN9. Waltham Abbey Church & Gardens Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey EN9 1DG Hidden Literacy: Explore the abbey’s medieval history. Ask your child to read the information plaques aloud and note three interesting facts. Challenge them to write a short diary entry as if they lived in Norman times. Sneaky Maths: Estimate the height of the abbey tower and compare with the posted measurements. Create a “shape hunt” by spotting arches, circles, and triangles in the architecture. Lee Valley Park & Cornmill Meadows Dragonfly Sanctuary Near Windmill Lane, EN9 Hidden Literacy: Take a wildlife guide and have children record sightings of birds and insects, describing their colours and movements with vivid adjectives. Encourage them to create a mini field report or poem when you get home. Sneaky Maths: Use a pedometer or phone app to track your walking distance and work out your average speed. Count dragonflies or birds and turn the numbers into a simple bar chart. Royal Gunpowder Mills Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey EN9 1JY Hidden Literacy: Follow the interactive exhibits and read the story of the site’s explosive history. Ask your child to summarise how gunpowder was made or create a “museum fact sheet.” Sneaky Maths: Work out timelines—calculate how many years have passed since the site first opened in 1787. Estimate the weight of the giant machinery compared with something familiar (e.g., a car). R iver Lee Navigation Towpath Walk Access from various EN9 points Hidden Literacy: Spot and read canal signs and boat names, then write a short travel story inspired by the waterways. Collect new vocabulary: “lock gate,” “barge,” “towpath.” Sneaky Maths: Time how long it takes a boat to pass through a lock and calculate the speed. Estimate the width of the river using pacing or by comparing it to known objects. Epping Forest (Clayton Hill or Wake Arms Car Parks) Short drive from Waltham Abbey Hidden Literacy: Identify trees or wildlife using a pocket guide. Ask your child to write a descriptive paragraph about the forest’s sights and sounds. Sneaky Maths: Collect and measure different leaves, comparing lengths and creating a simple data table. Track your circular walk distance and calculate the area of the loop. Quick Tips for Parents Bring a notebook and pencils for sketches and observations. Ask open questions like “What surprised you most today?” to spark deeper thinking. Celebrate small wins with a hot chocolate at a local café after your outing. Give Your Child a Head Start These simple, local adventures help reinforce Key Stage 2 maths and literacy skills—no worksheets required. If you’d like tailored support to keep your child confident in the classroom, book a Key Stage 2 assessment with us this half-term.

As the summer winds down, many parents start to think about how best to support their children as they head into a new school year. Whether your child is just starting Key Stage 1 or entering the early years of secondary school, a smooth transition back to routine can make all the difference. At Empower Tutoring, we know that a confident start sets the tone for the months ahead. Here are 10 tried-and-true tips to help your child feel prepared, positive, and ready to thrive this September. 🛎️ 1. Ease Back into a School Sleep Routine After long summer evenings, bedtime routines can slip. A week or two before school starts, gradually shift your child’s sleep and wake times by 15–30 minutes every few days to realign with school hours. Children aged 5–12 need around 9–12 hours of sleep; teens may need slightly more than they think! 📚 2. Refresh Reading Habits Get back into the habit of daily reading. For younger children, read aloud together. Older children (9–14) can benefit from independent reading time with age-appropriate books that spark their interests. Audiobooks count too – it’s all about developing the habit and love for language. 🧠 3. Do a Gentle Learning Refresh You don’t need full-on lessons during the holidays, but a few short practice sessions – especially in maths and English – can really boost confidence. Try fun quizzes, printable worksheets, or even apps like DoodleMaths or BBC Bitesize. 🧕‍♂️ 4. Talk Through Their Feelings Whether they’re excited or nervous, children need space to process the transition. Ask open questions like: “What are you looking forward to this year?” “Is there anything you're a bit worried about?” You might be surprised by what comes up! 🛍️️ 5. Involve Them in Back-to-School Prep Let your child help choose their new stationery or school bag. Having a sense of ownership over their supplies (even picking a new pencil case!) can help reduce anxiety and make them feel more in control. 🗓️ 6. Reintroduce Routines Start re-establishing daily routines for mornings, homework time, and after-school activities. Visual planners or simple charts can work wonders for younger children. Older kids might benefit from setting their own goals and time-blocking their afternoons. 🥚 7. Practise Independence Whether it’s putting on their own uniform, organising their bag, or using public transport, building independence helps reduce stress and prepares them for school-life demands—especially key for children aged 11–14 transitioning to secondary school. 💬 8. Connect with Friends Before Term Starts Help your child reconnect with classmates by arranging a few playdates or online chats. Social connection can ease first-day nerves and help children feel part of the group from day one. ✨ 9. Set Positive but Realistic Expectations Remind your child that it’s OK not to be perfect. Focus on effort and attitude rather than grades. This mindset helps them build resilience and reduces the fear of failure. 🎓 10. Consider Extra Support if Needed If your child struggled last year – with confidence, particular subjects, or motivation – the start of a new term is the ideal time to bring in a tutor. A little tailored help early on can prevent bigger challenges down the line and boost both results and self-belief. Every child is different, but all benefit from a calm, prepared return to school. A little structure, some encouragement, and your ongoing support can help them feel ready and capable for what lies ahead. If you’d like advice tailored to your child – or are thinking about tutoring support this autumn – feel free to get in touch with Empower Tutoring . We’re here to help every step of the way.

