Families Solent East Mar/Apr 2024 PRINT issue

Book by: 28 March

November/December issue competition winners

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list at www.bit.ly/ND23recipients

Welcome

Is there a touch of spring in the air? If not quite yet, then definitely very soon. It’s time to come out of hibernation and reembrace the great outdoors as nature comes back to live.

To help you do that, we have some great nature activities you can use to motivate your kids to enjoy walking on page 15! And, make sure you get out your calendar, go through our What’s On section and make a plan to enjoy some of the great events and activities going on locally.

We also have some fabulous articles about education in this issue, including how to help your child develop a positive attitude to learning. Discover more about Auditory Processing Disorder and find out how to easily support your child’s learning outside of the traditional homework routine.

Finally, in this issue, we have Sea Monkeys prize bundles to giveaway! Apply for six inside. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Have a great Easter!

Infant Superheroes at Portsmouth Grammar School

For Pre-School and Reception children, a recent Superhero Training Day was a thrilling adventure that ignited the imaginations of young heroes at The Portsmouth Grammar School.

Superhero Training Day proved to be a spectacular blend of challenges that resulted in the children certifying as fully trained superheroes! ‘These days are fantastic and consolidating the learning elements we do in the classroom,’ said Mrs Karen Cleeves, Head of Reception Year. ‘The children had so much fun being hands on with a range of activities throughout the day.’

Reception pupils enjoyed a day of excitement, as they practiced accuracy skills by squirting water pistols at special codes and took part in a speed race challenge that had them dashing around the playground.

Pre-School children listened and talked about putting their ’10 Rules of Being a Superhero’ into practice. They developed enjoyed doing obstacle courses, recharged with healthy snacks and then took part in superhero yoga to strengthen and relax.

Find out more about The Portsmouth Grammar School at an Open Day on Wednesday 20 March or Wednesday 24 April. Book your place at www.pgs.org.uk

Unlocking potential at Highfield and Brookham Saturday Sports Club

Enrolling your child in a multi-sports programme is more than just a weekend activity - it’s a beneficial investment in their overall development.

By instilling a love for sport from an early age, the club will ignite your child’s passion for sport and build the blocks for an active and healthy lifestyle. The social benefits of teamwork, sportsmanship and the enjoyment of making new friends will also shine through. The club offers children the opportunity to take part in many different sports that will equip them with a strong set of key skills for sporting success.

In addition to physical skills, mental aspects are improved through strategic gameplay, developing problem-solving skills and quick decision-making. The sports club is the perfect ground for building self-esteem and confidence as children showcase their growing abilities in a fun and supportive environment.

To find out more or to book a FREE taster, email activities@ highfieldandbrookham.co.uk and quote ‘Families Solent East’ or visit highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/saturday-sports

Families hit by escalating prices of branded goods

Makers of some popular food brands have increased the profitability of their products during the cost-of-living crisis, according to a review by the UK’s competition watchdog. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said three in four companies that supply branded products such as baked beans, mayo, infant formula and pet food have raised prices at a greater rate than the costs have increased. This had led to higher food price inflation.

The CMA warned that, as costs start coming down, some companies do not plan to cut their prices, instead passing on the savings through promotions.

As a result, families are increasingly turning to own-label brands. Find out more at www.bit.ly/CMAFoodPrices

Would you like to advertise your business in our next issue?

BOOK TODAY

Email Claire for more information at editor@familiessolenteast.co.uk

School Open Days Spring 2024

Open days may need pre-booking. Please check before visiting.

Ditcham Park School Nr Petersfield, GU31 5RN 01730 825659

ditchampark.com

Open Morning

Saturday 11 May

Call or book online.

Highfield & Bookham School Liphook, GU30 7LQ 01428 728000

highfieldandbrookham.co.uk

Open Morning

Friday 15 March 10am

Saturday 27 April

Portsmouth Grammar School Portsmouth, PO1 2LN 02392 360036 pgs.org.uk

Pre-School & Junior School:

Wednesday 20 March

Wednesday 24 April

Senior School:

Thursday 21 March

Tuesday 21 May

Portsmouth High School Southsea, PO5 3EQ 02392 824916

portsmouthhigh.co.uk

Explorer Open Morning

Saturday 16 March

10am-12noon Call or book online.

Ryde School with Upper Chine

Isle of Wight. PO33 3BE 01983 617970

rydeschool.org.uk

Please call the school for the latest open day dates or register online

To feature your school in our next issue, call Claire on 07812 218331.

Learning Forest School skills

By Jemma Z Smith

‘How was school today?’ a parent asked their child. ‘It was amazing: we all worked together to build a den; we played hide and seek in the woods and toasted marshmallows on a real fire!’ the child enthusiastically responded.

This was a conversation I overheard in the playground after my first Forest School session with my Year 3 class. No mention of the new method of addition that we had worked so hard on using manipulatives; no rendition of the funny poem that we had been reading in English that had us all laughing as we acted out the different verses.

Was I disappointed? Not one bit.

Learning outside the box

My class was the first class at the school to ‘do Forest School’ and they (and the adults) loved every minute of the afternoon.

Some people might question ‘losing’ an afternoon’s learning within a packed, timetabled curriculum. I’d respond that rather than loss, the experience was in fact very beneficial to helping these children, preparing them in general for life beyond education.

Teamwork, communication skills, risk analysis, trying things outside your comfort zone, resilience and independence are just a few things that my class of 7 and 8-year-olds learned that afternoon and they continued to learn and make progress in these areas throughout their time at primary school.

