Maths
How to Learn Times Tables: The Best Order, Patterns and Games
The smartest order to learn times tables, patterns that cut the work in half, games, spaced practice and what the UK Year 4 multiplication check involves.
Ages 6–118 min read
The Crayonbird blog
Learning ideas that work at the kitchen table and in class
Practical guides for parents and teachers from the Crayonbird editorial team. Every article comes with printables you can use today.
Latest articles
Teens and study skills
How to Make a Revision Timetable You'll Actually Stick To
A step-by-step guide for teens to building a revision timetable, with an example week, how to adjust it when things slip, and how to avoid burning out.
Ages 13–188 min read
Teens and study skills
How to Revise for Exams: Techniques That Actually Work (Ages 13–18)
Active recall, spaced repetition, interleaving, practice papers and sleep, explained with real examples so teens can revise smarter instead of just longer.
Ages 13–188 min read
Art and creativity
How to Teach a Child to Draw: Simple Steps for Ages 4–10
How to teach a child to draw with simple shapes and step-by-step lessons, what to say when they get stuck, and why drawing it for them backfires.
Ages 4–108 min read
Early learning
How to Teach Letter Sounds at Home: A 10-Minute Phonics Routine
A calm 10-minute daily routine for teaching letter sounds to 3–5 year olds at home, with games, what to say, and what to do when the sounds won't stick.
Ages 3–58 min read
Teens and study skills
How to Use Flashcards Properly: The Leitner System and Better Cards
How to make flashcards that test real understanding, run the Leitner box system, space your reviews and choose between paper and apps, for ages 9 to 18.
Ages 9–188 min read
Early learning
Kindergarten Readiness Checklist: What Really Matters for Starting School
A practical school readiness checklist for 4–5 year olds: independence, attention, friendships, early reading and maths, plus school start ages worldwide.
Ages 4–58 min read
Maths
Mental Maths Strategies for Kids: Partitioning, Bridging and More
Five mental maths strategies every child should know, with worked examples: partitioning, bridging through 10, compensation, doubling and halving.
Ages 6–118 min read
Teaching tips
Morning Work Ideas for Primary Classrooms: Routines and Bell-Ringers
Calm, low-prep morning work for primary teachers: how to set up the routine, a week of ideas, differentiated options and bell-ringers for ages 5–11.
Ages 5–118 min read
Reading and writing
Pre-Writing Skills: What Children Need Before Handwriting
Lines, shapes, scissors and pencil grip: the pre-writing skills children need before letters, in the order they develop, with activities for each stage.
Ages 2–58 min read
Parenting and learning
Quiet Time Activities and Busy Bags for Ages 3–8: A Setup Guide
How to set up daily quiet time for 3–8 year olds after naps stop, with busy bag ideas, independent activities, rotation tips and fixes when it isn’t working.
Ages 3–87 min read
Parenting and learning
Rainy Day Activities for Kids: Indoor Ideas by Age and Energy Level
Indoor rainy day activities for ages 2–11, sorted by energy level: active games, making and building, calm ideas, printable packs and a rainy-day box checklist.
Ages 2–118 min read