Engaging books that can spark a love of reading this summer

Summer is a time to unwind—but for younger readers, it can also be a time when reading confidence quietly slips away. That “summer slide” is real, and it can make the return to school in September feel tougher than it needs to be. The good news? A little bit of reading—done right—goes a long way. Here are five simple, realistic reading habits that parents and children can build over the holidays to keep reading fun, stress-free, and effective. 1. Create a “Read Anywhere” Routine Reading doesn’t always need to be at a desk or before bed. Encourage children to read: In the garden On long car journeys At breakfast In a shady spot at the park Make books part of the everyday, just like snacks and sun cream! Keeping a book or e-reader in their bag means there’s always a chance to dive into a story—even for 5–10 minutes. Why it works: It removes the pressure and helps kids see reading as something enjoyable, not just something “schooly.” 2. Let Them Choose (Even If It’s Silly or Slightly Gross!) Graphic novels, joke books, fact books, football magazines—yes, they all count. If a child is choosing what they read, they’re more likely to actually do it. Top tip: Visit your local library and let them pick out 3–5 books, no judgment. You might be surprised what catches their eye. Why it works: Ownership = motivation. A book they love will get read more than one they’re “supposed” to read. 3. Build a Simple “Reading Tracker” (With Rewards!) Create a fun tracker for each book or chapter read. This could be: A colouring-in chart A sticker reward system A paper chain that grows with each book Add a small prize every 5–10 reads—a trip to the park, a new bookmark, or a treat of their choice. Why it works: It turns reading into a game with visual progress, which helps build a habit through consistency. 4. Read Aloud Together—Yes, Even for Older Children Many KS2 and even KS3 students still enjoy being read to. Choose a book you’ll both enjoy and take turns reading a few pages out loud each day. You’ll be modelling fluency, expression, and vocabulary—all while bonding. Why it works: It keeps reading social and helps boost comprehension through discussion and shared experience. 5. Talk About Books Like They’re Films When a child finishes a book, ask them: What was the best part? Who was your favourite character? Would you recommend it to a friend?  Make books feel like stories worth talking about, not just assignments to tick off. Why it works: Encouraging children to reflect on what they’ve read builds comprehension and emotional connection to books. Final Thought: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect—It Just Has to Happen Reading over the holidays isn’t about setting huge goals or finishing a library’s worth of books. It’s about gently keeping the brain ticking over, feeding imagination, and giving kids a head start for September. If you’d like personalised support with reading, phonics, comprehension or confidence, our tutoring team is here to help—online or in person. Just drop us a message!