Finding your own outdoor learning

Your child’s school may not have Forest School opportunities on offer to all children but there are lots of private providers out there who run enriching after school and holiday clubs. You may even find them advertising in this magazine! Alternatively, a quick search online will usually yield a list of providers in your local area.

Even simple activities, like taking a walk in your local park, can offer outdoor learning opportunities: your kids can take note of the different leaves on the trees and research them when you get home or using an app on an adult’s phone. They can take photos of the different colours of nature at different times of year, look out for animal footprints and play ‘hide and seek’ with their friends and family - I bet the children are much better at this than the adults!

Being outdoors offers so much learning potential and like all good learning opportunities, when a child is having so much fun that they don’t realise they are learning, all the better.

New experiences

For some children, Forest School and learning outside the classroom can seem scary and unfamiliar. They may not have as much access to the outdoor environment as previous generations and this needs to be handled sensitively. Such children can still learn the skills and also enjoy everything that the environment has to offer, when led by adults who are aware of and respond to how they are feeling in a way that helps them get the most out of the opportunity.

Making it work

Not every school has access to a forest or woodland area but they can still embrace the ethos of Forest School and it can be adapted in so many ways. You don’t have to have a real fire to sing songs in the round and you can be creative in an art or music lesson and take it outside!

Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel. For further advice, visit www.educationhotel.co.uk

Trips and residential opportunities

These are a highlight of a child’s school life, allowing them to empathise with how other people live or lived, giving them a change of scenery and a change of adult teachers. Not all children learn best when sat at a table; being interactive and hands-on can have so much more impact on long-term memory and knowledge retention.

When Year 6 reduce us all to tears at their leaving assembly every July, it is the moment when someone fell out of the canoe (and got back in safely), when someone successfully abseiled or when the teacher got covered in mud (true story) at the end of the obstacle race that they want to share. These experiences teach children so much more than academic skills: they teach them life skills.

In today’s fast-paced, busy and tech-driven world, it can be difficult to take a step back and embrace what nature has to offer but it is increasingly important to do so for everyone’s well-being.

Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

By Usha Patel

Those with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) have normal hearing but constantly mishear what is said. Whilst APD is neurological in nature and may be inherited or stem from developmental problems, research shows that early childhood ear infections can be a significant contributory factor.

Children develop critical language skills between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, when the brain learns to map out and store sounds for language processing. When a child starts reacting to words with a smile or starts speaking their first words, they are effectively associating these sounds with meanings.

If a child suffers from constant middle ear infections during this critical period, the ability to process language and speech can be affected. Sounds which normally become imprinted in the brain’s memory and language centres are not properly established. The mishearing happens because the brain recognises aural information differently from what the child actually hears. For example, when children can’t differentiate between thirteen and thirty. Whilst hearing can be perfectly normal, the brain just cannot process those sounds correctly due to their similarity. This inability of the brain to accurately process what is heard results in the Auditory Processing Disorder condition (APD).

APD is often difficult to diagnose in children as they may have other learning difficulties such as dyslexia, attention deficit disorder or dyspraxia (DCD), which may mask the condition. It also cannot be diagnosed with standard hearing tests; it requires specialist audiology testing.

Helping your child at home

Minimise background noise and speak face-to-face so your child can watch your lips while you talk. This gives them visual cues for how you say things;

Provide simple, short instructions. Note that children aged 2 to 4 can only hold two pieces of information in their brain at one time;

Allow extra time for your child to process information and ask what they understood;

Always ask your child to repeat mispronounced words - in a fun way;

Bedtime audio books help with following stories and engaging with auditory material;

Children are often tired at the end of the school day and it’s exhausting listening to specific information through competing background sounds;

Understand that when phonics are in place, your child may not be able to ‘blend’ sounds with ease and may need more practice;

Show your child’s school the completed questionnaire at www.bit.ly/AuditoryProcessingQ

Children with APD have also been observed to:

Have trouble paying attention to and remembering information presented orally;

Have problems carrying out multi-step directions and need more time;

Misunderstand what is said and ask for instructions to be repeated;

Have language difficulty and language delay (eg they confuse syllable sequences and have problems developing vocabulary and understanding language);

Appear to have behaviour problems, often because they are not complying with given instructions;

Have difficulties retrieving spellings because they struggle to remember the sounds.

The Raviv Practice London (www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk) offers a structured language programme for APD called Fast ForWord (FFW), a computer based learning programme based on twenty five years of research. FFW can be used anywhere in the UK. Screen your child with a FREE questionnaire at www.bit.ly/AuditoryProcessingQ

Packaging learning

By Zuzu Jordan

Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote ‘tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember; involve me and I learn’ captures the essence behind true learning.

This may be why encouraging your own child to WANT to sit down to learn can feel like an impossible task at times, with parents often questioning how their child is able to sit, concentrate and learn at school.

Covid lockdowns thrust homeschooling onto families. Parents had to take on the role of teachers, experiencing the complexities surrounding learning, while children faced the need to respond differently to their parents as teachers.

Being in a classroom in a school setting, rather than at home, helps children grasp that a different set of rules apply. In fact, in schools, they conform simply because the majority do - children are excellent at policing each other!

There has been a rise in the number of families who choose to homeschool, many of whom have developed effective strategies to create a learning environment at home. Whether you want to homeschool, support homework or just nurture a love for learning, a deep dive into the working mind of a child can offer ways to package learning.

Understanding that learning is something that occurs through experiences or acquiring knowledge and skills, we can usefully engineer situations and scenarios to facilitate this. These techniques can package learning as inviting and exciting.

