Book reviews - revision guides

KS1 Maths Question Book by Richard Parsons

Like all CGP books, this is designed to give children a solid grounding in key topics whilst always including a good smattering of fun. Four sections - counting; plus and minus; times and divide; shpaes and measure ensure coverage of the key KS1 topics. Generously illustrated, each page has a set of questions on a topic giving plenty of practice. Perfect to reinforce learning in preparation for KS1 SATS.

 Counting Book 2 (Start Maths) by Anne Montague-Smith

A bright, colourful series from QED Publishing, these books will ensure that children see maths as fun. Full of pictures of familiar objects, the busy pages give children plenty of practice with numbers 1 to 10. Children are helped by learning to read the question before answering by using the pictures and are then given additional challenges. Usefully, the book includes notes to help parents explain the concepts to children and suggestions on using the book, which can be extended into use in everyday situations. Also available - Start Maths: Counting Book 1

Numbers Book 1 (Start Maths) by Anne Montague-Smith

Children will love the colourful and appealing pictures and these make learning fun. Observation skills are encouraged and there are plenty of challenges to extend learning. The questions posed really make children think and reason on what they are doing. Again, there are tips for parents, to give confidence when helping children. Once your child has mastered the concepts in Book 1, move on to Start Maths: Numbers Book 2. Practice and repetition are the best ways to ensure children are really secure in their number work.

 Measuring (Start Maths) by Anne Montague-Smith

Measuring can be a hard concept for young children to grasp, so help them with this colourful book. The topic is approached in a practical way and parents can build on the ideas suggested to give their child more examples. The activities are fun and firmly rooted in real life, so children see the practical value of what they are learning. Another concept children need to grasp is covered in Start Maths: Sizes and Shapes Book 1

Excellence in Problem Solving Mathematics Year 2 from Rising Stars 

This book makes a practical application of maths concepts, helping children to see how maths is used in the real world and therefore making it more meaningful. Many of the questions are written in words not figures and children are shown how to tackle these problems as they are taken through the topics covered in Year 2. Clearly laid out, with good use of colour and diagrams, this is an easy way for parents to help children. Also available for KS2 - Rising Stars Maths: Excellence in Problem Solving Year 3, Rising Stars Maths: Excellence in Problem Solving Year 4, Risng Stars Maths: Excellence in Problem Solving Year 5  and Rising Stars Maths: Excellence in Problem Solving Year 6,

 Spelling I Can Learn Age 6 - 7

This is a fun and rewarding way for children to reinforce spelling - all children love the incentive of stars and stickers! As with all the books in the 'I Can Learn' series, this is written by an experienced teacher, so you can be sure your child is continuing the work done in the classroom. Nearly 30 pages of varied tests and activities - just the right length to do one a day without it being a chore. Also - Spelling: Age 5-6 (I Can Learn)

Key Stage 1 maths - the study book by Richard Parsons

Learn all the key maths concepts studied in the first three years of primary school in a fun way in this entertaining book. It's full of colourful pictures and diagrams and easy-to-follow text to keep children focused and interested in the book. It's a great way for parents to work through maths with their children at home, following the methods used in teaching today.

KS1 science - the study book by Richard Parsons

It can be hard for parents to approach science at the right level for 5 to 7 year olds, so this book will be a great asset when helping with homework, topic work or for home schoolers. There are lots of activities to sterngthen children's understanding and stimulate discussion - for instance 'How do you use each of your senses each day?'. The illustrations will help concepts to be memorised.

 KS1 English - Advanced Practice Book

This useful guide refreshes punctuation and writing skills and goes on to reassure children that comprehension is not difficult, as long as they read carefully and then look for the answers. There are plenty of practice questions, all entertainingly illustrated, and the answers are there too. The wide variety of passages covered - stories, poetry, factual writing - take children through all forms of writing they might encounter in tests, so this is a super book for practice.

KS2 ICT Study Guide by Richard Parsons

Adults may learn as much as their children from this useful book! It is written in a clear and non-patronising way that means we can all learn.  It follows the National Curriculum and covers all the key areas. It relies heavily on images of what you - or your child - will actually see on the screen in front of you and this makes it easy to follow. There are lots of activities to try out that new-found knowledge, with technical terms explained clearly alongside the multitude of diagrams. A really practical guide with plenty of fun too - not to mention exceptionally good value!