SATs are done and dusted — well done to all the Year 6 pupils who’ve worked so hard! After all that effort, it’s time to celebrate and enjoy a well-deserved break. But while rest is important, keeping the learning momentum going can make a big difference in helping children stay confident and curious before they head off to secondary school. The good news? Learning after SATs doesn’t have to feel like schoolwork. In fact, the summer holidays are the perfect time to explore fun, creative, and meaningful ways to keep young minds active. Here are some engaging, low-pressure ideas to help your Year 6 child continue learning this summer — without even realising it! 1. Dive into Books They Love Reading is one of the easiest (and most enjoyable!) ways to keep brains active. Let your child choose books that excite them — whether it's adventure stories, funny comics, mysteries, or fascinating non-fiction. Try this: Visit the local library and join a summer reading challenge. Listen to audiobooks together during car journeys. Encourage them to write a short review or draw a scene from each book. 2. Real-World Maths Practice Maths isn’t just about worksheets — it’s everywhere in everyday life. Use the summer break to show how useful (and fun!) maths can be. Fun activities: Get them to help with measuring ingredients while baking. Ask them to budget for a day out or plan a picnic using prices and deals. Play games like darts, Yahtzee, Monopoly, or online maths puzzles. 3. Get Creative with Writing With no pressure from exams or assessments, summer is a great time for children to enjoy writing just for fun. Ideas to spark creativity: Keep a summer journal or write postcards to friends and family. Invent a comic book or short story. Create a script and film a mini play with friends or siblings. 4. Explore Science Through Nature Nature offers endless learning opportunities. Whether it’s in the garden, local parks, or the beach, outdoor activities can boost curiosity and scientific thinking. Try: Keeping a nature journal — drawing insects, plants, or birds spotted. Creating a DIY weather station or bug hotel. Growing something from seed and tracking its progress. 5. Learn a New Skill The summer holidays are the perfect time to pick up something new — and learning outside the classroom can be just as valuable. Fun new skills to try: Cooking a simple meal from start to finish. Learning to type, sew, or do basic DIY. Starting a coding project using free tools like Scratch. 6. Keep Talking About Big Ideas Children at this age love to ask questions and share opinions. Use downtime to chat about interesting topics, current events, or “big questions.” Good conversation starters: “What would you do if you were Prime Minister for a day?” “What invention do you think the world needs?” “If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?” 7. Try Light, Flexible Tutoring S ome families find that a weekly online session can help keep structure in place and fill any gaps before secondary school. Summer tutoring can: Build confidence in key areas like writing or reasoning. Prepare for the move to Year 7 with gentle support. Keep routines in place with short, engaging sessions. Final Thoughts The summer after SATs is a special time — one last stretch of primary school freedom before big changes ahead. While it’s important to relax, keeping learning alive through fun, meaningful activities can help your child head into Year 7 feeling prepared and positive. Need Support This Summer? At Empower Tutoring, we offer friendly, flexible summer sessions tailored to each child’s needs — whether they want to boost a skill, stay sharp, or simply enjoy learning again. Get in touch today to find out how we can support your child’s summer learning journey.

When it comes to preparing for exams, revision isn’t just important — it’s essential. But not all revision is created equal. Spending hours staring at your notes isn’t the best way to get ready for GCSEs, A-levels, or any important exam. Instead, smart, active revision techniques can make a huge difference to your confidence, understanding, and final results. Here’s how you can make your revision powerful and effective — and how parents can help too! Why Revision Matters Revision isn’t just about memorising facts. It’s about understanding topics deeply, spotting patterns, making connections, and building the confidence to tackle any question in the exam room. Good revision strengthens your memory and reduces stress when exam day arrives. Techniques That Really Work 1. Active Recall Instead of reading notes over and over, test yourself regularly. Cover up the information and try to remember it. Use flashcards (apps like Quizlet are brilliant). Create mini quizzes for yourself. Teach someone else what you’ve learned — if you can explain it clearly, you know it well! 2. Spaced Repetition Don’t cram! Your brain remembers information better when you review it at spaced-out intervals. Plan your revision timetable with regular review sessions for each topic. Go over subjects multiple times over weeks, not all at once. 3. Practice Papers There’s no better way to prepare than practising real exam questions. Time yourself to get used to working under pressure. Mark your answers honestly and review any mistakes carefully . 4. Mind Mapping Mind maps are great for visual learners. Draw diagrams linking ideas together. Use colours and images to make the information more memorable. 5. Break It Down Large topics can feel overwhelming. Break subjects into small, manageable chunks. Set goals like "Revise Photosynthesis" instead of "Revise Biology." 6. Active Environments Your study space matters! Find a quiet, tidy area with no distractions. Switch off your phone (or use apps like Forest to help you stay focused). How Parents Can Support Revision Parents can play a big role without taking over. Here's how: Help build a realistic revision timetable and encourage short breaks. Be encouraging , not pushy — praise effort, not just results. Provide (healthy) snacks, quiet spaces, and emotional support. Be patient — stress can make teens a bit more irritable! Final Thoughts Revision isn’t about working harder — it’s about working smarter. By using active techniques, building good habits, and getting the right support, students can boost their confidence and feel properly prepared when exams arrive. Remember: every little bit of consistent, focused revision builds up to big success. Good luck — you’ve got this!