Use toys. This applies for children of all ages. For example, Nerf guns are great at firing at answers to times table questions or spelling. Scrabble tiles are also fantastic for practising spelling. Foam letters or numbers in the bath are fun for both spelling and maths questions.

Go into the wild. There’s so much learning to be done in the great outdoors: making rain gauges, following maps, gardening, studying wildlife and classification.

Question of the week. To encourage independent thinking, at the start of the week pose a question which doesn’t have an obvious answer. For example: ‘Who built the strongest buildings - Romans or Saxons?’ Developing curiosity in children is key to packaging learning.

Celebrating achievements

This is the fun, rewarding and essential part of parenting, increasing self-esteem and motivating children to keep learning. Try these:

The Tate Modern allows children to upload their own artwork for display in the online gallery (www.tate.org.uk/kids).

Some maths apps have pre-made certificates. For example, Whiterose 1 Minute Maths App (www.whiteroseeducation. com/1-minute-maths)

Blue Peter Badges are fantastic way to celebrate children’s work. There are a number of badges your child can apply for and they even get your child into some attractions for free!

Computer games. The settings and characters in welldeveloped computer games are designed to entice children. This can be good for enhancing creative writing skills.

Emailing experts. Consider setting your child up with an email address so that they can email an ‘expert” in a chosen topic to find out more. For example, if they are learning about volcanoes, they could email a vocanologist.

Book and movie comparison. Turn a movie session into a learning opportunity. Watch the film and then read the book or vice versa. Compare their similarities and differences.

Reading dogs. There’s a lot of research that suggests that children’s reading improves if they read to pets. It’s as simple as that!

Treasure hunts. Children love finding things. Plant words, numbers, sentences, objects and questions around the house and send children to find them.

Board games. A lot of learning can come out of playing board games. Create your own board game linked to your chosen topic.

Current issues - whether environmental, social or political. Find something that your child is passionate about. Write letters, research, devise fundraising events.

Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths specialist who has taught primary aged children for sixteen years and is interested in early years and home learning. For free homework and home learning resources, find the Facebook page Edumateuk.

Cross curricular learning

Cross curricular learning links subjects together, allowing children to find patterns and connections, thus developing and deepening their knowledge of a subject. For example, writing a diary entry in the role of someone in Ancient Roman times embraces English and history and is therefore a cross curricular activity.

This type of learning helps enforce key knowledge and make subjects meaningful. Cross curricular links are particularly important in maths as they provide context for their mathematical problems.

Developing a positive attitude towards learning

No matter how skilled or knowledgeable a person might be, their attitude may well be the deciding factor in their future success, both personal and professional. Recent neuroscience has discovered the crucial role a positive attitude plays in the learning process, particularly during the primary years.

The second a child is born, their brain, with roughly eighty six billion neurons or nerve cells, ‘hits the ground running’ making connections through senses and experience. Everything a young child does, feels, hears and sees creates pathways between these nerve cells, building a reference bank of experience.

In the first three years, the connections the brain makes have risen to one thousand trillion. This is an automatic process. Ninety percent of brain development is complete by the time a child is 5 years old.

Although there is a default setting for the brain to function whether we engage or not, when it comes to learning, children who are actively engaged in the learning process are going to be far more effective and therefore, higher achieving than their peers who are simply ‘going through the motions’ of learning. The child who loves practising the guitar is going to progress more quickly than the child who battles with you or resents practising!

The reason for this is that as we grow, the brain takes its lead from what we do repeatedly. Where we make a conscious decision to put effort is where the brain will focus connections.

Harnessing your child’s positivity

Encourage your child to be independent by teaching them skills. Start with self-control and move on to organisation, planning and taking responsibility. Children love to have a positive, personal development reason for what they do that both has meaning for them and brings results.

Children don’t assume. Choose a regular date for a hot chocolate or breakfast alone together. We suggest once a month. Clear everything to listen to how your child is getting on. This validates them and tells them they matter enough for you to make space to talk to them.

If you can’t listen ‘right now,’ tell them when you will. Children are quite happy to wait until they have your attention if you let them know when that will be.

Recognise effort. A child once told me I could photocopy a blank sheet of paper to help the school budget. I loved his creative thinking, took him to the photocopier and explained in a warm and friendly way the reason why that idea wouldn’t work!

Children who enjoy what they’re doing, who love learning and who have a positive attitude, actively engage. Active engagement creates the signal for the connections the brain makes to be ‘cemented’ in myelin, a coating of fat and protein which make them ‘automatic.’ This is how learning is assimilated and habits are created.

The brain doesn’t know whether what a child is doing is good or not, it just takes its lead from repetitious behaviour and feedback from their surroundings, in this case, parents and teachers. The more positive a child’s attitude, the more positive the connections and growth they make, which can lead to excellence in performance.

Gail Hugman is a teaching and learning expert at Lessons Alive (www.lessonsalive.com) and author of 100 Things to Learn Before You’re 10, plus the soon to be published Making the Pennies Drop – Helping your Child Build Skills. Available from Amazon.

Ages 6+

Bundles include:

Worth £53 each

Facing tween challenges

By Tanith Carey

No longer a child but not yet a teenager; 8-to-12-year-olds change quickly.

The result is that parents face lots of shifts, including their tween wanting more privacy and independence. None of these will feel as daunting once you know the developmental reasons and see the world through your tween’s eyes. Take this common real-life scenario:

Your tween says: ‘Dad said I could’. Scenario: Your partner goes against your rules and lets your tween play video games on a school night, sparking a row when you get home.

