Families Cambridgeshire March April Easter and spring issue

F R TAKE EE ME H OME

IN THIS ISSUE

WIN tickets to 'The Wizard of Oz'

Issue 69 March/April 2022

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Contents & Competition

Dear Reader, I always think that spring is the prettiest of months after the long, dull days of winter. Leo Tolstoy wrote, ‘spring is the time of plans and projects’, so to help you plan the Easter holidays we have a packed issue full of events in cambridgeshire over the Easter holidays. Plus places in Cambridgeshire offering Easter camps and “The be workshops to help provide safe secure st way to mak children e g ood is t childcare and opportunities for children to o make them h appy.” learn a new skill and make new friends.

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facebook.com/famcambsmag

Thank you to Caroline Allington photography for the beautiful cover image. www.carolineallingtonphotography.com

DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiesCambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

Families Cambridgeshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Cambridgeshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Cambridgeshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Cambridgeshire its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

What's in this issue?

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News & Views Baby News What's On School Spotlights Nurturing emotional intelligence 13. Clubs and Classes 14. Learning the Times Tables – Tips & Tricks EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiesCambridgeshire.co.uk ASSISTANT EDITOR: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net

22,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

4 TICKETS TO SEE THE WIZARD OF OZ AT THE MALTINGS, ELY (Any performance on 7th or 8th April) Fly over the rainbow with this exciting adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic ‘The Wizard of Oz’. This spectacular, pantomimic, colourful story is packed with hilarious jokes, dazzling dance routines, glittering scenery and plenty more for all the family, plus at the end of the show you will have a chance to meet the larger-than-life characters!

To enter, please visit our Facebook page @FamCambsMag and like and share our competition post. Good luck.

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 3

News & Views

Fly Over the Rainbow

Fly over the rainbow with this exciting adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic ‘The Wizard of Oz’ coming to The Maltings, Ely on the 7th & 8th April 2022.

Join Dorothy as she goes on a magical adventure to the Land of Oz. Along the way she makes new friends with the Scarecrow who longs for a brain, the Tin Man who really wants a heart and the very cowardly Lion who is desperate to be brave and have some courage.

Dorothy needs to find her way home, but it’s not going to be easy with the Wicked Witch of the West keeping a close eye on her! Will the Great and Powerful Oz be able to help?

This spectacular, pantomimic, colourful story is packed with hilarious jokes, dazzling dance routines, glittering scenery and plenty more for all the family, plus at the end of the show you will have a chance to meet the larger-than-life characters!

Tickets are available online www.kdtheatre.co.uk or by calling 01353 725 025

Bigger veg portions encourage kids to eat more

A new study by US researchers found that adding more veggies to their plates resulted in children consuming more vegetables at a meal.

The researchers found that when they doubled the amount of corn and broccoli served at a meal the children ate 68% more of the veggies.

Serving fruit and vegetable side dishes alongside a meal was found to be slightly less effective.

Co-author Barbara Rolls says the findings offer parents and schools an easy strategy for encouraging healthy eating and stresses that half of the food on a child’s plate should be fruit and vegetables.

If you find this method increases waste, just replace some of the more filling food on the place with even more vegetable produce, she suggests. More at www.sciencedaily.com/releases

Don’ t forget

Mothering Su nday 27th March

Become a Host Family

EF host families play a key role in fulfilling EF’s mission of breaking down the barriers of culture, language and geography that divide us.

Become a host family for international students today and be part of this great cultural exchange.

Why host with EF? Experience the world Few experiences can spark interest in the world like opening up your home and becoming a host family for an international student.

Being a host family with EF is a unique, rewarding, fun and educational experience for all members of the family and an opportunity to create long-lasting relationships. Hosting with EF is a great way of sharing and learning differences in languages and cultures.

Exchange cultures With EF you’ll welcome an international student into your home.

You will experience true cultural exchange and demonstrate your community to the world. As a host family you become a vital part of our students’ time abroad and their experiences, helping them to gain a deeper insight into your local culture, pick up expressions with much greater ease and return home with a more authentic accent.

Showcase your hometown By becoming a host family you give students a chance to experience maximum cultural immersion by living as locals – with locals. EF host families become the students’ home away from home, and provide a safe and comfortable environment for students to ensure they get the best experience abroad as possible.

HIP HIP MORAY!

SEA LIFE Hunstanton adds four new moray eels to its underwater family and names them after iconic celebrities including Elvis, Neil Young and…Ian Beale SEA LIFE Hunstanton has introduced four brand new zebra moray eels to its waters and named them after influential celebrities in true SEA LIFE fashion.

Zebra moray eels are a fascinating species most notable for their remarkable two sets of jaws. The breed is also known for being able to tie themselves in a knot to ensure they get a good grip on their food.

The new eels who are now on display at SEA LIFE Hunstanton were originally born at SEA LIFE Adventure in Southend.

