Looking for one quick activity that practises maths, reading, spelling and vocabulary all at once? Download my free Superhero Ten! printable puzzle.

Children begin by reading and remembering a short superhero rhyme featuring all the number bonds to ten. They then use the poem to solve the accompanying crossword, searching carefully for information, following clues and checking that their answers fit.

Why is this little puzzle so useful?
Although it is designed to feel like a quick, enjoyable challenge, children are practising an impressive range of skills:

• recalling number bonds to ten quickly and accurately
• reading closely to retrieve information
• understanding clues and making connections
• recognising rhyming words
• spelling familiar words correctly
• developing mathematical and general vocabulary
• using crossing letters and a word bank to check their answers
• working independently and persevering when an answer is not immediately obvious

The rhyme also gives children a memorable way to retain the number pairs. Once they have completed the crossword, encourage them to cover the poem and see how many bonds they can recall without looking.

Download the free Superhero Ten printable puzzle here.

A first look at Mission: Comprehension Junior
This puzzle is taken from my new book, Mission: Comprehension Junior, which will be published later this year.

Created especially for children in Years 2 to 4, the new book uses short, accessible texts and engaging puzzles to help younger readers develop strong comprehension habits without making reading practice feel like a worksheet.

It follows the popular puzzle-based approach used in my original Mission: Comprehension – Learn Through Puzzles. Children read a carefully chosen text before using what they have understood to complete a crossword or another enjoyable challenge. The puzzle provides a real reason to reread, check details and think carefully about vocabulary.

Keep an eye out for more news about Mission: Comprehension Junior very soon!

Looking for more enjoyable maths practice?
You can find more practical maths demonstrations, ideas and learning videos on the Mrs Osh Tutors YouTube channel. Please subscribe so you do not miss the next one.

If times tables are the next challenge in your house, take a look at my Times Tables Programme. It breaks multiplication facts into manageable steps and combines short daily practice with puzzles, games and varied activities—helping children build confidence, fluency and lasting recall.

Most of us reach for counters when a child is first learning to count - but then put them away far too soon.

In fact, the same simple resource can help children understand everything from number bonds and multiplication to fractions, ratio, probability and even algebra. The key is knowing how to move beyond simply counting objects and use counters to make mathematical relationships visible.

In my new video, I demonstrate 15 practical ways to use coloured counters across Years 1–6. I’ve also created a free downloadable guide containing every activity, complete with questions to ask, teaching points and ideas for extending children’s thinking.
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Whether you’re a teacher, tutor, parent or home educator, all you need is a handful of counters—and you may be surprised by just how much maths you can unlock.

Get your children into crosswords with this entry level puzzle. Level up their English along the way - and when the game is over, check your answers! ​Download and print it here.

Crossword puzzles are an often overlooked yet powerful tool for learning. Crosswords go far beyond vocabulary building; they offer many cognitive and academic benefits:

1. Vocabulary Expansion
   Children encounter new words and reinforce existing ones, learning meanings through context and clues — strengthening both spoken and written communication.
2. Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
   Crosswords require logic, deduction, and pattern recognition — valuable skills that translate across all subjects.
3. Spelling Accuracy
   Filling in correct spellings reinforces tricky words and supports long-term retention of high-frequency vocabulary.
4. Memory Development
   Solving puzzles taps into short- and long-term memory, helping children recall key facts and concepts more effectively.
5. Improved Focus & Patience
   Working through puzzles builds concentration, attention to detail, and perseverance —skills essential for exam preparation.
6. Creativity & Wordplay
   Fun, sometimes quirky clues encourage children to think laterally and engage with language in playful, imaginative ways.
7. Confidence Building
   Every solved puzzle offers a sense of accomplishment — boosting self-esteem and motivating children to take on greater challenges.
   
   

Including crosswords in your child’s learning routine is a smart, enjoyable way to develop vital comprehension and language skills — whether at school or at home.

Discover my range of workbooks packed with crosswords and other great puzzles for learning here.

If times tables practice in your house looks like sighing, guessing and giving up… you’re not alone. The problem isn’t times tables – nor your child!  It’s the way we’re asking them to learn.

