I am often struck by the impressive facts children share with me - and learn much from them! Just as often though, I discover gaps that surprise me. Last week, my Year 5 11+ students were studying a Michael Morpurgo extract which featured Australian Aborigines and not a single child knew who the Aboriginal people are. So this month's crosswords focus on general knowledge and I hope they spark some broader conversations at home. There is an easier one for Key Stage 1 and a more advanced one for Key Stage 2.

By watching my video which explains the steps to gaining a full score every time! Whether for 11+ or Y6 SATS, your child can follow along and practise the technique of 'PEE' (point, evidence, explain) to structure their answers. ​

This month's crosswords tie in with my first two story videos on Youtube. Watch The Mystery of the Missing Seeds (Y1-4) and Beneath the Blue (Y4-6) then complete the accompanying crosswords.

This cute little tale is the first in a series of story videos with questions at the end. Children up to Y4 can enjoy listening to an exciting original short story and then practise comprehension skills. There are simple retrieval questions for younger children and inference questions for older children to practise writing comprehension answers in preparation for SATs, 7+ and 11+.
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Please 'like' in Youtube if you find it helpful so that I know it's worth making more of them! Thank you.

Emails like this from happy parents are wonderful to receive! Lucky me.😍

"Dear Melissa,
I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your kind words about H and her attitude toward her studies. Your positive feedback means a great deal to both of us.

I’m grateful for the time, effort, and dedication you put into supporting her learning. Knowing that her hard work and approach have been noticed is incredibly encouraging.

Thank you once again for your thoughtful feedback and for all you do to help today . We truly appreciate your guidance and support. I will book more lessons and she thoroughly enjoyed your teaching today and she said you are the best teacher she has ever had . She couldn’t get enough and has been asking for more lessons . I will book it on the website . Thank you so much." 

​Received via email.

• How can parents protect children's critical thinking skills in the face of Artificial Intelligence? Read on for practical ideas you can implement at home.
• ​* AI risks hindering children's critical thinking by encouraging passive learning, reinforcing biases, and creating ‘echo chambers’ that limit diverse perspectives.
• * Parents can nurture critical thinking by asking open-ended questions, teaching media literacy, promoting problem-solving activities, and engaging in discussions.

Introduction
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we live, work, and learn. With the rise of AI-powered tools such as chatbots, search engines, and automated homework helpers, children have unprecedented access to information and assistance. While these advancements can offer benefits, they also pose a significant risk to the development of critical thinking skills. Without the ability to analyse, question, and problem-solve independently, children may become overly reliant on AI, threatening their cognitive abilities.

The threat of AI to critical thinking
One of the primary concerns about AI's influence on children is that it encourages passive learning. With instant answers at their fingertips, children may be less inclined to think deeply about problems or explore multiple solutions. This reliance on AI can hinder their ability to evaluate information critically, distinguish between credible and misleading sources, and develop original ideas.

Another concern is the potential for AI to reinforce biases. AI-generated content is often based on existing data, which can sometimes include misinformation or biased perspectives. Without critical thinking skills, children may accept AI-generated responses at face value, failing to question their accuracy or consider alternative viewpoints.

Moreover, AI-driven personalisation can create ‘echo chambers’, where children are exposed only to information that aligns with their previous searches or interests. This limits their exposure to diverse perspectives, making it difficult for them to engage in open-minded discussions and develop independent thought.

How to develop critical thinking skills at home
Despite these challenges, there are proactive steps you can take to nurture critical thinking. Here are some suggestions:

1. Encourage open-ended questions
Instead of giving children direct answers, ask them questions that prompt deeper thinking. For example:

• "Why do you think this happened?"
• "What would you do differently?"
• "Can you think of another way to solve this problem?"

By encouraging curiosity and exploration, children learn to analyse and evaluate information on their own.

Example Activity: Give your child a simple science experiment, such as mixing baking soda and vinegar. Instead of explaining the reaction, ask:

• "What do you think will happen when we mix these?"
• "Why do you think that reaction occurred?"
• "How could we change the reaction?"

2. Promote problem-solving activities
Engage children in activities that require them to think critically, such as puzzles, strategy games, and brain teasers. Encourage them to discuss different ways to approach a problem and justify their reasoning.

