Dear Reader,
Tis the season to be merry, or so they say! For busy parents already juggling work, school, and a household, the thought of probably the biggest event of the year on the children’s calendar only weeks away can be overwhelming, especially when trying to squeeze in school plays, Christmas fairs, carol services, Christmas social events and Christmas shopping. To help with some of the planning this Christmas we have plenty of events listed in this issue and some great gift ideas too. Remember to take time for yourself this Christmas we deserve a break at Christmas too!
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What's
in this issue?
When we approach our children with openness and respect, we allow them to show us who they really
are,
rather than who we think they should be. Magda Gerber Wise words!
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DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, caroline@thompson-heap.com
TICKETS TO THE NUTCRACKER BALLET AT
CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE
An annual festive treat, the delights of The Nutcracker will charm Cambridge audiences once more this Christmas. When Clara is gifted a Nutcracker doll who magically comes to life, an enchanting adventure unfolds; a dramatic battle with the Mouse King ensues, and dancing snowflakes fill the stage. A live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s splendid score adds the finishing touch to this joyous spectacle, making it the perfect introduction to classical ballet and a treat for ballet lovers and newcomers alike.
Performances of The Nutcracker are from Fri 27 - Mon 30 Dec. We’re offering the chance for one lucky reader to win a family ticket (four seats, valued at £170) to The Nutcracker on Fri 27 December at 7.30pm.
To enter please visit our Facebook page @FamCambsMag and like and share our competition post and follow our page. Good luck. Please see the Facebook page for T&C’s.
Wisbech Grammar promotes road safety and sustainable travel in Cambridgeshire
Wisbech Grammar School has recently been awarded the Cambridgeshire School Travel Stars trophy by Cambridgeshire County Council and the Bronze Accreditation from Modeshift STARS, a national scheme promoting sustainable and active travel.
This recognition highlights the schools commitment to road safety education and encouraging safer, more sustainable ways to travel. Wisbech Grammar School is the only school in Cambridgeshire to receive this award, thanks to the incredible efforts of the schools Road Safety Ambassadors, who led engaging assemblies, activities, and competitions throughout the year.
The school is very proud of its recent accomplishments and excited to continue making strides in promoting road safety and sustainable travel. www.wisbechgrammar.com
Letter from Santa
All children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post. And what could be more special than a letter from Santa? Here are two ways of making this happen.
ROYAL MAIL LETTER TO SANTA
For children to receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail children must post their letter to Santa by 30 November. Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/ Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The letter must include your child’s full name and address. More info at www.royalmail. com/christmas/letters-to-santa
NSPCC SANTA LETTER
Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a donation to the charity. The letter is ordered online and must be placed by 15 December.
letterfromsanta.nspcc.org.uk
Christmas
Your everyday is everything a foster child needs
Routines and family activities might be completely ordinary to you but could mean everything to a child in care. We spoke with some of our carers to learn more.
“Every day when our 12-year-old foster child arrives home from school I do a quick check in to see how her day has been, sometimes I don't always get a lot back, but she knows that I'm interested, and it gives me an opportunity to gauge how she's feeling. One day she excitedly told me about how she had played the keyboard in music - she was really surprised to hear that I learned piano as a child. I went and found a small keyboard from upstairs to see if she wanted a go and she was happy to try. We sat together at the table, and I taught her a little song I'd remembered, she was soon playing it from start to finish - the look of pride on her face is definitely one of my favourite fostering moments so far.” Anna, foster carer for 6 years
"My passion for sci-fi films has become a wonderful way to bond with the 9 and 10 year-old boys we care for. We recently started watching Star Wars together, and it’s been a lot of fun to share the films with them. I love seeing their excitement as they immerse themselves in the stories and react to the characters. It’s heartwarming to watch them role play together, pretending to be part of the Star Wars adventures. This shared interest has not only encouraged their imagination and creativity but has deepened our connection as well." Jeremy, foster carer for 4 years Could you foster for Cambridgeshire County Council?
It’s easy to find out more, simply call 0800 052 0078, email fostering@cambrigdeshire.gov.uk or visit www.cambrigdeshire.gov.uk/fostering
Outspoken Cycles Brings Christmas Cheer to Cambridge!
Ho, ho, ho! Christmas is arriving early for Cambridge families! Outspoken Cycles is excited to announce the opening of their new family cycling shop in Eddington, just in time for the festive season. Outspoken Cycles are there to help make your Christmas greener and more fun, offering bikes, accessories, and expert advice to keep your family cycling year-round—even in winter!