What your tween’s thinking: ‘I’ve worked out that dad is laxer about gaming, so I’m taking advantage. I know mum will be angry but for now, all I care about is more screentime. However, when my parents disagree, I feel I’m to blame. When they contradict each other, it makes me feel unsafe and like the grown-ups don’t have a clue.’

What you might be thinking: If you’ve worked hard to maintain this boundary, you may conclude that your partner doesn’t respect how hard it is to stick to these rules. You may also be angry that being so lax will mean your tween will now want to play video games every school night, making your job harder. You may also resent your child for taking advantage.

How you could respond: Before saying anything, take a few deep breaths to help you calm down. Once you feel ready, speak to your co-parent out of your child’s earshot and agree on a united front to jointly give notice to your child that it’s time

Keep Out

Scenario: Your tween has put a sign on the door saying: Keep out!

What your tween’s thinking: ‘My room is no longer just a place to sleep and keep my toys. Now I want more time to think, I want it to be my kingdom where I can have privacy and also use it to show off some of my developing interests.’

What you might be thinking: You may struggle to take this new boundary seriously and worry the sign is going to be a red flag to any siblings who will see it as a challenge.

How you could respond: Tweens are using ‘magical thinking’: a belief that if they think something, it will happen and the sign really will stop people coming in without permission.

As far as possible, respect their wishes and start knocking if they ask you to. See it as part of their personal development and how they choose to decorate their door as a guide to their developing interests.

to wind down their game. Update your child: ‘Sometimes Dad and I do things differently but now we both agree it’s bedtime.’ After your tween is asleep, keep talking to your co-parent. Keep an open mind, rather than going on the attack. For instance, is gaming their way of connecting and having fun with your child? Could there be slightly different rules on the nights when they are in charge?

Keep in mind too that parenting is about teamwork, which requires different strengths. The most important thing is that you both stay consistent to what you each decide and don’t undermine each other in front of your child.

Tanith Carey is co-author with Dr Angharad Rudkin of a new handbook for tween parents What’s my Tween Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, available now from www.bookshop.org

All my friends have a phone

Scenario: Your tween pleads for a smartphone because ‘all their friends’ have one.

What’s your tween’s thinking: ‘Not all my friends do but I’ll tell my parents that anyway so they’ll think they’re being unfair.’

What you might be thinking: While you may believe they’re too young to have access to such a vast online world, their request may tap into your fears they’ll get left out by their peers.

How you could respond: Acknowledge their wish and explain that you understand while standing firm: ‘I know a phone would make you feel grown-up but I want you to grow up experiencing life in the real world first.’

As your child gets older, you could also compromise by letting them use an old family phone or tablet that you ALL access and only in the common areas of your home, after homework. Never in bedrooms. Make it a rule your child can only post to closed groups of school friends and family, not in public forums.

Is gaming truly a villain?

By Dr Amit Sra and Vivek Behi

According to a recent survey, a staggering ninety one percent of children ages 3 to 15 play video games on a device. This gives rise to concerns about potential gaming addiction, the impact on children’s social skills and the presence of seemingly violent or inappropriate content, all of which contribute to parents’ unease about their children’s gaming behaviours. But what if we challenged the notion that gaming is the villain?

In our view, there are often-overlooked advantages of gaming for children. Here are some of the key benefits for young minds and some guidance for parents on ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.

Despite the common perception of gaming as a mere pastime, recent research underscores the significant impact of strategic and puzzle-solving games on cognitive functions. By enhancing problem-solving, critical thinking and spatial awareness, these games are more than entertainment. They actively stimulate creativity and imagination, with many titles encouraging players to construct their own virtual realms and narratives. These activities lead to cognitive advantages that translate into reallife problem-solving and creative thinking, providing a mental exercise with practical applications.

With the rise of online multiplayer games, our children have the opportunity to interact and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds.

Many video games involve multiplayer modes or online communities, enabling social interaction and collaboration. Engaging with others in a virtual environment can help children develop social skills, teamwork and a sense of camaraderie,

Tips for in-game purchases

In numerous games, it is now typical to find in-app purchases and microtransactions. It is essential to initiate open and positive conversations with your child regarding responsible spending in these gaming scenarios. Prompt them to grasp the significance of money and recognise the possible repercussions of unauthorised in-game purchases. Establish boundaries on their spending over specific periods and emphasise the importance of seeking permission before making any purchases. This approach ensures that gaming remains an enjoyable and educational experience while instilling vital financial lessons to safeguard against unforeseen expenses.

As well as discussing responsible spending with your child, educate them on the concept of virtual economies within games. Explain how in-game currencies work and the importance of distinguishing between virtual and real-world money. Emphasise the satisfaction of patience and earning rewards through gameplay rather than resorting to instant purchases. By instilling these values, you empower your child to make informed decisions, fostering financial responsibility and enhancing their overall gaming experience.

while being part of gaming communities can create a sense of belonging for children, especially those who may feel isolated in other aspects of their lives.

Despite the benefits, protecting your child’s online experiences is a top priority as a parent. Creating a secure and enjoyable gaming environment for your kids is crucial to them gaining from the advantages. Like films, games come with age ratings. The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system provides detailed age ratings to help parents determine the suitability of a video game for their child.

As long as parents ensure children are engaging responsibly, gaming can be more than a hobby. It serves as a valuable avenue for children to learn, develop and forge connections in today’s digital landscape.

Dr Sra and Mr Behl are owners of the youth esports arena Valhallan (www.valhallan.com), which offers a secure and nurturing environment in which children can foster their love of gaming.