Example Activity: Play board games like Chess, Scrabble or Monopoly. After each game, ask:

• "What was your strategy?"
• "What could you have done differently to win?"
• "What did you learn from this game?"

3. Read and discuss books together
Reading books with children and discussing the themes, characters, and motivations can help them develop analytical skills. Ask them questions like:

• "What do you think the character should do next?"
• "Do you agree with the character’s decision? Why or why not?"
• “Why do you think the author chose to write it that way, or to create that particular character?”

Example Activity: After reading a book, ask your child to rewrite the ending or imagine what happens next. Discuss how their version changes the story and what different choices the characters might make.

4. Teach media literacy
Help children understand that not all information online is accurate. Teach them how to fact-check sources, recognise bias, and differentiate between reliable and unreliable information. Encourage them to compare multiple sources before forming an opinion.

Example Activity: Show your child two different news articles on the same topic. Ask them:

• "Do these articles tell the same story?"
• "What differences do you notice?"
• "Which one do you think is more reliable and why?"

5. Initiate debates and discussions
Engage children in conversations where they must defend their viewpoints using evidence and logical reasoning. Encourage them to consider opposing viewpoints and articulate their thoughts clearly. This not only enhances critical thinking but also improves communication skills.

Example Activity: Pick a fun debate topic, such as "Should school start later in the morning?" or "Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?" Encourage your child to defend their position and listen to counterarguments.

6. Limit AI dependence
While AI can be a valuable tool, it’s important to set boundaries. Encourage children to attempt homework and problem-solving tasks independently before turning to AI for help. When they do use AI, discuss the responses with them to ensure they engage with the information critically rather than accepting it blindly.
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Example Activity: When your child asks for homework help, resist the urge to give the answer or turn to AI immediately. Instead, ask:

• "How would you solve this problem on your own?"
• "What steps have you tried so far?"
• "What do you think the next step should be?"

Conclusion
AI has the potential to enhance learning, but if not used wisely, it can diminish critical thinking skills in children. By building a culture of curiosity at home, encouraging independent problem-solving, and teaching media literacy, parents can help their children become thoughtful, analytical, and independent thinkers. The goal is not to reject AI but to use it as a tool that complements and strengthens, rather than replaces, critical thinking skills.

I am hugely proud of these twins who both gained an academic scholarship at one of the most prestigious schools in the country. It was wonderful to be a part of their journey. Here's what their dad had to say:

"We approached Melissa to help with our boys 11+ exam preparation and in particular creative writing. We tried to motivate the boys to get better at creative writing, but we just couldn’t spark their interest. Fast forward and the boys have just managed to get themselves an academic scholarship at a top independent school where one of the tests they sat was on creative writing. We have Melissa to thank for this. She is not only a brilliant teacher, but she has a way of engaging children, and a way of not only bringing out the best in them but also helping them realise their potential, and she found a way to spark our children's interest to the point where the boys started to enjoy and look forward to creative writing tasks. She did this in various ways such as her book club where she introduced them to a wide genre of books from Everest to Podkin One Ear, by breaking down the elements and how to approach writing a great story, by setting them varied tasks that enthused them, helping improve their spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary, and by giving them feedback in a way which inspired them to do better. Her demeanour, teaching methods combined with her personality meant the boys looked forward to her lessons and were motivated to complete the tasks set by her.

Thank you Melissa."

​Received via Google Reviews

This wonderful success story was the result of teamwork between the parents, the child and myself. Constant communication and mutual understanding led to a superb outcome for this student's 11+ entrance exams.

"Mrs. Osh is an exceptional tutor who has been an invaluable part of my daughter's academic journey since Year 4.

Melissa is highly knowledgeable and patient. She takes the time to explain concepts clearly, ensuring that each topic is understood before moving on. Her sessions are always engaging and enjoyable, making learning feel fun. The shared love of reading between Melissa and my daughter created a wonderful bond.

If you're looking for a skilled, patient, and supportive tutor, I recommend Mrs. Osh!"

​via Google Reviews

Download your free crosswords this month! Year 3 & 4 have a great article about skateboarding tricks and Year 5 & 6 discover the fascinating abilities of axolotls.