WINTER CYCLING TIPS FOR FAMILIES
Cycling in winter can be fun with a few simple adjustments. Here are some helpful tips to keep your family riding safely through the colder months:
• Dress in Layers: Keep warm by layering up—start with a base layer, add a fleece, and finish with a windproof or waterproof jacket. Don’t forget gloves, a hat under the helmet, and warm socks!
• Stay Visible: Short days mean low visibility, so equip your bikes with front and rear lights, and wear reflective clothing or accessories. Our shop stocks a range of high-visibility gear to help you stay seen.
• Choose Safe Routes: Stick to well-lit, low-traffic paths and avoid areas prone to ice.
• Regular Bike Maintenance: Winter weather can be tough on bikes. Make sure to oil your chain regularly and check your tyres and brakes. Visit us for a winter tuneup to keep your bikes in top condition.
MAKE WINTER CYCLING FUN FOR KIDS
Decorate your bike, take a ride to check out your neighbours' festive decorations, or grab some fun cycling gear! The Frog Bikes are perfect for young riders, and Outspoken offer colourful helmets and accessories to brighten their rides. Visit the shops on Cowley Road or Eddington for all your winter cycling needs. Their friendly team is ready to help you find the perfect bike or accessory.
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 5pm, Saturday: 9.30am - 4.00pm outspokencycles.co.uk 01223 789606
SAVE THE CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY
Dozens of famous faces across the worlds of TV, film, radio, comedy, music and sport are urging the nation to swap, buy second-hand or re-wear a pre-loved jumper as they launch Save the Children’s annual festive fundraiser, Christmas Jumper Day.
All of the stars pulled on pre-loved festive knits to encourage the public to join in the UK’s biggest Christmas party in an eco-conscious way and donate to Save the Children this Thursday 12th December. Since launching in 2012, Christmas Jumper Day has raised over £37 million to create lasting change for generations of children. The money raised supports children in the UK and around the world to stay safe, healthy and learning. ChristmasJumperDay.org
Alarming number of children using AI for their homework
A quarter of pupils use ChatGTP and other AI tools to help with their schooling according to recent research from the online safety group, Internet Matters. The research was based on a survey of two thousand parents of children ages 4-17 and one thousand children ages 9-17.
The study showed that of those using AI more than half of pupils are using the tools to complete teacher assignments or homework. However, the research also found that sixty percent of schools have not spoken to pupils about the appropriate use of AI.
Experts say neither educators nor the government has kept up with the exponential increase in the use of AI technology among pupils. They are calling for new guidance so that pupils are operating on a ‘level playing field.’ www.internetmatters.org
Choose Respect during Anti-Bullying Week 2024
Anti-Bullying Week runs from 11 to 15 November this year, with the theme ‘Choose Respect.’
The Anti-Bullying Alliance chose this theme following consultation with teachers and pupils who wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt caused by bullying.
The week will kick off with Odd Socks Day on Tuesday 12 November, during which adults and children wear odd socks to celebrate our uniqueness.
Following the success of the campaign in 2023, when eighty percent of schools marked the week, therefore reaching over 7.5 million children and young people, Anti-Bullying Week reminds everyone that we can bring an end to bullying. www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
Sleep Nanny Q&A
Question: Please can I have some help about how to get back on track after illness with my little one
Answer: Not sleeping through the night after an illness is typically a temporary phase. There might be some separation anxiety, so a bit of nighttime support could be needed. However, if they were sleeping through the night before the illness, they will likely resume that pattern soon.
Question: My 12 month old baby goes to bed at 7pm, how do I stop her from wanting a bottle at 5am every morning.
Answer:You’ll need to ensure it's not genuine hunger. Try reducing the amount you offer by 1 ounce every other day.
Question: Will sleep training damage my bond with my child?
Answer: Helping your child develop and maintain healthy sleep habits in a loving and mindful manner is a wonderful way to strengthen your bond. Regardless of the sleep training method you choose, I always encourage parents to use the pre-bedtime routine to snuggle and enjoy their baby, including feeding or rocking—just not all the way to sleep.
It's normal for children to resist changes to established routines; some fussing or crying is often (though not always) part of the sleep training process. In my customised sleep plans, I provide various strategies to minimise tears, ensuring parents can make changes without stepping too far outside their comfort zones.