Most practice relies on sitting still, repeating and hoping it sticks. But the strongest learners don’t just memorise; they learn by doing. One of the simplest ways to transform times tables practice is to get children out of their seats.

Here are 12 simple movement-based games that make practice active and genuinely fun for all. And when you're child is ready to test themselves, try this timed video!

1. Answer Corners
Place four possible answers in different corners of the room.
Call out a question (e.g. 6 × 4). The child runs to the corner they think is correct.
Example: Corners = 20, 24, 28, 32 → correct answer = 24
Make it better: Include a ‘common mistake’ answer (like 20) to challenge thinking.

2. Sprint & Solve
Place question cards at one end of the room.
The child runs to pick one, brings it back, and solves it aloud.
Example: Card says 7 × 8 → child runs back and answers 56
Challenge: Can they get 3 correct in a row?

3. Hit the Target
Stick numbers on a wall or floor. Call out a question and the child throws a beanbag at the correct answer.
Example: Call: 9 × 3 → aim for 27
If they miss: They still say the answer out loud before trying again.

4. Times Table Relay Race
Split into teams. Each player runs to answer one question, then tags the next person.
Example: Player 1: 4 × 6 = 24 → runs back
Player 2 goes next
Goal: First team to complete all questions correctly wins.

5. Multiply & Move
Answer a question, then perform that number as an action.
Example: 3 × 4 = 12 → 12 jumps
5 × 2 = 10 → 10 claps
Why it works: Links the number to physical experience.

6. Human Number Line
Mark numbers on the floor (e.g. 0–50).
Call out a question and the child must move to the correct answer.
Example: 4 × 7 → child stands on 28

7. Dodge & Answer
Throw a soft ball to the child while asking a question.
They must answer before (or as) they catch it.
Example: Throw → “6 × 8!” → catch + answer 48
Twist: Wrong answer = quick action (e.g. spin or squat)

8. Dice Dash
Roll two dice. Multiply the numbers, then run to the correct answer card.
Example: Roll 3 and 5 → run to 15
Extension: Use three dice for a bigger challenge.

9. Find the Fact
Hide multiplication questions around the room.
Children find one, solve it, and bring back the answer.
Example: Find: 8 × 6 → return with 48
Make it competitive: How many can they solve in 5 minutes?

10. Red Light, Green Light
Play as normal — but to move again after ‘red light’, the child must answer a question correctly.
Example: Stopped → must answer 7 × 7 → say 49 to continue

11. Build & Run
Give a multiplication. The child runs to build that number using objects (blocks, cones, etc.).
Example: 4 × 5 = 20 → build a tower of 20
Nice link: Helps visualise what multiplication represents.

12. Correct or Chase
Ask a question.

• If correct → safe
• If incorrect → quick chase/tag game

Example: 6 × 9 → wrong answer → short chase
Why kids love it: High stakes + high energy.

Why this approach works
When children move, they’re not just practising, they’re learning in a way that lasts. These games:

• reduce fear of getting things wrong
• build speed and confidence
• create positive associations with maths
• and turn practice into something children actually enjoy

The goal isn’t just to ‘know’ times tables. It’s to use them confidently and without hesitation. For many children, that doesn’t come from sitting still: it comes from playing.

Looking for more support with times tables? Take a look at this.

Find more vocabulary and comprehension activities here!

Welcome to my Christmas Crossword Challenge!
Get ready to unwrap a festive mix of maths, English, jokes, and general knowledge - all packed into one fun puzzle. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills before the holidays, test your brain after too many mince pies, or just enjoy a cosy seasonal activity, this crossword is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.
If you enjoy this puzzle, you’ll love the full collection in my book Mission: Comprehension. It is filled with even more brain-boosting challenges and perfect as a stocking filler for curious kids (and adults!). If vocabulary development is what you're looking for, take a peek at Mission: Vocabulary too!
Let’s get puzzling! 🎄🧠✨

Download this new crossword to help your child practise commonly confused homophones. Answers included!

Crosswords are a fantastic way to help children learn through puzzles and exploration. Find out more about my new comprehension crossword book here:
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https://bit.ly/mrsoshbook - see sample pages, read all the 5* reviews and buy!
https://bit.ly/mrsoshbookvideo - watch a quick video intro to the book.

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.

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.

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.