Saturday Sports Skills

Adventure travel for families

By Ashley Lutz

If you have a sense of adventure and fancy shaking things up with your next family holiday, what options can you consider? Whether you are into wildlife or want to explore an unforgettable landscape, there’s always something that can be tailored just for you, whatever your family’s ages, stages and budget.

Road trip through New Zealand

New Zealand is a familyfriendly destination in so many ways. One of the world’s safest countries, it’s easy to get around and there’s much to explore within a relatively compact area. With a few hours of driving, you can take in volcanoes, thermal springs, beaches, cityscapes and offshore islands. One for all ages.

Explore lakes and mountains

Switzerland is a fantastic option for the whole family with action-packed rope parks, toboggan runs, pristine lakes and rivers for summer swims and boating, plus incredible mountains for hiking and biking. With a super-easy public transport system, you can sit back, relax and take in the incredible scenery.

Tuk tuks and tea plantations

Exotic wildlife, ancient forts and captivating culture are in abundance in Sri Lanka and offer a wonderful introduction to adventurous travel. Experience subcontinental Indian life while cycling through peaceful villages and touring working tea plantations, take a safari trip in search of wild elephants, deer and crocodiles. Or chill out year-round by one of the many lovely beaches.

Cape Town to Victoria Falls

Boasting jaw-dropping scenery and some of the planet’s most iconic wildlife, families can seek out the ‘big five’ on safari in South Africa, soak up the charms of cosmopolitan Cape Town and see penguins march along Boulders Beach. Then top off the journey with a visit to the spectacular Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Hunt the Northern Lights

One of the most impressive wonders of the natural world, the Northern Lights are on many bucket lists as a must-see natural occurrence. Plan a fun family adventure and explore Iceland in winter; spot the Northern Lights from the water and take a real glacier walk, see frozen waterfalls and warm up the family in the geothermal hot springs.

Wildlife in Canada

For the outdoors and wildlife, Canada is an amazing selfdrive holiday destination. With expert planning, you might pack in a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls, walking on a glacier amid the soaring landscape of the Canadian Rockies or searching for whales and bears around Vancouver Island.

Balinese Adventure

For a mix of adventurous activities Bali is perfect! Known for its beautiful beaches, Bali also offers exhilarating white water rafting, beautiful rainforests, gorges, rice paddies and the chance to snorkel in clear blue waters. Add a few nights in Singapore and enjoy some delicious street food in the hawker markets.

Summer in the Pyrenees

Get off the beaten track and enjoy an unforgettable holiday of adrenaline-fuelled activities in the Pyrenees. Hike and cycle, then spend a wet and wild afternoon whitewater rafting. Explore nearby hamlets on horseback or go fishing in the local lakes. From scenic valley hikes to mountain biking and zip-lining, there’s a great mix of activities and entertainment for all ages.

Ashley Lutz is a Travel Counsellor with seventeen years’ experience working with families to find inspiring holidays best suiting their wants, needs and budget. More info at www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/ashley.lutz

What's On Your family guide to

All listings correct at the time of going to print. Please check with the venue before visiting to ensure events are still going ahead and the venues are open.

Ongoing

Treasure Trails

Across South East Hampshire and West Sussex treasuretrails.co.uk

A self-guided spy mission walking trail or treasure hunt inspired walk. Trails are 2 to 2.5 miles and take approximately two hours. Print a map at home or buy online.

Ongoing

‘50 Things’ Activities

The National Trust: Petworth House, Uppark House nationaltrust.org.uk

Why not try some of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenges? There’s something for every young explorer to do.

Every Wed (term time only)

Mini Makers & Shakers

Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP, cft.org.uk

Brand new workshops and activities for Early Years. Take part in fun activities for 2-5 year olds. Choose from Storytime Rhymes, Little Artists and Mini Movers and be prepared to join in as each child will need a grown-up to enjoy the session with.

Every Thu & Sat

Family Fun

Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP, cft.org.uk

A weekly expansion of CFT’s familyfriendly spaces which invite you to bring your pre-schoolers and catch up with some parent pals. Children

can discover toys, colouring-in and chalkboards, fancy dress and books in nooks, while grown-ups can indulge in delicious coffee and cake.

Thu 10am–12pm, Sat 9am–12pm Ages 0-5. FREE.

Every Thu (term time only)

Little Notes

Chichester Festival Theatre, PO19 6AP, cft.org.uk

Take part in live music, led by classically-trained opera singer and musician Mark Bradbury from Little Notes. Ages 0-4.

Every Sat

Family Saturdays

Aspex Gallery, Portsmouth, PO1 3BF, aspex.org.uk

A different creative activity each week, from painting to model making - these free creative workshops are fun for all the family.

Weekly Until Tue 26 Mar & Tue 16 Apr to Tue 2 Jul

Musical Moments

Highfield & Bookham School, Liphook GU30 7LQ highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/ holiday-clubs

Weekly enrichment for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, designed to spark imagination, stimulate learning and strengthen family bonds through music. To book a FREE taster email activities@ highfieldandbrookham.co.uk and quote ‘Families Solent East’.

Ages 0-4. 8.45-9.30am

Explore Stansted Park this Easter

Visit Stansted Park this Easter and enjoy a fun-filled family day out, with children visiting Stansted House for FREE over the holidays.

The Easter Bunny has snuck into Stansted House and hidden 12 Easter eggs - can you find them all? Explore the beautiful state rooms and extensive servants quarters and discover more about the Earl’s of Bessborough as you search the House. You may even spot the Easter Bunny as you explore!

