Inspire your child’s imagination with the BBC 500 Words competition 2023 – a creative writing competition for 5 to 11 year olds, run in association with Oxford University Press.
Blog posts for: Oxford Owl
Book of the Month: Mirabelle and the Midnight Feast
Win a free copy of Mirabelle and the Midnight Feast, a magical tale about friendship, siblings and owning up to your own mistakes. Suitable for 5+ (February 2024)
World Book Day Costume Ideas
Make this year’s celebration of books and reading extra special with our no-sew World Book Day costume ideas, including Winnie the Witch and Isadora Moon.
Book of the Month: Science Words for Little People
Win a free copy of Science Words for Little People: Weather. This entertaining book introduces children to words and phrases that help them explore science confidently. Suitable for 3+ (January 2024)
Fun Christmas activities for 9–11 year olds
For older children, why not encourage them to use the events of the festive as inspiration for some Christmas creative writing? Or challenge their crafting skills with a range of paper craft activities? Alternatively, they could always knit their own polar pug…
Christmas activities for 7–9 year olds
Looking for homemade gifts to make with your child? Try making your own Christmas cards or a swirling, glittery snow globe with our activity ideas for 7–9 year olds!
Christmas activities for 5–7 year olds
Whatever the weather this Christmas, you’ll find an activity here to suit your child. Wrap up warm and go out for a winter scavenger hunt, or stay inside and play party games with our range of festive activity ideas.
Christmas activities for 4–5 year olds
Practise early maths and letter recognition skills with some Christmas colouring in and get lots of car game ideas to keep everyone occupied on long journeys this Christmas.
Fun Christmas activities for 0–4 year olds
From hand-print Christmas wreaths to games to develop shape recognition skills, discover lots of toddler-friendly crafts and activity ideas to try with your little ones this Christmas!
How to choose a book for ages 3–7
Children’s librarian Greta Paterson shares her 5 top tips for choosing books for 3–7 year olds.
Preparing for parents’ evening
Parents’ evenings are a very important part of the relationship you develop with your child’s school and teacher. Find out how to get the most out of them.
Book of the Month: The Wild
Win a free copy of The Wild, a lyrical modern fable with a hopeful message about how our environment needs us just as much as we need it. Suitable for 3+ (November 2023)