Join the Baby and Child Sleep Masterclass, an online event held twice a month to help families with expert sleep advice. Upcoming dates include 4th November, 22nd November, 2nd December, and 20th December. Each session costs £25 per family and provides valuable guidance on improving your child's sleep.
To book your spot, visit www.melaniehastings.sleepnanny.co.uk.
How to introduce your child to the benefits of music
You may have heard that music is good for your child’s brain, but can it really make that much of a difference? The short answer is yes. There are good reasons to introduce your child to music early—and it may be easier than you think
WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT HOW MUSIC AFFECTS BRAIN DEVELOPMENT:
Early exposure to music has been shown to improve many school readiness skills like math, language, and executive function. HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HOW MUSIC CAN BENEFIT YOUR CHILD’S BRAIN:
There’s an early and important connection between maths and music. Research suggests that babies and toddlers may be innately capable of seeing and hearing patterns. Even newborns begin to notice patterns as they are soothed with steady rocking, patting, and singing beats. This early link can impact future learning—simply listening to music with a steady tempo may increase young children’s attention to a maths activity. Interacting with music can build reasoning skills. Spatial-temporal reasoning is a form of problem solving that involves using our minds to imagine, visualize, and mentally manipulate objects. Young children use this reasoning when they build block towers or work their first puzzles. It’s a set of skills that are necessary in all sorts of occupations, from
painting and graphic design to engineering and urban planning. Studies show that playing music can boost these skills, as your child learns to translate abstract ideas—like notes on a sheet of music—into sounds, rhythms, and songs.
Engaging with music may help preschoolers think before they act. Following directions is a big part of music—your child learns to
start and stop, play loudly or quietly, and make the right sound by hitting this note and not that one. This musical play can help strengthen your child’s inhibition—an executive function that includes skills like impulse control and emotional regulation. Research shows that young children who learn to play an instrument may develop these skills faster.
Children who play musical instruments at a young age can show improved language skills. There might be a reason that we use the word “reading” to describe how a child engages with books and music. The two skills are closely aligned: both require us to understand how symbols can be combined to make something new, like stories or songs. Studies suggest that engaging with rhyme and music at an early age may be linked with increased vocabulary and reading ability. Music gets children moving. Research finds that babies and young children tend to engage in more movement in response to music than to plain speech. Music gives them a chance to practice both gross motor control and proprioception, the understanding of where their body is in space. Learning to play an instrument at a young age can boost your child’s fine motor skills as well.
Taken from the lovevery blog www.lovevery.co.uk
What’s
On
Things to do, places to go and fun to be had for kids of all ages in
Cambridgeshire
Christmas in Cambridge
WHEN: 14 Nov - 5 Jan
WHERE: Parker’s Piece
Experience the all - new Christmas in Cambridge at Parker’s Piece with a festive market, ice skating, Christmas tree maze, big wheel, cosy Alpine lodge, Apres terrace and heated domes! www.christmasincambridge. co.uk
Calculators Before Calculators
WHEN: 16 Nov 10.30am - 3.00pm
WHERE: Cambridge Museum of Technology Bring your budding mathematician to this pop - up activity included in the price of museum admission. Find out what people used before calculators and make your own paper ‘calculator’ to take home. www.visitcambridge.org/event
Wetland Wakeup
WHEN: 16 Nov - 15 Feb
6.30am - 9.00am
WHERE: Welney Wetland Centre
Wondering what to do with your early birds on Saturday mornings? Join the warden to watch flocks of swans and ducks waking up on the wetlands… then enjoy a hot breakfast! From £15. www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/welney
