Why 20 minutes is enough
Over a two-week break, skills can slip, especially in maths and spelling. Twenty minutes a day is short enough to fit around family plans and long enough to keep things fresh. The aim is to keep habits going, not to cram.
Ideas for primary children
- Read together for ten minutes and talk about the story or any new words.
- Practise times tables or number bonds with a quick game.
- Learn a handful of spellings from school lists.
- Write a thank-you letter or a short diary entry about the day.
Ideas for secondary students
- Pick one topic a day and test yourself with flashcards or practice questions.
- Try a short set of past-paper questions and check them with the mark scheme.
- Read something longer than a social media post: a novel, a news article or a non-fiction book.
- Year 11 students with mocks in January may want longer sessions on some days.
Making it stick
- Choose the same time each day, such as after breakfast.
- Use a timer and stop when it goes off.
- Take Christmas Day and other family days off without guilt.
- Let your child choose some of the activities.
Ready for January
Keep a note of anything that felt difficult over the break. It is a useful starting point for the new term. If you would like a clearer picture, a free assessment at our Cheadle, Longsight or Didsbury centre shows where your child is and what to work on next.
