![From left, Sophie, Jason, Ben, Suzie and Cam eat plenty of vegetables with dinner.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/l/a/o/m/image.related.landscape.380x253.gxlbzj.png/1501453033129.jpg)
Top Resources
![Christian Bucks with his 'buddy bench'.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/2/z/8/v/0/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.2z8uv.gjzq9j.png/1444092976992.jpg)
Second-grader stamps out loneliness in the playground with a 'buddy bench'
Christian Bucks, a second-grader from York in America, came up with a heart-warming idea to ensure children in his schoolyard need never feel lonely again.
![index](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/1/q/o/p/9/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.1qoo3.gjzq9j.png/1444092976992.jpg)
What is your child’s learning style?
Just like personalities, people have different learning styles. By understanding how your child learns you can help them get the most out of their schooling.
![naplan](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/1/y/e/q/4/image.related.landscape.120x80.1yhcc.gjzq9j.png/1444092976992.jpg)
![ethics](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/2/f/k/7/1/image.related.landscape.120x80.2fk5p.gjzq9j.png/1444092976992.jpg)
![engaged school child](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/2/o/m/0/4/image.related.landscape.120x80.2olw5.gjzq9j.png/1444092976992.jpg)
![Overworked Kids](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/2/o/f/8/c/image.related.landscape.120x80.2orcg.gjzq9j.png/1444092976992.jpg)
Latest
![The perfect plan.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/y/z/p/m/image.related.landscape.300x200.glyzm3.png/1451943654269.jpg)
Little girl forges note, attempts to get another week off school
A little girl has come up with the perfect plan to get another week off school.
![BFG, Roald Dahl, Random House, RRP $19.95](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/p/w/6/y/image.related.landscape.300x200.glpwv5.png/1450323186537.jpg)
Books for Younger kids
Here are some great reads for younger kids. From the classics to new releases, familiarise yourself with these covers and make your next trip to the bookshop a breeze
![Man's best friend.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/o/m/u/y/image.related.landscape.300x200.glonr1.png/1450226285362.jpg)
History in pictures
From the gas resistant pram to using baby ducks as medical therapy, here's a selection of must-see historical pictures.
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/s/i/b/z/image.related.landscape.300x200.gln58b.png/1462947908578.jpg)
Hilarious homework fails from kids
These kids definitely deserve points for trying.
![Murphy's Law: rain at school pick ups.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/i/c/a/t/image.related.landscape.300x200.glibqm.png/1449547877138.jpg)
Why does it always rain at school pick up time?
The experts answer the question, many a frustrated parent has asked on a rainy afternoon.
![The myth that serves to obscure the gross inequality at the heart of our education system.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/f/8/o/q/image.related.landscape.300x200.glf833.png/1449182937765.jpg)
The private school myth that doesn't add up
Our grossly inequitable education system is propped up by a lie that even kids would find hard to swallow.
![Police were searching the area for the possible gunman.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/d/d/h/a/image.related.landscape.300x200.gldd46.png/1449027793511.jpg)
Man with replica gun caught 'training' in Rochedale
Police are speaking with a man who was caught running with a replica gun through parklands in Brisbane's south on Wednesday.
![Steve Walker, a father of two, created the ‘Bodyguard Blanket’ after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/9/n/s/m/image.related.landscape.300x200.gl9nwr.png/1448590244450.jpg)
Are bulletproof blankets the answer to school shootings in America?
While the idea of bulletproof blankets made specifically for school children might depress you, they are being touted as the answer to school shootings in America.
![Hugs in class ... do we need more affection, not less?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/6/c/3/n/image.related.landscape.300x200.gl694f.png/1448326675900.jpg)
More affection is needed between teachers and students, find study
The lack of positive touch in schools could actually be doing more harm than good.
![School formals for 12-year-olds have become quite a grandiose affair.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/3/l/d/3/image.related.landscape.300x200.gl3kwe.png/1447976007738.jpg)
Are primary school graduation formals getting out of hand?
Primary school graduations where children are taken in luxury vehicles, where girls are professionally styled with hair and makeup for their ceremony. High heels and tans, gifts and fuss. Is it excessive?
![What to do when met with homework resistance.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170805115532im_/http://www.essentialkids.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/y/9/x/n/image.related.landscape.300x200.gky98z.png/1447383629717.jpg)
Weighing tactics in the homework wars
My second-grader has started resisting doing homework. I am unsure what approach to take while also giving him time to relax and play.
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