Tooled Up Education

Beach Science for Teens

Whether we are young or old, there’s so much learning that can be done at the beach. We asked science teacher, Lucy Haseler, to provide us with some fun and informative beach activities for secondary aged children to try during the holidays. Each suggestion is accompanied by either links to further resources or some age appropriate facts.

Beach Science: Primary Aged Children

There’s so much scientific learning that can be done at the beach. We asked science teacher, Lucy Haseler, to provide us with some fun and informative activities for children to try during the holidays. Each suggestion is accompanied by either links to further resources or some fun facts.

Separating Fact from Fiction in Early Reading with Professor Kathy Rastle

In this webinar for Tooled Up school staff, Professor Kathy Rastle unpicks why a sound knowledge of phonics is utterly crucial in enabling children to become skilled readers. She succinctly explains why other methods are ineffective, outlines how teachers can ensure that any interventions they use are effective and evidence-based and provides a wealth of further resources for school staff to consult.

Dr Weston Talks with Patrice Bain: A Parent’s Guide to Unleashing Children’s Learning Potential

In this podcast, Dr Weston talks with Patrice Bain, educator, speaker and author, about her new book, A Parent’s Guide to Powerful Teaching. In it, they discuss some of the science behind how children learn and Patrice outlines practical and simple strategies that parents can use at home with their children to optimise learning. You’ll also learn more about why it’s important to discuss learning processes with children, how to help with revision and retrieval and how to avoid cognitive overload.

Science in Action: 20 Fun Facts about Storms

Storms are fascinating scientific phenomena. We wanted to learn more about them, so we asked meteorologist, David Bowker, for 20 interesting facts. Download the sheet and share it with your children, or impress them with your storm knowledge!

Questions to Ask Older Teens Ahead of Exams

Preparation for important exams and assessments starts months before the big day itself. We’ve put together a list of helpful conversation prompts to use with older teens at various stages of their revision process, from 3-6 months before their exam right up to the day after.

Dr Weston Talks with Dr Rory Devine: Interacting with Children in the Early Years

In this podcast, Dr Weston talks with developmental psychologist, Dr Rory Devine. They focus on what we know about how young children develop control over their own thoughts and actions (their ‘executive functions’), and how they acquire the ability to tune in to the thoughts, feelings, and desires of others (their ‘theory of mind’), and the positive consequences these skills can have on children’s social lives, academic success and mental health. This fascinating interview will arm any parent or educator with simple ways to promote the development of these valuable life skills. Teachers can also learn more about a fantastic free tool to assess children’s school readiness.

Apps to Help Children Engage with Nature

We put together a list of brilliant apps and websites that combine on- and offscreen activities to engage children with nature. These apps are designed for both outdoor adventures and learning and encourage children do everything from creating landscapes, growing vegetables and feeding animals to identifying constellations.

Balancing Academic Achievement with Good Mental Health: Tips for Parents

It is possible for children to thrive both academically and mentally, but as parents we need to put lots in place to help this to happen. In this talk, Dr Weston shares the very best evidence-based tips on the things you can do at home to help your child thrive at school whilst promoting great mental health.