KS2 Maths Question Book - Year 3 by Richard Parsons

Make sure your child is working at exactly the level required with this series of  graded books from CGP - and then move on when they are ready (or back to reinforce learning). Clearly laid out practice questions approach concepts in a range of ways ensuring children are not thrown by the wording of a question.  It matches the KS2 Maths Study Book - Year 3: The Study Book Year 3 page for page, so do use them together. The pages are clearly laid out and the questions are written in language perfectly suited to 7 to 8 year-olds. Of course, there's plenty of fun too!

KS2 Science The Important Bits by Richard Parsons

Even though the majority of children no longer sit formal KS2 Sats tests in science, it is still essential that they have a good grounding in science - and this book is ideal to reinforce that knowledge. As with all CGP books, it is written in an easily accessible form that children will find fun. Each topic is succinctly covered, with plenty of colour diagrams and illustrations. The amount of information packed into this book is amazing! 

 Study Guides Mathematics Year 4 from Rising Stars

I am very impressed with the books from Rising Stars. They are well thought out and extremely easy to use and are also excellenbt value. Well worth a look! This covers all the topics in the maths curriculum and supports the Renewed Framework for Mathematics for Year 4, making it ideal for reinforcing concepts at home and for additional work on problem areas, thus developing confidence. Also available for other KS2 years eg Rising Stars Study Guides: Science Years 3 (Rising Stars Study Guides Series)

 Study Guides Science Year 5 from Rising Stars

Using these guides, based on the curriculum, means that parents can have confidence that they are supporting the work done in school. Topics are divided into easily manageable chunks, with clear explanations and  questions to test learning. The key facts and language boxes make the background to the topic clear and are an excellent support to learning. Answers are in a pull-out booklet which is very practical and makes cross-reference easy. Available for all KS2 years - Rising Stars Study Guides: Science Years 6 (Rising Stars Study Guides Series)

Achieve Level 5 Mathematics Practice Questions from Rising Stars 

Achieve Level 5 Mathematics KS2 from Rising Stars

Another practical book, excellent to have on hand at home to give children confidence when tackling maths questions. It focusses on how to answer questions and the unique flowcharts are a super way of showing children how to tackle questions step-by-step - they are also good for parents who are unsure about teaching methods used in schools today. The layout is clear and the use of images of people teaching makes the book approachable. Full of practical advice, this is a great way to ensure a full understanding of every concept needed to gain Level 5 in maths. 

 Achieve Level 3 Mathematics KS2 from Rising Stars/Louise Moore

This covers all the topics children need to learn to achieve Level 3 in the KS2 tests. It links to the Renewed Framework for Numeracy. Clear layout, good use of colour and plenty of practice questions to reinforce learning. Answers are at the end. Excellent value and very useful as part of this progressive series. Other titles available include Achieve Maths Level 4 Revision Book (Achieve Revision and Practice Question Books for Key Stage 2)

 Achieve Level 4 English from Rising Stars

This includes hundreds of questions at Level 4, including reading comprehension, writing, grammar and punctuation. The range of topics covered is huge and there are detailed coverage of all the topics, with hints and suggestions. I particularly like the sections on writing - an area with which many children struggle . All presented clearly and in an attractive way which makes learning fun. Tips on using the book and guidelines for the tests are included. A great way to prepare. Achieve: English Revision- Level 5 is another book in the extensive range of books from Rising Stars. Take a look at their website to see their full range.

