How To Help Your Child With Year 7 English
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 9 minutes ago
In September 2025, my eldest child started secondary school and, even though I’d spent over a decade teaching English in secondary classrooms, I still felt that same quiet swirl of nerves most parents experience.
Would she cope with the routines? The homework?
Naturally, because I teach English, I was secretly hoping she’d love the subject just as much as I do. I wanted her to feel confident when analysing a poem, or enjoy writing stories without worrying about every full stop.
But I knew it wouldn’t all happen overnight.
The truth is, even when you know the curriculum inside out, watching your own child navigate that shift into secondary school is a different experience altogether. You realise pretty quickly that it’s less about whether they’re academically "ready" and more about helping them adapt, bit by bit.
It’s a big change, after all. Suddenly, they're moving from being the oldest at primary to the youngest in a new environment. There'll be new teachers, unfamiliar faces, different teaching methods and a whole host of new challenges.
With all these shifts, it's completely understandable to pause and think, "Is my child ready?"
First off, don't worry - Year 7 is specifically designed as a transitional year. It isn't about your child getting everything perfect right from the start; it’s about helping them adjust comfortably to secondary school life.
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Packed with practical tips to help your child build confidence and prepare for KS3 success.
What Does Year 7 English Involve?
In most schools, students are introduced to a range of texts, from modern novels to poetry and sometimes even a bit of Shakespeare. They’ll explore character, plot and themes and start learning how to analyse texts more deeply.
On the writing side, they’ll be expected to produce both creative and non-fiction pieces, focusing on structure, vocabulary and clarity. Grammar and punctuation are revisited and built upon too. There’s also a growing emphasis on developing opinions and being able to explain those clearly; whether that’s through writing or class discussion.
It can sound like a lot, but it’s all taught with the understanding that students are still settling in. The aim isn’t to overwhelm them - it’s to stretch their skills gradually and build confidence along the way.
How Can You Help Your Child With Year 7 English?
Reading
You may not be surprised to learn that reading is crucial for success in English...and, in all honesty, in all subjects.
Your child doesn't have to have read all of Shakespeare’s plays but being comfortable with longer texts, such as novels, short stories and even newspaper articles, really helps.
Encourage your child to read daily but keep it enjoyable. A variety of genres works well and it's perfectly fine (even encouraged!) for them to reread their favourite books. Familiarity builds confidence.
Some children find reading a full novel tricky at first, especially when the vocabulary or sentence structure feels unfamiliar. One simple way to help? Try audiobooks.
Listening to a story while following along in the book can boost understanding and keep them engaged, especially if they're still adjusting to longer texts.
Local libraries often offer free audiobook downloads through apps like Libby or BorrowBox, and services like Audible sometimes have free trials or special offers.
If they’re studying a particular book or play at school, you could also watch a film or TV version together. It’s not cheating: it’s just another way to bring the story to life and help it stick.
Writing
By Year 7, pupils should ideally write clearly and coherently...but it doesn't have to be perfect!
A solid paragraph structure, with a clear beginning, middle and end, is what’s important.
Spelling and punctuation matter, sure, but what's crucial is the ability to communicate ideas effectively so even writing a diary, blog, or an opening to a story can be useful practice.
Speaking and Listening
We often overlook listening and speaking but they're just as important. In secondary school, discussion, debate and expressing ideas aloud become more common.
Encourage your child to express opinions at home or discuss family topics over dinner. Brief casual debates or simple explanations of their day can build confidence and fluency.
A strong vocabulary isn't about memorising a dictionary (thank goodness!). Instead, it develops naturally through regular reading and conversation.
Encourage curiosity about new words by discuss its meaning or how it could be used and a good understanding of basic punctuation, including commas, full stops and question marks, will really help.
Independent Learning
Year 7 also nudges your child toward more independent learning. Simple tasks like organising their school bag, completing homework without constant reminders, or choosing their own reading material will set helpful habits for secondary school life.
Remember...
Every child adjusts differently to secondary school, and that’s completely normal. There’ll be moments of doubt, of course...and plenty of small wins too.
If you’re ever worried, reach out to their school. Teachers are used to spotting early struggles and can offer reassurance to help support your child with Year 7 English (or anything else). In addition, there is also a wide variety of free and affordable online resources which may help.
The most powerful thing you can give your child is encouragement. Show interest in what they’re doing (even if you don’t always understand the homework) and praise the effort more than the outcome.
With your support and a little patience, they’ll find their feet...and maybe even grow to love English! Good luck!
About the Author
I’m a private tutor, a former secondary school English Teacher and the founder of English Home Studies. In addition to offering 1:1 tuition sessions for students from 9 - 16 years old (Year 5 - Year 11), I create digital and printable revision guides and activity packs.
I often post advice and links to free and affordable English resources on the English Home Studies Facebook and Instagram pages but, if you have a child in KS3 or KS4, you might like to join one of my Facebook groups:
If you would like to find out more about my qualifications and experience or read some of the lovely reviews I've received from previous clients, please have a look around my website and, if you have any questions, please send me a message. Many thanks.