The Big Switch on at Market Square
WHEN: 17 Nov 12.00pm6.00pm
WHERE: Cambridge
The annual Big Switch On kicks off Christmas with Star Radio entertaining crowds from midday. There will be a lively lineup from local performing arts clubs, choirs and much more. FREE. www.visitcambridge.org/event/ the-big-switch-on
A Christmas Carol
WHEN: 20 Nov
WHERE: Kings Lynn Corn Exchange
The Dickens Theatre Company brings you their joyously authentic staging of this Victorian Classic to the Second Space. A perfect festive treat for families with children aged 8 and up. www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk
Bens Yard Christmas Fair
WHEN: 6th - 7th Dec 10:00 - 4:00pm
WHERE: Bens Yard Ely
Explore over 45 independent stallholders, offering everything from handmade candles and crafts to delicious festive treats and bespoke homewares. With one of a kind gifts, you’re sure to find something special for everyone on your list. www.bensyard.co.uk
Christmas Gift & Food Fair
WHEN: 21 - 23 Nov
WHERE: Ely Cathedral
Browse over 100 boutique stalls and designers in the Cathedral then head outside to the Festive Shopping Marquee for a further 100 stalls selling festive produce, food vendors and more. www.elycathedral.org/events
Cambridge Botanic Lights
WHEN: 21 - 23 Nov
WHERE: Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Cambridge Botanic Lights bring the garden to life after dark with spectacular displays and artistic installations. Warm up with hot drinks and light bites from a selection of food stalls. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/ whats-on
Luminate
Christmas at Wimpole
WHEN: 22 Nov - 1 Jan
WHERE: Wimpole Estate
After dark festive fun for everyone! Discover neon trees, larger - than - life flowers and an amazing two colour pea - lit tree. Don’t forget to grab a seasonal snack from the street food vendors. From £10. Under 2s FREE www.visitcambridge.org/event
Christmas Crib Service
WHEN: 24 Dec 3.00pm
Winter Light Trail
WHEN: 21 Nov - 24 Dec
WHERE: The Manor House, Cambourne
Stroll beneath historic trees in this spectacular after dark light trail. Toast marshmallows, ride on the Vintage Fair and twist through the Christmas Tree Maze to the Tree House. Tickets from £10. www.wildlifebcn.org/events
WHERE: Church Farm, Stow Bardolph
Start your Christmas celebrations with a family crib service held in the Nativity Barn with all the animals. This is a 25 - minute children’s service telling the Christmas story with lots of carols. Free to attend, no booking required.
www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk/events
Arctic Walkaround
WHEN: 30 Nov - 24 Dec
WHERE: Worzals, Wisbech
Venture inside a winter wonderland including animatronics and an array of beautiful Christmas photo opportunities. Children can enjoy fun festive activities including gingerbread decorating, reindeer food making and a scavenger hunt. From £10. www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk/events
Children’s Christmas Crafts
WHEN: 30 Nov 10.30am2.30pm
WHERE: Great Fen Countryside Centre
Drop in throughout the day for a variety of festive crafts for children. They’ll use natural and recycled materials to make fun, eco - friendly decorations to adorn your home this winter. FREE.
www.wildlifebcn.org/events
Christmas Fair at Cambourne
WHEN: 30 Nov 10.30am - 2.30pm
WHERE: The Manor House
Enjoy a glass of festive mulled wine, a mince pie and browse a fabulous array of Christmas gifts. Fun children’s activities, a fabulous Christmas raffle...and a whole lot more! FREE. www.wildlifebcn.org/events
THE NUTCRACKER
WHEN: 27 - 30 Dec
WHERE: Cambridge Corn Exchange
The festive delights of The Nutcracker will charm audiences of all ages. A live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s splendid score adds the finishing touch to this joyous spectacle, making it the perfect introduction to classical ballet. www.cambridgelive.org.uk
Little Bugs
WHEN: 30 Nov 10.30am - 2.30pm
WHERE: The Manor House, Cambourne
Calling all mini - wildlife explorers! Come for a fun morning of exploration and discovery within the enclosed area of Wardown Park's arboretum, right next to the museum's car park. £3.50 per child.
