Schoolwork over the holidays

[Juststopamoment]

Could anyone recommend work books my 8 year old could be doing over the holidays? Maths in particular. I’m not sure I will be able to afford a tutor in year 4 so I’m hoping to find something we can do together. I’ve asked his teacher but had no joy. Preferably something that has the answers in the back! Thanks.

DD used to like going over her past books before putting them away. She also did practical maths, working out fuel consumption and cost of printing a page in colour etc. Don’t spoil the holiday downtime too much, if you really want to do something and there is a need then try something small and not much time like the Letts ten minute test books which have books for different age groups. DD found these useful for grammar tests but didn’t start using them until Y5. If the reason for asking is you are aiming for grammar don’t start too early (even if for a superselective like for our DD) as they could get thoroughly fed up and it can be counterproductive.

Mine have only rarely had work over the summer holidays. Their selective prep school did give them a fair amount in Year 5 (going into Year 6 - 11+ and pre-tests) but that was the only time they had a heavy load in the summer.

I honestly wouldn't make an 8-year-old do any work other than reading over the summer! They need to relax and spend time outdoors!

You could try any of the workbooks on the market, say Lett's, Maths Make it Easy. It should cover the whole year syllabus and is good revision. It was pictures and colours so it's quite fun. If you identify any problem areas you can always get worksheets off the web on specific areas, just 'Google'.

My ds used these series in the past, and they were good.

www.schofieldandsims.co.uk/understanding

But I think it's better to go to the shop and let him choose one? There are so many to choose from.

We had Lett's for 2-3 years. They worked well for us.

When we started with this/tutoring later we first used books for the year below as we needed to check what DD actually was capable off. It was more about securing her in what she was supposed to know. Most books for let's say Year 4 are obviously covering everything and DD couldn't do them until Summer term.

We also used BBC bitesize and an app called Mental Maths which you get according to year group. It is good for mental maths practice.

I really rate the schofield and Simms mental maths books. Not just mental maths - a good range of different maths activities. Lots of levels so have a flick through in the bookshop. Answers come in separate book. Also the series of problems below (choose the right level.

But, I would also stress reading. If you are looking towards 11+, a lack of long term volume and breadth of reading is the element that can't be easily crammed or tutored and so really repays consistent early work. Make a proper reading list and set targets to keep her motivated.

Check this out: Maths Plus Word Problems 4: Pupil Book Heinemann https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0435208659/ref=cmswwrsmssawdbt11_kmSzBbD9F3934