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.
BBC 500 Words Report 2023
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Blog posts for: Age 5
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)
Oxford Children’s Word of the Year 2023: Climate Change
Climate change is the Oxford Children’s Word of the Year 2023. Find out about children’s evolving use of language and analysis from Oxford University Press.
Building a strong vocabulary: How to help at home
Headteacher Tracey Smith shares her ideas for fun and easy games you can play to build your toddler’s vocabulary and boost their confidence with words.
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.
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)
Book of the Month: Thunderboots
Win a free copy of Thunderboots, a fun story about a little girl who realises that what makes her different is also what makes her unique! Suitable for 3+ (October 2023)