Blog

Getting your children reading during the summer holidays can sometimes seem like an extra job - an additional cost on top of days out and endless snacks, or like school is creeping into their leisure time. But summer reading doesn't have to feel like homework! From audiobooks and family reading time to library visits and reading on days out, here are 15 easy and fun ways to encourage children to keep reading at home and throughout the summer holidays.

We have launched a new competition for 2026, which is now open as of the 18th of May! The Tracklab Competition give's Year 6 students the opportunity to showcase their creativity and musical skills in teams of 2-6 to create a song about their time at Primary School.

Introducing a brand-new book from Purple Mash Publishing, written by Ivor Baddiel and Jonny Zucker: Brainchild! It's an exciting book for 10-15 year olds which explores the battle between good and evil, and the limits and ethics of medicine.

20th March 2020, was the last day of school for many, as children, teachers and parents began a new way of learning at home. Schools have never been closed and many have remained open during holidays in order to support their local communities.

Schools that were Purple Mash subscribers began using it to support home learning and started to realise its potential as a fully cross curricular resource. Teachers have been contacting us to tell us about the engagement they have had from children and parents, the ease of use, safety features and the wide range of activities that they’re setting for their children.

Each month we highlight a different tool or application within Purple Mash and how it can be used within the classroom to support learning across the curriculum. We call this the Mash of the Month, this month it's Tracklab.

During the month, if you share how you have used the #MashoftheMonth, you will then be entered into a draw to win a 2Simple Goody Bag!