Does your child confidently complete calculations but become stuck as soon as those calculations appear inside a word problem?
Bar models can help. By turning the information into a simple visual representation, they allow children to see how the numbers are connected - and work out whether they need to add, subtract, multiply or divide.
In my new video, I demonstrate useful bar models for each year group from Year 2 to Year 6. The examples progress from finding the difference through to multiplication, fractions, ratio and an 11+ algebraic age problem.
The video is designed for parents, teachers, teaching assistants and tutors. You don’t need any special equipment: simply grab a pen and paper and follow along!
Watch the video below to discover how this straightforward technique can make challenging word problems feel much more manageable.
See the full video here.
For more practical English, maths and 11+ support, subscribe to the Mrs Osh Tutors YouTube channel.

 
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.

Reverse percentage questions can be tricky because you are working backwards. Instead of finding the reduced price, you are given the price after a discount and must calculate what the item originally cost.

These questions appear regularly in 11+ entrance examinations, so it is important that children understand the method rather than relying on guesswork.

Watch the step-by-step lesson
In this short video, I work through the first two questions from my reverse percentages practice sheet. I demonstrate how to:

• calculate the percentage of the original price that remains
• work backwards to calculate the original amount
• check that the answer is sensible

Watch the video and pause whenever you need time to complete each step.

Download the free practice sheet
Once your child has watched the demonstration, they can practise the method independently using my downloadable sheet. It contains 10 questions on calculating the original amount after a percentage discount. The questions become progressively more challenging, and all answers are included for easy checking.

A useful approach is to complete the first two questions alongside the video before attempting the remaining questions independently.

For more 11+ maths lessons, practical teaching ideas and downloadable learning resources, follow Mrs Osh Tutors on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube at @MrsOshTutors.

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.

"Melissa has been an excellent tutor for my child. She is patient, encouraging, and creates a positive learning environment that helps build both confidence and understanding. Her lessons are well planned and tailored to my child’s needs, making learning enjoyable and effective.

Since working with Melissa, I have seen noticeable improvements in my child’s knowledge, confidence, and attitude toward learning. She communicates clearly, is reliable, and genuinely cares about her students’ progress and success.

I highly recommend Melissa to any parent looking for a dedicated and professional tutor who makes a real difference."

A Portase, June 2026, received via Tutorbird

To my knowledge, there are very few opportunities locally for children to develop these kinds of future-focused thinking and communication skills — yet I believe they are becoming every bit as important as strong maths and English foundations.
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Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving & Presentation Skills
Wednesdays, 6–7pm
Alongside developing core English and maths skills in meaningful, real-world contexts, this class focuses on the wider thinking and communication skills that underpin success across all areas of learning — and beyond school.
What is critical thinking?
Critical thinking is the ability to question ideas, think independently, evaluate information, solve problems creatively and communicate clearly. It helps children become reflective learners who can explain, justify and develop their thinking with confidence.
What sort of activities will children do?
Activities are practical, collaborative and project-based. For example, children might:

• Design a completely original themed café and create an investment pitch for it
• Debate topics linked to their future and current affairs
• Explore fictional characters from new perspectives through areas such as costume design and symbolism
• Solve real-world problems as a team
• Research, plan, present and defend their ideas

Will it still support English and maths?
Absolutely — but in a highly purposeful and engaging way. Children naturally practise reading, writing, reasoning, vocabulary, speaking, listening, planning, finance, data handling and problem-solving through meaningful projects and discussion.
What will my child gain from this?
Children will develop:

• Confidence speaking in front of others
• Stronger reasoning and communication skills
• Creativity and independent thinking
• Better problem-solving and teamwork
• Interview and presentation skills
• The ability to explain and justify their ideas clearly

The projects also give children genuinely interesting ideas and experiences to talk about in school interviews and wider conversations.
These are skills that support success not just in school, but in later life too.
Who is the class for?
The class is designed for KS2 children and is suitable for a wide range of learners — particularly children who are curious, creative, thoughtful, hesitant speakers who need confidence-building, or academically able children who would benefit from more open-ended challenge and discussion.
Is it academic or creative?
Both. The class combines academic thinking with creativity, discussion and collaboration. Children are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions and develop ideas — not simply search for a single 'right' answer.
Why are these skills important now?
As AI and technology continue to change the world, the most valuable skills are increasingly human ones: communication, adaptability, creativity, critical thinking and confident decision-making. These are the skills many children do not get enough opportunity to practise explicitly in traditional classroom settings.
Please feel free to message me if you would like more information or would like to reserve a place.