I create crosswords for my students to develop their comprehension and vocabulary knowledge, all whilst broadening their general knowledge. These are essential skills for all children but particularly helpful for those preparing for 11+ school entrance exams and interviews.

Find two puzzles and their solutions: Y3&4 and Y5&6. 

Crosswords offer a variety of benefits for children, helping them develop skills that extend beyond just vocabulary. Here are some great advantages:

1. Vocabulary Expansion
   Crosswords encourage children to learn new words and reinforce their existing vocabulary. They’re exposed to a wide range of terms, and through clues and context, they often discover word meanings and synonyms, improving both their written and spoken language.
2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
   The process of solving crossword puzzles involves a lot of logical thinking. Children need to figure out how the words fit into the grid, which promotes problem-solving and analytical thinking. This can help improve their ability to approach challenges in various subjects.
3. Spelling Improvement
   Since crossword puzzles require children to fill in correct letters for each word, they help reinforce correct spelling. This repetitive process supports memory retention of tricky spellings, particularly for high-frequency words.
4. Memory Boost
   Crossword puzzles engage both short-term and long-term memory. Children need to remember the meanings of words, recognise patterns, and recall past knowledge to solve clues. This can enhance cognitive function and memory skills overall.
5. Focus and Patience
   Completing a crossword puzzle requires concentration, attention to detail, and patience. Children learn how to stay focused on a task until it’s completed, which can translate into better attention spans in other areas of their academic work.
6. Creativity and Wordplay
   Crosswords often involve playful clues or puns, encouraging children to think creatively and make connections between words in different contexts. This helps with developing a more flexible thinking style, which can be useful for creative writing and other forms of expression.
7. Confidence Building
   As children complete puzzles successfully, they gain a sense of achievement. Solving even a small crossword puzzle can boost their confidence, encouraging them to tackle more difficult challenges in the future.

Incorporating crossword puzzles into a child’s routine, whether in school or at home, is a fun and engaging way to help them develop these important cognitive and language skills.

Subscribe to my free newsletter now and receive new monthly puzzles, along with book inspiration, learning tips and ideas, and more.

Recent studies continue to highlight the importance of "active learning," where students interact through discussions, problem-solving, and hands-on activities. Research shows that when children actively participate in their learning, they retain information better and develop critical thinking skills that help them apply knowledge in real-world situations. Active learning at home can be just as engaging and effective as in a classroom setting.

​Read on for 8 great ideas your child can easily use today.

1. Self-Quiz or Flashcards: Create flashcards or quizzes for yourself to test your knowledge on a subject. You can use apps like Quizlet or make your own cards. The process of creating and testing yourself helps reinforce learning.
2. Mind Mapping: Draw a mind map to visually organise information. This works well for summarising topics, showing connections between ideas, and enhancing memory retention.
3. Teach What You’ve Learned: Teach a concept to a family member, friend, or even a pet! Teaching others forces you to fully understand the topic, helping you internalise the material.
4. Project-Based Learning: Choose a project related to what you’re learning (such as building a model, creating a video, or writing an essay). This approach allows you to apply knowledge in a creative way.
5. Experimenting and Hands-On Activities: Whether it's doing science experiments at home, cooking a recipe from a different culture, or making art, practical activities help you apply what you've learned in a tangible way.
6. Problem-Solving Challenges: Use brainteasers, puzzles, or math problems that require critical thinking. You could also try coding challenges or online games that encourage logical thinking and strategy.
7. Reading and Summarising: After reading an article or chapter of a book, summarise the main points in your own words. You can also try writing a blog or journal about what you've learned.
8. Create a Learning Journal or Blog: Keep a daily or weekly record of what you’ve learned, reflecting on how you can apply it or what questions you still have. Writing helps solidify your understanding and track your progress.

These activities are all about being hands-on and thinking critically about the material, even when learning on your own at home!
Want more educational tips and ideas each month? Sign up for my free monthly newsletter.

​I am so grateful to receive such positive feedback about my new Times Tables Programme!

Would definitely recommend Mrs Osh - lots of thought goes into lesson plans, content and feedback and found the sessions have definitely helped. The Times Tables programme has also been practical, helpful and easy to follow!

via Facebook Reviews

A huge thank you to Mrs Patel for taking the time to write this wonderful review for my new Times Tables Programme on Google:
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