www.wildlifebcn.org/events
Winter Festival
WHEN: 30 Nov - 24 Dec
WHERE: Nene Park, Peterborough
Follow the willow sculpture trail, enjoy captivating performances and experience an outdoor cinema screening. Indulge in festive food and drinks, then visit the Christmas Shop for seasonal treats and gifts. £10.50 per person. Under 3s FREE. www.nenepark.org.uk/
Christmas Craft in the Garden
WHEN: 7 Dec 10.00am - 1.00pm
WHERE: Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Bundle up warm and bring your under 3s to this festive drop - in activity. They’ll make Christmas decorations using natural materials from the garden. FREE. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/ whats-on
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
WHEN: 13 Dec - 5 Jan
WHERE: The Maltings, Ely Join Goldilocks and the Three Bears at The Maltings, Ely for a spectacular circus themed pantomime! Packed with laughs, magic and dazzling performances, it's the perfect festive treat for the whole family. www.kdtheatre.co.uk
Simply Singing Carols
WHEN: 15 Dec 5.15pm
WHERE: Ely Cathedral
Wrap up warm and come together for carol singing outside the main doors to the cathedral. FREE, no booking required, hot chocolate provided. www.elycathedral.org/events
Children’s Christmas Disco
WHEN: 21 Dec 3.30 - 5.30pm
WHERE: The Greenhouse at Downham Home & Garden Festive fun and games along with a disco party. Each child will receive a tasty lunchbox included in the price £9.95 per child PLUS purchase a ticket to the Children’s Disco and get a special discounted rate for Santa’s Enchanted Journey Christmas.thegreenhousenorfolk.co.uk
CINDERELLA
WHEN: 10 Dec - 5 Jan
WHERE: King's Lynn Corn Exchange
Have a ball at the best - loved panto of them all! Expect heaps of fun, live music, stunning sets and sensational costumes that will leave you spellbound. Special relaxed performance on 30 Dec with lower volume, dimmed lights and no pyrotechnics. www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk
SANTA’S ARCTIC ADVENTURE
1 November - 24 December
Worzals, Wisbech
£40 per child
WHERE TO FIND
Father Christmas IN
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
THE SANTA SHOW
19th - 24th December 2024
Santa’s Arctic Adventure event at Worzals is back for 2024 and is a firm favourite among children and adults alike due to the special details and immersive nature. The adventure begins by walking through a magical woodland pathway of real Christmas trees through an enchanted wardrobe, a magic portal which transports you to the Arctic Circle on the other side. Once there, families can immerse themselves in a beautiful winter wonderland with lots of fun activities including: gingerbread decorating, reindeer food making, elf post office, meeting Elsa and Anna in the Frozen village, electric tractor rides, enchanted animatronics, scavenger hunt, street food and more.
This magical experience culminates in a visit to the cosy log cabin home of Father Christmas for your heart-warming and truly memorable meeting. Father Christmas presents the children with a special gift to take home and keep. Early booking is essential. www.worzals.com/
CHRISTMAS MAGIC AT CHURCH FARM
30th November to 23rd December
£16 per child
Enjoy a day full of festive family fun and Christmas magic at Church Farm Park.
Bens Yard Pop Up Theatre, Ely
£17 per child
Get ready to embark on a magical adventure with Father Christmas and Jingleberry the Elf as they prepare for the most wonderful time of the year. But wait—there's a hitch! Santa's sleigh is in trouble! Will the hardworking Elves manage to fix it in time for Christmas Eve? With the help of Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, can they save Christmas?
This delightful, interactive sing-along show is perfect for preschool children aged 2 to 6 years old. It's a festive treat filled with music, laughter, and holiday cheer that will captivate young hearts and imaginations.
After the show, every child will have the chance to meet Santa himself and receive a special present, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on this enchanting festive event! Take your little ones to Ben's Yard and create magical Christmas memories!
Running time: 45 minutes followed by a meet and greet with Santa! www.kdtheatre.co.uk
Father Christmas will be there to greet you in his enchanting woodland retreat along with his helpers the cheerful, cheeky elves and you can enjoy the animals in traditional nativity scenes. There is something for everyone -including festive games and activities, a Christmas Adventure Story, capture the perfect festive photo on Father Christmas’s sleigh, indoor and outdoor play areas and even enjoy a flurry of snow.
Delightful gifts available in the outdoor Christmas food mini-market and indoor gift shop. Homemade lunches and scrumptious cakes can by enjoyed in the cozy tearoom.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Church Farm without saying hello to all the lovely animals - they are very excited to see you this Christmas! www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk
SANTA’S ENCHANTED JOURNEY
30th November - 24th December
Downham Home & Garden
£14.95 per child
Join Downham Home & Garden for a magical immersive adventure taking you on a journey through the Enchanted North Pole to see what your special letters to Santa go through before arriving at the big man himself!
Visit the Enchanted North Pole where you will be greeted with polar bear, reindeer and penguins amongst many other charming characters.
You will then take a trip through the Scrumptious Candy Cane Lane where the elves will be on hand to share their secret hot chocolate recipe and help the children prepare this special treat which they can take home with them, then onto Santa’s Magical Sorting Office and the Elves Workshop which hums with the sound of busy little elves crafting magic ready for the big day! Before finally arriving at Santa’s Grotto where you will spend time with Santa and receive a specially selected gift.
christmas.thegreenhousenorfolk.com/
SANTA AT SKYLARK
23rd November to 24th December
From £22.99 per child
One of the charming Elves will warmly welcome you into the winter wonderland grotto and guide you as a family. Once you have experienced all the activity stops, it will then be time for you and your family to meet the man himself.
