Ladybird helpline homepage
For more detailed information about specific Ladybird books, e-mail our book advisor here, or call 0845 036 6600 (calls from the UK only)
Ladybird Helpline
The Ladybird Helpline is here to answer any questions you may have about Ladybird Books and how to use them. Our book advisor has an in-depth knowledge of Ladybird Books, past and present, and experience of helping children develop reading.
Contact the helpline by emailing helpline@ladybird.co.uk or by calling 0845 036 6600 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding UK Bank Holidays).
Enquiries sent by email will receive a response within 10 working days and the best Q&A will appear on this page.
Frequently asked Helpline questions include:
1. How does the Key Words Reading Scheme work?
2. How can I help my child with Phonics?
3. How can I help my child get ready for school?
4. How can I support my child’s reading at school?
1. How do I use Key Words Reading Schemes?
The reading scheme is carefully structured to ensure that a group of words are adequately repeated before the child has to learn a new group of words. The 'a' book introduces and repeats new words. The 'b' book reinforces learning by repeating these new words in a different way and with different illustrations. The 'c' book links reading to writing, spelling and phonics. For a more detailed explanation of Key Words with Ladybird, click here.
2. How can I help my child with Phonics?
- In the first instance you can help your child to practise phonics by:
ensuring that he knows the sound that each letter of the alphabet makes
- helping him to use letters of the alphabet to make simple, three-letter words, e.g. c-a-t, m-u-m, d-a-d, etc.
- as children learn more about phonics, they start to blend consonants together: st, spr, nd, ng. They also learn the different spellings of long vowel sounds: 'a' as in train, name, play
3. What can I do to help my child get ready for school?
- Talking positively about what will happen at school is a great way to get ready for this big event. Talk about what your child can expect. She will need to do a few more things for herself, such as going to the toilet, getting changed for PE, and putting shoes and socks on.
- Talk about what will happen during the day. Some children become anxious about lunch arrangements, being left behind at the end of the school day, or finding their way around the building. You can help your child feel more confident by taking advantage of organised visits or settling-in sessions provided by school.
- Prepare her for classroom expectations. Your child will learn how to work with other children, how to share equipment, and how to speak and listen to adults and children. You can help by talking to your child about being polite, helping others and listening to instructions given by grown-ups.
Ladybird's Start School series has a special focus on helping children with the emotional and practical aspects of the first days and weeks at school
4. How can I support my child’s reading at school?
Help your child with some basic learning - alphabet sounds, counting to 10, recognising some numbers, knowing colours and shapes, even writing her own name. Children learn best through play and talk. Use counting rhymes, touch and feel books, and wipe-clean formats to encourage your child to join in without worrying about getting it wrong or making a mistake that can't be rubbed out. Ladybird's First Skills series is a good starting point for preparing your child for the educational aspects of starting school.