Simple explanations
Simple explanations
Gives you simple explanations adapted to your year group.
Simple explanations helps pupils understand something they have met in class, in a book or in the world around them. The pupil chooses an age, and the assistant explains in language that fits: very simple and short for the youngest, a little longer and more precise for teenagers. It keeps the tone safe, friendly and a bit playful.
The best way to use it is to ask a real question, for example “Why do we have seasons?” or “How does a vote work?”, and then keep asking. Follow-up questions such as “Can you explain that with an example?” or “What does that word mean?” are what turn an explanation into understanding. A good habit is to retell the answer in your own words afterwards, so you can tell what you really understood.
Teachers use it to give pupils extra support with difficult words and concepts, to prepare for a new topic, and to show how to ask good questions. It is not a replacement for the textbook or for the teacher, and it is not meant for copying answers into homework. It helps pupils make sense of something so they can explain it themselves.
- Year groups
- Years 1–10 (ages 7–15), adapted to the age you choose
- Subject
- All subjects
How you can use it
- Get a difficult word or concept explained in simpler language
- Prepare for a new topic by asking what it is about
- Ask follow-up questions after a lesson until it makes sense
- Practise explaining something in your own words after reading the answer
- Support pupils who read slowly or are learning the language of instruction
Example conversation
- Student
Why is the sky blue?
- Simple explanations
Sunlight looks white, but it is made of many colours mixed together. When it travels through the air, the blue light bounces around the most, so blue light comes to your eyes from every direction. That is why the sky looks blue.
- Student
Then why is the sky red when the sun goes down?
- Simple explanations
Good question! At sunset the light has to travel through much more air to reach you. Most of the blue light gets scattered away on the way, and the red and orange light is what is left. Can you explain it back to me in your own words?