The Stansted Yew Maze and Light Railway will also be open during the Easter holidays (weather and staff permitting) –The Maze is open weekends and school holidays from 10 March, 11am–4pm. The Light Railway is open Wed and Sat from 2 March, 10:30am–3:30pm. Stansted House is open Sun-Tue, 1-5pm (last admission at 4pm) from Sun 31 March. Find out more at www.stanstedpark.co.uk

Sat 2 to 23 Mar

Saturday Sports Skills

Highfield & Bookham School, Liphook GU30 7LQ highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/ school-plus/saturday-sports-skills Ignite your child’s passion for sport with this weekly multi-sports club. Designed for children in Years 1 to 4, the club offers a fun and supportive environment, sparks enthusiasm, nurtures talent and introduces children to a healthy and active lifestyle. To book a FREE taster email activities@highfieldandbrookham. co.uk and quote ‘Families Solent East’. 9.30am-12pm.

Fri 8 to Sun 17 Mar

British Science Week www.britishscienceweek.org

British Science Week is a ten day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths and will mark its 30th anniversary. Find a local event online.

Sat 9 & Sun 10 Mar

Mother’s Day Crafting Workshop Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens Horsham, RH13 6PP leonardsleegardens.co.uk Spend the day celebrating your mum with these hands-on workshops making the Mother’s Day gifts. 10.30am-2.30pm.

Sun 10 Mar

Mother’s Day Stanstead Park, Rowlands Castle, PO9 6DX

www.stanstedpark.co.uk

Treat your Mum to a special day out at Stansted Park with free entry to the House for all mothers. There will also be a special trail for kids - can they find all the bears that are hiding in the House? House open 1pm-5pm (last entry 4pm).

Fri 15 to Sun 31 Mar

Great British Spring Clean

https://bit.ly/KBTspringclean

Wherever you live, you and your family can make a difference to your local environment by sparing just a few hours to take part in the Great British Spring Clean. The event aims to encourage people across the country, to come together to clean up streets, parks, beaches and other public spaces. See online for local events.

Sat 16 Mar to Mon 15 Apr

Boom & Bloom

Winchester Science Centre, SO21 1HZ

winchestersciencecentre.org

Enjoy the usual Science Centre fun like hands-on exhibits, exciting live demos and minibeast adventures, plus even more to excite children aged 5 to 12 and their families. Solve

An Easter eggstravaganza at Aldingbourne Country Centre

Join Aldingbourne Country Centre for an Easter Eggstravaganza from 29 March to 12 April.

Every penny you spend goes directly towards helping the work of Aldingbourne Trust, supporting adults with learning disabilities or autism to live independent lives.

From Friday 29 March to Friday 12 April (10am-4pm), there will be Bounceabout, a family-favourite event where you jump the day away on a field full of bouncy castles. And, it wouldn’t be Easter without a chocolate Easter egg hunt (or a dragon egg hunt).

There’s so much more on too. See the website for details. Find out more at www.aldingbournecountrycentre.org/ events

the puzzles to earn an Easter treat and find out the difference between rabbits and hares in the Eggstravaganza Easter Hunt and discover all about the science of a childhood favourite, bubbles, in the fun-filled 20-minute live show, Bubble Trouble – both included free with admission. 9.30am-5pm.

Sun 17 Mar & Sun 21 Apr

Hampshire Farmers’ Market Southsea, PO5 3PS visitportsmouth.co.uk

Hampshire Farmers’ Markets brings beautiful, fresh local produce to Portsmouth and Southsea every month. Peruse delicious food and drink from producers hailing from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, including honey, meat, craft beer and artisanal spirits, chocolate and more. FREE.

Sat 23 Mar

Where’s Mrs Ladybird Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2AB portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/whatson

A live hide and seek story for tiny people to share with their grownups. We’re looking for Mrs Ladybird and you can come too, as all our insect friends play peek-a-boo with you. Created with families in mind, this is a perfect first theatre experience for babies and toddlers. 11am. Ages 18mth to 3 years.

Sat 23 & Sun 24 Mar

Spring Makers Market

Petworth House, West Sussex, GU28 9LR

nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth

Find a treat for yourself at this makers market featuring high quality artisan gifts. You’ll find a range of handmade products including jewellery, homewares, textiles and art. 10am-4pm.

Sat 23 & Sun 24 Mar

Artisan Fair

Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth funyardevents.com

Pick up beautiful handmade treasures at the designer shopping outlet Gunwharf Quays. Shop stalls brimming with unique gifts, gorgeous crafts, art, photography, jewellery, food and drinks and more.

Sat 23 Mar & Sat 13 Apr

Wonder Gig for Families

The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, Portsmouth, PO9 1BS thespring.co.uk

Go along to a Wonder Gig and enjoy an uplifting 60 minutes with your little one as you listen to talented live musicians playing beautiful acoustic versions of well-known pop songs.

Sat 23 Mar to Sun 14 Apr

Spring Festival

Petworth House, West Sussex, GU28 9LR

nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth

The Spring Festival will include talks, demonstrations, a community art installation, art and craft workshops, family activities and an enhanced display of daffodils. The Spring Festival opening weekend will feature a two-day Makers Market, held in partnership with Petworth Pop-Up and for the second two weeks there will be a free family trail in the Pleasure Garden to engage our younger visitors in the wonders of nature. Free event, normal admission applies. 10am-5pm.

