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 👈
Are reasoning skills really ‘innate’, or can children improve them?
Reasoning may feel fixed, but children can improve with the right practice, patterns and thinking habits.
Why success in English Is all about balance
Strong English work depends on balance: knowing how much detail, technique and explanation to include.
Want to improve your child’s writing? Start with speaking
Speaking helps children organise thoughts, develop ideas and become more confident writers.
The words you use shape the world you see
Vocabulary doesn’t just improve writing. It shapes how children think, describe and understand the world.
A small grammar detail makes a big difference
A simple grammar point that helps children avoid common synonym and antonym mistakes in verbal reasoning.
Exams don’t test what you know. They test your ability to communicate what you know.
Why students lose marks when strong knowledge isn’t organised and communicated clearly on the page.
One tiny word that causes big Comprehension problems
The word “why” often trips children up in comprehension. Here’s how to help them answer properly.
Try getting it wrong, to help them get it right
Modelling mistakes can help children spot problems, explain thinking and build confidence in their own ideas.
The Verbal Reasoning trap
Children often choose linked words instead of true synonyms. This simple trap can cost marks in reasoning tests.
How to slow down the child who rushes
Help fast-working children slow down, check properly and take more pride in their work.
Revision: the myths, debunked
Common revision advice isn’t always useful. Learn smarter ways to help children study effectively.
Should your child be reading ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’?
Light, funny books can still support reading habits, vocabulary and confidence when used in the right way.
What are 11+ creative writing examiners really looking for?
What makes a creative writing answer stand out in 11+ and independent school entrance exams?
Building inference skills for comprehension
Inference is a thinking skill, not just a reading skill. Here’s how parents can build it at home.
How to help your child with creative writing (when you’re not confident with creative writing yourself)
You don’t need to be a great writer to help your child build confidence with creative writing.
Strategy over speed: Helping your child manage their time
Help children stop rushing and develop better timing, planning and exam strategy.
How much help should you give your child with their homework?
Practical advice on supporting homework without taking over or leaving children completely stuck.
How to nurture your child’s creativity in the age of AI
Help children protect their imagination, ideas and creative voice in a world of instant AI answers.
Reading between the lines: Understanding your child’s end-of-year report
School reports can need decoding. Here’s how to understand what teachers may really be saying.
The myth of creative vs logical kids?
Children don’t have to be either creative or logical. Strong thinking often needs both.