The LinkyThinks Blog
Tips, ideas and strategies to help your child at home, at school and beyond.
Join the LinkyThinks Parent Guidance WhatsApp group using this link here 👈
Why your child struggles to start creative writing
Struggling with a blank page? Simple planning techniques can help children organise their ideas and get started with creative writing.
When your child won't let you help with homework
Does your child resist homework help? Discover a simple way to work alongside them, encourage independence and make feedback easier to accept.
Why your child's arguments need more than facts
Persuasive writing takes more than a list of facts. Discover three simple techniques to help children build stronger, more convincing arguments.
Your child doesn't need to feel confident to get started
Children often wait to feel confident before trying something difficult. But confidence grows through practice, small successes and learning from mistakes.
Can creative writing make your child more empathetic?
A simple creative writing exercise that helps children build empathy, understand different perspectives and create more interesting characters.
Why your child’s “Why?” questions matter
Children’s endless “why” questions can be exhausting, but they’re also building reasoning, communication and critical thinking skills.
Why punctuation problems can become comprehension problems
Punctuation affects more than writing. Helping children hear commas, full stops and question marks can improve reading, rhythm and comprehension.
An essential skill to master 11+ and selective school interviews
Help your child prepare for school interviews by mastering thoughtful responses that show confidence, personality and reasoning.
Can online learning actually suit shy or distractible children?
Online learning can help shy or easily distracted children find their voice, focus more calmly and build confidence from home.
Two simple ways to help a reluctant reader
Practical advice for parents of reluctant readers, from choosing short chapters to modelling reading at home.
Why messy handwriting isn’t always a writing problem
Messy handwriting can hide strong ideas. Learn how to separate handwriting practice from creative writing.
Why children learn better when they know what’s coming
Simple routines and clear expectations can reduce stress and help children feel more ready to learn.
Why your child’s struggles might feel so familiar
Your child’s focus, organisation or confidence struggles may feel familiar. Here’s how modelling better habits helps.
Advice to parents of reluctant readers
Help your child find books they actually want to read and build a healthier reading habit at home.
School interviews are not about perfect answers
Preparing for school interviews? Help your child think aloud, communicate confidently and show who they really are.
Can TV help your child become a better writer?
Used well, TV can build inference, storytelling and creative writing skills without feeling like another lesson.
The GCSE essay trick every student should try
A simple test to help GCSE students write stronger essay introductions that actually answer the question.
Which essay structure should your child use?
PEE, PEAL, PETAL or PERSI? Learn what essay structures are really for and when to move beyond them.
The silly game that secretly builds critical thinking
How Would You Rather? can help children build reasoning, communication and critical thinking skills at home.
How to help your child understand classic literature
A practical way to break down difficult classic texts and help children visualise what they’re reading.