Sat 23 Mar to Sun 14 Apr

Easter Adventure Quest

Osborne, Isle of Wight, PO32 6JT Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight, PO30 1XY english-heritage.org.uk

Embark on a cracking Easter Adventure Quest! Children will receive a quest booklet which will take them on an egg-citing hunt around the grounds, uncovering clues to the fascinating history behind Easter. On completing

Spring into Easter at WSC with Boom & Bloom

Hop on over to Winchester Science Centre this March and April for the return of Boom & Bloom between Saturday 16 March and Monday 15 April, including every day during the Easter school holidays.

There’ll be all the usual Science Centre fun like hands-on exhibits, exciting live demos and minibeast adventures, plus even more to excite children aged five to 12 and their families - all included with admission. Solve the puzzles to earn an Easter treat and find out the difference between rabbits and hares in the Eggs-travaganza Easter Hunt and discover all about the science of a childhood favourite, bubbles, in the fun-filled 20-minute live show, Bubble Trouble. And don’t forget all the other hands-on fun on offer!

Find out more at www.winchestersciencecentre.org

the challenge there will be a tasty chocolate treat to tuck into. £2 plus normal admission.

Sat 23 Mar to Sun 14 Apr

Spring Family Trail Petworth House, West Sussex, GU28 9LR nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth

Explore the arrival of Spring on this free family trail with activities for all the family. Discover games and activities for all ages. 10am-5pm.

Thu 28 Mar & Sun 28 Apr

Relaxed Open Morning Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth, PO1 SPY maryrose.org

Relaxed open morning from 10am-12pm, where the lights in the museum will be at a higher level, and sound effects will be turned down. Suitable for SEN children.

Fri 29 Mar to Fri 12 Apr

Easter Eggstravaganza

Aldingbourne Country Centre Chichester, PO18 0JP aldingbournecountrycentre.org

Enjoy Bounceabout, a familyfavourite where you jump the day away on a field full of bouncy castles. Plus, take part in the Easter egg hunt (or a dragon egg hunt).

Fri 29 Mar to Sun 14 Apr

Easter Fun at Fort Nelson Portsmouth, PO17 6AN royalarmouries.org/fort-nelson/ whats-on

Come and have a great free family day out at Fort Nelson this Easter. As well as a brilliant Bunny Bingo

trail, the falcons will be flying at the Fort on four special days. 10am-5pm.

Sat 30 Mar

Creative Saturday Workshop: Stamp & Print

Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery, GU32 3HX petersfieldmuseum.co.uk

Enjoy a fun, hands-on creative workshop and develop your creative talents in different materials and techniques. £8pp. 10.30am-12noon.

Sun 31 Mar

Stansted House and Maze

Reopens for 2024

Stanstead Park, Rowlands Castle, PO9 6DX

www.stanstedpark.co.uk

Explore the beautiful State Rooms and extensive Servants Quarters and discover more about the Earl’s of Bessborough in this true upstairs/ downstairs experience. Stansted Yew Maze will also be open weekends and school holidays from Easter until the end of October. Please note that Maze opening is weather permitting, check the website before travelling.

Tue 2 to Fri 5 Apr

Hola Sports

Highfield & Bookham School, Liphook GU30 7LQ highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/ holiday-clubs

Explore sports, teamwork and outdoor fun with a hint of Spanish flair in this course. 9am-4pm. Ages 5-10.

Tue 2 to Fri 5 Apr

Tech Camp

Highfield & Bookham School, Liphook GU30 7LQ highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/ holiday-clubs

Dive into programming challenges, robot coding, DJ mixing and LEGO programming. Whether tech-savvy or new to STEM, children will flourish with their new found skills. 9am-4pm. Ages 5-11.

Tue 2, Thu 4 & Tue 9 Apr

Kids Club

Port Solent, Portsmouth, PO6 4TP portsolent.com

Popular family-friendly Kids club including a children’s party disco session, magic shows and more.

Family theatre adventure at Titchfield Festival Theatre

Gather the whole family and embark on an unforgettable theatrical adventure this spring at Titchfield Festival Theatre!

From the timeless tale of Little Red Hen to the wild west antics of Calamity Jane, the whimsical escapades of The Gingerbread Man, and the beloved classic Wind In The Willows, the upcoming shows promise to captivate audiences of all ages. Whether you’re young or young at heart, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create cherished memories with your loved ones. Book your tickets now and experience the magic of live theatre like never before!

Book at www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com

Stansted Park

Wed 3 to Fri 5 & Tue 9 to Thu

11 Apr

Bushcraft

Highfield & Bookham School, Liphook GU30 7LQ highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/ holiday-clubs

Step into beautiful woodland with this Bushcraft course. Children will engage in hands-on activities including shelter-building, exploring forest life, crafting and fire-making. 9am-4pm Ages 6-10.

Wed 3 to Wed 10 Apr

Family Crafts (drop-in) Petworth House, GU28 9LR nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth

Get creative with Spring themed crafts at Petworth. Everything you need to create your own mini wreath and greeting card will be provided. £3 plus admission. 10.30am-3.30pm.

Thu 4 Apr

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2AB portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

Drawing on the wealth of peculiar episodes, Box Tale Soup invite you down the rabbit hole into a timeless world of wondrous fantasy. 2pm. Ages 3+.

Fri 5 Apr

Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science

Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2AB portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortexgenerating dustbins and even howling jelly babies! 1pm. Ages 5+.

Fri 5 to Wed 13 Apr

Calamity Jane

Titchfield Festival Theatre, Fareham, PO14 4BG titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com

Calamity Jane is a feast of musical delights. 2.30pm or 7.30pm.