The Key Stage 2 (KS2) SATs are an important milestone for Year 6 pupils in England. These tests, taken in May, assess children’s skills in English (reading, grammar, punctuation, and spelling) and mathematics . While the tests are important, they should not be a source of stress. With the right preparation, students can approach their SATs with confidence. Here’s a helpful guide for both students and parents. 1. Understanding the KS2 SATs The KS2 SATs are divided into the following papers: English Reading – Comprehension questions based on different texts. English Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (GPS) – A test covering grammar and punctuation, plus a spelling section. Mathematics – Two arithmetic and two reasoning papers. Although schools prepare students thoroughly, extra support at home can make a big difference. 2. Creating a Study Plan A structured approach is key. Parents and students should work together to create a revision timetable , ensuring each subject gets attention without overwhelming the child. Break study sessions into short, focused periods (e.g., 20, 30 or 40 minutes max). Prioritise weaker areas but maintain a balanced approach . Include regular breaks and fun activities to keep motivation high. 3. Using Past Papers and Practice Questions Practising with past SATs papers helps students become familiar with the format and question styles - these can be downloaded free online here . Set realistic time limits to improve time management. Review mistakes to understand concepts better. Use online resources and workbooks for additional practice. 4. Strengthening English Skills For the reading test : Encourage daily reading of different texts (fiction, non-fiction, poetry). Ask questions about what they read to check understanding BBC Bitesize Reading has some useful resources around reading and discussing reading. For grammar and punctuation : Use online quizzes and games, for example BBC bitesize has some great resources Revise key grammar rules (e.g., sentence structure, verb tenses). For spelling : Practise common spelling lists used in KS2 SATs. Use fun activities like spelling games and flashcards. Try this online spelling activity from Spelling Ninja . 5. Mastering Maths Practise mental arithmetic daily (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). CGP Books have some free online 10 minute maths tests Focus on key areas like fractions, decimals, and percentages. Solve real-world maths problems (e.g., budgeting pocket money, measuring ingredients in recipes). 6. Staying Positive and Managing Stress Encourage a growth mindset : Mistakes help us learn. Ensure they get plenty of sleep and regular exercise . Use breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to ease anxiety. Celebrate progress, not just results. 7. Practical Tips for SATs Week Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep before each test. Provide a healthy breakfast for energy and focus. Arrive at school on time and with the right equipment . Encourage a calm and positive attitude . Final Thoughts Preparing for KS2 SATs doesn’t have to be stressful. With a structured approach, regular practice, and a positive mindset , students can feel ready to tackle their exams with confidence. Remember: SATs are just one part of a child’s learning journey, and doing their best is what truly matters! Good luck from Empower Tutoring to all the Year 6 students taking their SATs this year!

Learning maths doesn’t have to be all about worksheets and textbooks. Board games are a fantastic way to engage children in mathematical thinking, helping to develop key skills like number recognition, problem-solving, logical reasoning, and strategic planning. Whether you're looking for games for younger children just starting their maths journey or teenagers needing to sharpen their skills, here are some of the best board games to support maths learning for ages 5 to 16. For Ages 5-7: Early Number Skills 1. Sum Swamp Focus: Addition & subtraction A fun adventure game where players solve simple addition and subtraction problems to move through the swamp. 2. Snakes and Ladders Focus: Counting & number recognition A classic game that reinforces counting skills and introduces the concept of probability through dice rolling. 3. Bus Stop Focus: Basic addition & subtraction Players add and subtract passengers as they travel around a bus route, making it a great visual way to reinforce simple maths. For Ages 8-11: Multiplication & Problem-Solving 4. Times Tables Heroes Focus: Multiplication practice A great way for children to reinforce their times tables in an interactive and enjoyable way. 5. Monopoly (Junior and Classic Versions) Focus: Money management & mental maths Encourages counting, handling money, and basic addition and subtraction in a real-world context. 6. Prime Climb Focus: Multiplication, division & prime numbers A strategic game that enhances number fluency by encouraging players to multiply, divide, and recognise prime numbers. For Ages 12-16: Advanced Maths & Strategic Thinking 7. Risk Focus: Probability & strategic thinking Players must evaluate risks and probabilities when attacking or defending territories, sharpening their decision-making skills. 8. Catan Focus: Probability, resource management & strategic planning Encourages mathematical thinking through resource allocation and probability-based decision-making. 9. The Game of Life Focus: Money management & real-life maths Helps older children and teenagers understand financial concepts, probability, and decision-making in a fun and engaging way. 10. Blokus Focus: Geometry & spatial reasoning Develops spatial awareness and problem-solving skills as players strategically place pieces on the board to block opponents. Final Thoughts Board games offer an enjoyable and engaging way to reinforce key mathematical concepts, making learning feel like play rather than work. Whether it’s simple counting games for younger children or strategic decision-making games for teenagers, incorporating board games into your routine can help children develop confidence in maths in a relaxed and social setting. Looking for more educational resources? At Empower Tutoring, we provide expert advice and resources to support maths learning at every stage. Get in touch today!