Achieve Level 4 English Practice Questions from Rising Stars

Another excellent value book from Rising Stars. THey are well thought out and very practical guides to enable children to reach their full potential in SATS tests - the coverage of different levels is a particular feature of these books, enabling children to work at their correct level and making it easy for parents to choose appropriate work. Full of questions and explanations  - reports, settings, fiction, spelling, vocabulary and much more. Also available -  Achieve: English Practice Questions- Level 5

Maths Money Problems 7 - 9 by Andrew Brodie

So often children are quite happy with straightforward sums, but are more puzzled when it comes to written problems. This book addresses that issue, with a wide range of money problems, set out in a practical way and with a wide variety of different types of problems, to give children that all-important practice in reading and applying questions. Each page includes practical notes for teachers and there is a CD-ROM  for printing or use with an interactive whiteboard. Clearly laid out, with plenty of pictures to make the worksheets appealing, this is an excellent resource. In the same series - Maths Money Problems 9-11 

Practice Mental Maths Workbooks by Andrew Brodie

One book is available for each age group - 7-8, 8-9, 9-10 and 10-11. We need the abaility to do mental arithmetic in many areas of life - just think of those supermarket special offers, for example. Each contains over 50 tests, designed to build confidence and numeracy skills. Each test is divided into 3 sections - warm up, quick fire and a problem solver which is a word problem giving children experience of this common question type. Ideal for everyday practice in short bursts, the 10 questions in each test are just right to keep children interested. The series is an excellent way to keep your child progressing through the age ranges. Parents will be pleased to know that answers are provided!

 Practise Mental Maths Teacher's Books by Andrew  Brodie

The Teacher's Books come in the same age ranges as the books above and are an excellent classroom resource. There are 190 tests (of 10 questions each, as above) in each book, meaning teachers have one test for each day of the school year, perfect for building familiarity, confidence and speed. The questions are varied, covring all the different question types children are likely to encounter. The word problem at the end of each test is particulalry useful as many children need extra reinforcement with these. The books come with a CD-ROM, which includes the audio tests plus all the tests to print out or use on a whiteboard. Answers are provided.

 So you really want to learn science Book 1 by W R Pickering

This book, produced by Galore Park, is designed to cover the 11+ Common Entrance syllabus. As such, it is also an excellent resource for KS2 science, especially for those pupils who need 'stretching'. It is endorsed by the ISEB, so you can be sure the entire syllabus is covered so it is an excellent resource for those in schools which do not prepare for Common Entrance. The book is beautifully presented and absolutely crammed with illustrations, which make learning clear and memorable. The exercises at the end of each chapter are challenging and provide an excellent review before continuing, or great revision aids. The extension questions are particularly challenging. This book will really engage students and is also an excellent resource for home schoolers.

 So you really want to learn junior maths by David Hillard

We get lots of parents asking us how maths is taught in the classroom and this book is a valuable resource for anyone who has asked that question. The book is geared towards Year 5 and will be ideal preparation for those coming up to 11+ and Common Entrance. One key topic is covered in each chapter in a manageable chunk with clear explanations, which means it is not too daunting for children - or the parents helping them! There are masses of exercises to reinforce learning and to give children confidence that they have really grasped the concept. The book is ideal for more able children, especially the activities at the end of each chapter. Clear and colourful, this is an excellent resource for classroom and home learning.

Spelling Rules by Richard Parsons

This is such a simple idea - just learn the spelling rules which are clearly presented, then you can remember the rule whenever you are stuck for a spelling. This handy guide takes you through the most common spelling rules needed to follow the requirements of the National Literacy Strategy. Every child should have their own copy of this super book. Simple but effective.

KS2 Geography - the Study Book 

All CGP books are fantastic value and this is no exception. The colourful presentation and fantastic use of diagrams make this a really good guide for KS2 geography. Geographical concepts are explained clearly and concisely in a way guaranteed to appeal. Add to your knowledge by using the KS2 geography workout book too.

KS2 maths - the Study Book Year 4

CGP produce one of these books for each year in KS2. They are a super way to ensure all the key topics for the year are covered and they can also be used for revision at any stage. Usefully, each page includes the Learning Objective, together with circles the child can tick to show progress - this is always a great incentive to help children see the progress they have made. It also helps parents and teachers see areas of weakness. The glossary is another useful feature, to ensure understanding of all the key terms.

KS2 English SAT buster Reading Book 1

I love the way the texts for the questions are on fold-out flaps, so children can refer to the text whilst answering the questions. In the SATS tests, the different types of questions are mixed up, but this book separates out the different types so children can recognise and practise the 5 different types - you'll need to read the book to find out what they are! There are two more books in the series, too.