Sat 6 Apr

Kaleidoscope

The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, Portsmouth, PO9 1BS thespring.co.uk

The world is your Kaleidoscope. Inspired by research into how a baby’s sense of sight develops and how they instinctively begin to categorise colour, watch as a multicoloured Kaleidoscope is brought to life for you and your baby. 11am. £6.

Sat 6 to Sun 14 Apr

The Big Brick Build Osborne, East Cowes, PO32 6JT english-heritage.org.uk

Children over four years old can get creative by helping to build a LEGO® sculpture of Queen Victoria herself, guided by expert brick artists. Families can take part as many times as they like for the price of a standard admission ticket.

Wed 10 Apr

Spot’s Birthday Party Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2AB portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

With party hats, songs, dancing and lots of interactive party games, this is going to be the best birthday party ever! Based on the beloved Eric Hill classic Happy Birthday Spot, this brand-new adaptation brings your

Thu 11 & Fri 12 Apr

Multi-Activities

Highfield & Bookham School

Liphook GU30 7LQ highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/ holiday-clubs

This lively course offers a great choice of activities for children, combining outdoor adventures like scavenger hunts with arts and crafts, team games, sports and swimming. 9am-4pm. Ages 4-9.

Sun 14 Apr

Sunday Waterside Market

Port Solent, Portsmouth, PO6 4TP portsolent.com/events/sundaywaterside-markets

The market offers a diverse range of goods and services, from fresh produce and artisan food products to handmade crafts and gifts. It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing Sunday.

Mon 15 Apr

Ancient Life Activity Day

Butser Ancient Farm, PO8 0BG butserancientfarm.co.uk

Don’t just study history — experience it! Get away from the classroom and hands on with a special day of fun and educational activities bringing history to life. 10am-2pm.

Thu 18 & Fri 19 Apr

Dear Zoo

New Theatre Royal, Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, PO1 2DD newtheatreroyal.com

Rod Campbell’s much-loved lift the flap book has been a firm favourite with children and parents for nearly forty years. Lovingly adapted for the stage, his distinctive illustrations leap from the page in this colourful show packed full of puppetry, songs and of course, all the animals from the zoo. 10.30am & 1.30pm.

Sat 20 Apr to Sat 29 Jun

Saturday Sports Skills

Highfield & Bookham School, Liphook GU30 7LQ highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/ school-plus/saturday-sports-skills Ignite your child’s passion for sport with this weekly multi-sports club. Designed for children in Years 1 to 4, the club offers a fun and supportive environment, sparks enthusiasm, nurtures talent and introduces children to a healthy and active lifestyle. To book a FREE taster email activities@highfieldandbrookham. co.uk and quote ‘Families Solent East’. 9.30am-12pm.

Sat 27 Apr

Creative Saturday Workshop: Wild Weaving Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery, GU32 3HX petersfieldmuseum.co.uk

Create your own weaving artwork inspired by nature. £8pp. 10.30am12noon.

Sun 28 Apr

Ministry of Science! Science

Saved the World Kings Theatre, PO5 2SJ kingsportsmouth.co.uk

Join the presenters as they dive deep into the world of science.Ages 6+.

BOOKING NOW

Fri 12 to Sat 20 Jul

The Wind in the Willows Titchfield Festival Theatre, Fareham, PO14 4BG titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com

An enchanting adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s legendary animal adventure story, with Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger battling the evil weasel army. Tickets now available online. 2.30pm or 7.30pm.

A year of nature activities

By Catherine Hughes and Becky Goddard-Hill

The impact of nature on wellbeing is well documented and getting children outside is proven to boost both their physical and mental health. But how do you incentivise them with different, exciting, low cost and eco-friendly outdoor activities all year round? Think crafts, science experiments, scavenger hunts, beach and camping games and so much more.

Here a just few nature activities you may want to take with you to liven up your next outdoor adventures as a family.

WHAT’S IN THE BAG?

Pop an object or two in your backpack as you walk and have the rest of your group ask questions to try and guess what it is. You can tell them the first letter of the object and they get ten questions to ask about it - to which you can only answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

Will they work it out or will you have to tell them? Best not to take anything too heavy or it will feel like a long walk!

MAKE A LEAF WAND

At the start of your walk find a long, slim but strong stick. As you walk, thread on the best leaves that you find. You might want to go for all large leaves or all orange leaves or maybe a mix. Encourage every member of your family to do the same – you’ll be surprised how different all your wands look. On your return, arrange your leaf wands into a vase for a beautiful display.

If you have a neighbour or older relative who doesn’t get out much, consider gifting them a leaf wand to bring a bit of nature’s treasure into their home.

THREE FUN NATURE CHALLENGES

For each challenge, make sure you agree on a ‘base’ before you start.

Find five stones, then bring them back to base and see if you can use them to build a tower that doesn’t fall over. Choose a marker such as a particular tree. Balance your paper cup on your head and walk to the marker, then try walking back to base without the cup falling off your head. Find some twigs, bring them back to base and use them to form the first letter of your name (or your whole name if you want a bigger challenge).

Catherine Hughes and Becky Goddard-Hill are co-authors of A Year of Nature Walks and Games, a book packed full of ideas to keep kids entertained in the great outdoors all year long. It features crafts, science experiments, scavenger hunts, beach and camping games plus lots and lots of ideas on how to make the great outdoors inspiring. Available from good book stores and online retailers.

All the usual Science Centre fun PLUS Eggs-travaganza Easter Hunt and Bubble Trouble live science show!

Weekends and school holidays

You may want to specify that each descriptive word can only be used once, as well as taking a notebook to keep track of your spots.

16th March to 15th April Book