Your chance to hand Santa your Christmas list and tell him what you would like for Christmas, then choose a toy at Santa’s toy shop or you could decide to Make-A Bear. skylark-events.co.uk/santas-grotto/
Getting to grips with handwriting
In an age where screens and voice automated systems are at our fingertips, it can be hard to convince children of the importance of handwriting. Yet the National Curriculum states that children need to learn to hold a pencil correctly and form letters, starting and finishing in the right place. Children should learn to write with speed and fluency, ensuring their writing is legible.
Everyday playtime activities can help your child develop their fine motor skills, such as threading beads, playdough and 3D modelling, using tweezers to pick up small objects. Ahead of writing, children practise mark making by using any object such as a paint brush, feather or stick. Learning how to draw straight, curved and zig zagged lines is a great stepping stone to writing legible letters.
By Zuzu Jordan
Being shown how to hold a pencil correctly from the beginning helps prevent bad habits from creeping in. Children must ‘pinch’ the pencil with their thumb and forefinger and tuck the other three fingers underneath. Using a pencil grip can help children who struggle, or ask your child to hold a coin with the three ‘tucked in’ fingers. This will demonstrate the required tripod position. A good sitting position is crucial too. Children should sit in the middle of the chair, feet firmly on the ground and close enough to the table that they don’t need to stretch.
Probably the most valuable piece of information when teaching handwriting is understanding which letters belong to which handwriting families.
Tall letters: b, d, f, h, k, l, t.
Explain that these are referred to as tall letters because they must be significantly taller than all the other letters except capital letters.
Short letters a, c, e, i, m, n, o, r, s, u, v, w, x, z.
All these letters must be the same height and half the size of the capital letters and tall letters.
Tail letters: g, j, p, q, y.
These letters must reach below the line that they are sitting on. Capital letters
All sit on the line and are all larger than every other letter.
Fine and gross motor skills
So what is the difference between fine and gross motor skills? Fine motor skills use smaller muscles, mainly in the hands and wrists. These are for precise movements such as cutting, writing and teeth-brushing. Gross motor skills require the whole body to move using the larger muscles, as in walking, jumping, throwing and swimming.
Usually we are mindful of the significant milestones in our babies and toddlers because medical professionals ask us. As children grow, these goals change but are equally important for their development.
Many parents organically provide opportunities for their children to enhance both their fine and gross motor skills. For example, taking them to the park is an easy and free way of helping them develop those larger muscles and many toys have been designed to help with the development of smaller muscles. Tasks such as buttoning and zipping can be easily included into a daily routine. Ultimately, consistency, positive reinforcement and age-appropriate activities is the key to effective development over time.
Zuzu is a Mastery for Maths Specialist who has taught primary for 18 years and is director of Arnett International. For free resources and tips, find her on Instagram edumate_uk
LEFT HANDED CHILDREN
Being left handed raises unique challenges. If your child is left handed, you may wish to try a few of these strategies to help them thrive.
Teach your child to tilt the paper slightly to the right so they can fully see what they are writing or drawing.
Encourage a pencil grip which is comfortable and the pencil held slightly below the tip with the hand resting below the writing line to prevent smudging.
Consider pens that do not smudge easily and left handed tools such as scissors with reversed blades.
Ask your child’s teacher if they can sit on the left side of the desk to prevent them bumping into a right handed neighbour.
Utilise videos on the internet created to help with any challenges. Finally, remember not to label left handedness as a problem; instead celebrate it as a unique trait.
FRI 27 - MON 30 DEC
Fri 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sun 2.30pm, Mon 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Stockists
1. Music Set £135 www.lovevery.co.uk
2. Rainbow £19.99 www.thepuppetcompany.com
3. Jester Dress Up £45.00 www.avery-row.com
4. Trike £149 www.banwood.co.uk
5. Skateboard £80 www.banwood.co.uk
6. The Little Dutch Kitchen £120 www.scandiborn.co.uk
7. Circus Tent £64.90 www.olliella.com
8. Lilliputiens My First farm £49.99 www.johnlewis.com
9. Dinkum Dog Goldie £44.90 www.olliella.com
10. Flower Fairy Dress Up £45.00 www.avery-row.com
CLASSES FOR 4 - 11 YEAR OLDS
Coleridge