KS3 English Literacy Strategy Book 1 Levels 3-5 by Richard Parsons

One of three books written specifically to support the KS3 Literacy Strategy, these are ideal for knowing exactly what students needto know - not always easy to find out, so this series will be very welcome. This book is packed with questions at the correct level, so pupils are assured they are doing appropriate work. The answers are all there too, to help self-study. Of course, CGPs generous helping of fun is much in evidence! A revision guide to support the book is also available.

KS3 Maths The Revision Guide Levels 3 - 6 ed by Richard Parsons

One of the (many) great things about the CGP books is their coverage of all levels, so you can be sure that your child is working at the correct level to support school work, and then there is always progression available. 

Reading Comprehension Skills Builders Levels 3 - 5 from Rising Stars

Requests for help with comprehension are one of our most frrequent questions and this is an excellent resource for KS3.  The passages chosen are modern examples to which children can relate and are designed so that they can work through the book on their own. All the exercises will complement and reinforce work they are already doing in school. Warm-up exercises provide plenty of skills practice and all the answers are included. The book shows what needs to be done to attain level 3-4 and 4-5 under five key topic areas. The explanations are clear and the guidance excellent. Also available - Skills Builders Reading Skills Level 5 -7

Mathematics ISEB Revision Guide by Stephen Froggatt and David Hanson

This is the revised edition for the syllabus introduced for exams in 2010, so you know it covers what the student needs. It covers all maths topics needed at 11+ and 13+. Six major topics are covered, each split into 11+ and 13+. Plenty of examples are clearly laid out for the reader to work through, all reinforced by exercises and exam questions (and answers!). Clearly laid out with copious use of diagrams, the explanations are clear and understandable, reassuring the student and building of previous knowledge. A thick book and excellent value! 

 Science ISEB Revision Guide by Richard Balding

This covers the ISEB syllabus for science at 11+ and 13+. It is also an excellent general textbook for use at KS3. Physics, chemistry and biology are covered, each with a chaper for 11+ and 13+. Each section includes sample questions (and answers) to ensure the subject is learnt.thoroughly. As a revision guide, there is an overview of each topic, making it easily digestible for revision purposes - Galore Park produce an excellent range of of books - So You Really Want to Know, with more detail.

Study skills by Elizabeth Holtom

This book is a brilliant concept. We are so often asked how parents can help their children learn to study and the answers can be found in this book. The author starts by explaining how the brain works and how we can help our brain. Did you know that the brain is greedy? We all learn in different ways and the books shows us how to make the best of the way our brain works - just as useful for the adults! This is a very personal book - there are exercises to complete all the way through and going back to check up on resolutions made will be a great motivator. The book discusses all sorts of ways of learning and is highly recommended for early KS3 use.

 English Year 9 by Susan Elkin

This is the first in a new series from Galore Park. It aims to introduce students to the wonderful range of English language available. Each section contains a series of excerpts of different genres of writing, linked by a common theme. This use of different forms of writing will draw in the student and ensure that there is something to appeal to everyone. Fiction and non-fiction are included, under sections such as Eureka; the World at Work and Behind Bars. As well as questions based on the passages, there are a wide range of questions aimed at improving student's literacy skills and helping them to become fluent writers. This is a great way of drawing students in through short, inetersting texts which will whet their appetites to read the full versions.

KS3 history - the study guide by Richard Parsons

Another superb book in the CGP series. It takes you through the history syllabus for KS3 with just enough detail to cover the basics and gives a great overview of all the topics to be covered. I like the way that the layout in note form gives the information needed for the student to put into their own words to come up with a really good essay, putting their own interpretation on the facts given.

KS3 science - the workbook by Richard Parsons

All the questions you need for KS3 science in one excellently priced volume. Test your understanding with the questions then check the answers. The entertaining nature of the presentation makes answering questions fun!

KS3 ICT The Study Guide

We all use computers but knowing what goes on in the background is a different matter! This book takes the student through the technical bits needed for KS3 ICT. As always with CGP books, the information is interspersed with entertaining snippets and cartoons, meaning learning becomes really fun - a far cry from the traditional textbook. This book contains a huge amount of detail in an easily read format. Great stuff!