There are some exciting updates coming to Mrs Osh Tutors from June — including a new venue, more flexible learning options, and a brand new class focused on critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

New Venue (from 1st June)
After four years of growing from a home setting — and in recognition of the parking challenges many families have navigated — we are moving to a new dedicated venue. From 1st June, all term-time sessions will take place at:

Bedford House Community Association
4 Westbury Road
IG9 5NW

This move will allow for:

• Much easier parking and drop-off
• A more spacious, focused learning environment
• Greater flexibility with sessions and scheduling

Group Classes
Most group classes will remain at their current times, although a small number will shift by up to 30 minutes. The updated timetable can be viewed here, so please do check this carefully. With the move to a dedicated venue — and the improved space and flexibility it provides — group sessions will be £30 per hour.

All current students will automatically be moved into their existing classes at the new venue (including any adjusted times), ensuring a smooth transition with no risk of losing a place.

There are now spaces available across all group classes, so families who have previously been waiting for a place — or who would like to add an additional session — are very welcome to book.

Individual Learning Groups
A new option is also being introduced: Individual Learning Groups.

These are small, structured sessions where each child works on their own personalised learning plan — similar to 1:1 tuition, but within a small group setting. Each programme is created and overseen by me as the principal teacher, with sessions supported by an experienced assistant. Groups are kept small (maximum of 6 children), with a ratio of 1 adult to every 3 children.

In practice, this approach works extremely well. Children are able to build independence and confidence while working alongside others, while still receiving individual teaching, support and guidance when needed.

Sessions can be booked flexibly week by week, making it easy to:

• Fit around busy schedules
• Add extra sessions when needed (for tricky topics or test preparation)
• Maintain consistent habits, such as regular reading

Sessions are now live and bookable via Tutorbird from 1st June through to the end of term. Each session costs £30 per hour.

New Class: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving & Presentation Skills (Years 4–6)
A brand new class is launching on Wednesdays, 6–7pm.

Preparing children for the future means going beyond academics. Success will depend not just on what they know, but how they think. With AI transforming the world around us, this course focuses on developing the skills that matter most — critical thinking, problem-solving and clear, confident communication.

In sessions, children will tackle open-ended challenges, debate ideas, present their thinking, and learn how to explain and justify their reasoning clearly.

A Note on Teaching & Support
All sessions will continue to be led by me. The new space simply allows this to happen even more effectively. Sessions are supported by experienced assistants, ensuring a calm, well-structured environment while maintaining strong individual attention. All adults are DBS checked.

Booking & Enquiries
If you would like to secure a space, add an additional session, or try one of the new options, bookings can be made via Tutorbird. For any questions about the move or the new structure, please feel free to get in touch.

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.

"Melissa has been an absolutely exceptional tutor for my son, and I truly cannot recommend her highly enough.

From the very beginning it was clear that Melissa is not just a highly skilled teacher, but someone who genuinely cares about the children she works with. She has an extraordinary ability to recognise each child’s strengths, build their confidence, and gently push them to reach their full potential.

Over the course of our 11+ preparation, Melissa worked with my son on English and creative writing, helping him develop strong analytical thinking, expressive writing and confidence in communicating his ideas. Her lessons are incredibly well structured but also warm, engaging and inspiring. She creates an environment where children feel safe to explore ideas, challenge themselves and enjoy learning.

What impressed me most was her ability to combine academic rigour with genuine encouragement. She never teaches mechanically — instead she develops curiosity, independence and intellectual confidence, skills that go far beyond exam preparation. Perhaps most importantly, she helped my son truly believe in his own abilities.

Thanks to Melissa’s guidance and support, my son passed all the highly selective 11+ exams he sat and ultimately secured a place at one of London’s most academically demanding and respected schools, something we are incredibly proud of. Melissa played a truly important role in this journey.

For our family, Melissa has been far more than a tutor — she has been a mentor and an inspiration for my son. Any parent looking for outstanding 11+ preparation would be incredibly fortunate to work with Melissa.

We will always be deeply grateful for everything she has done for our son."

​via Google reviews