4 Families Cambridgeshire

PRESSURISING PICKY EATERS DOESN’T WORK

While picky eating is part of the norm for developing toddlers, when it extends into the school years, it takes a toll on all involved.

New research from Australian universities has found that a range of factors contributed to a child’s likelihood of being a fussy eater.

The study found that pressuring a child to eat, offering rewards for eating and very strict parenting all negatively influenced fussy eaters. Whereas a more relaxed parenting style, eating together as a family and involving a child in the preparation of food all reduced the likelihood of fussy eating.

Lead researcher Laine Chilman said ‘Eating together as a family, with siblings and having a single meal at a regular time all helped reduce food fussiness. As did getting the fussy child involved in the meal, either by helping to choose the menu, or helping to prepare the meal.’ More at www.sciencedaily.com/releases

One of the new additions is Elvis Presley, the king of rock is now the king of the rockpool, as the new member of the team ‘can’t help falling in love’ with their new surroundings, as they make the aquarium its very own Graceland.

Also introducing Eel Beale, Andy Moray and Eel Young who is the fourth zebra moray eel joining the SEA LIFE clan. To visit the new eels at SEA LIFE Hunstanton, book online via the website here: www.visitsealife.com/hunstanton/

Participate in British Science Week

British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths which takes place from 11th to 20th March.

People from all over the UK take part in events and activities to develop their skills in these areas at a wide range of venues, such as community groups, cultural centres and museums.

A range of FREE activity packs and other resources suitable for all age groups can also be downloaded for fun family activities in the home. To find a local event, visit www.britishscienceweek.org familiesonline.co.uk

News & Views

Plastic-free Red Nose Day!

Magic Carrot

Red Nose Day 2022 will return on Friday 18th March and will feature a collection of the “wildest bunch” of character noses yet.

There will be eight characters to track down, including the colourful Cam the chameleon. All Noses will be 100% plastic-free, making them green as well as red.

Red Nose Day is a campaign created by Comic Relief to help raise awareness of and put an end to child poverty. So why not buy some red noses and help raise money to keep children safe, healthy and educated?

As well as making a donation, you can find tips on creating your own fundraiser or planning a school fundraising event at www.rednoseday.com

SCHOOL TESTS DON’T AFFECT WELLBEING

Primary school tests do not seem to have a significant effect on the wellbeing and happiness of children, a study has found.

Research conducted by University College London suggested that there was little difference in levels of wellbeing and happiness reported by children, regardless of whether they took Key Stage two tests or not.

Children in Year 6 in England who took SATs tests did not experience any significant change in how they felt about themselves, their family lives and their school in the weeks surrounding the tests, the study discovered.

Researchers say that there does not seem to be sufficient evidence to support getting rid of SATs tests ‘on wellbeing grounds,’ in spite of calls from both parents and teachers to scrap the compulsory assessments.

The research also found there was no evidence to show that pupils who were happier or more self-confident in the build-up to the tests achieved higher scores. More at www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events

Sibling bullying and mental health

Bullying by a brother or sister in childhood can have lasting effects, threatening mental health in the teen years, new research suggests.

Researchers from University of York analysed data from around 17,000 youngsters in the UK from ages 11 to 17, looking at whether they had been picked on by a brother or sister.

Bullying was defined as hurting a sibling on purpose emotionally or physically, such as fighting and name calling.

The study found children bullied between ages 11 and 14 were more likely to have mental health issues by age 17. Data showed they were almost twice as likely to be introverted, compared to children who had good relationships with their siblings.

It also found children who picked on their siblings were just as likely to suffer as their victims, which scientists said was ‘of particular note.’

More at www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events

The perfect activity for a family Easter afternoon, the Magic Carrot game from Janod offers hours of fun with an engaging and competitive game.

RRP £29.99

St Mary’s School, Cambridge empowers young women to lead the next generation of STEM discoveries

The last two years have turned the global spotlight on the vital role that Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) professionals play in the world. Women at the forefront of the fight against COVID, such as Professor Sarah Gilbert, Catherine Green OBE, and Özlem Türeci, are showing a new generation that there are no limits to what women in STEM can achieve. St Mary’s School, Cambridge is drawing inspiration from these role models to empower young women to lead the next generation of STEM discoveries.

Dr Alves Martins, Head of Chemistry and Science, said: “At St Mary’s we are 100% behind the drive to get more women into STEM roles and recognise the part we, as educators, have to play. Single-sex education has been proven to challenge negative perceptions of the sciences and to boost uptake and performance in STEM subjects for girls.”

In our Junior School, we unpick assumptions about the sciences and start afresh, unlocking the satisfaction and creativity of STEM subjects.

This is supported by our state-of-the-art facilities, including the Yingting Qian STEM Lab, which is set to open this year.

As students progress in their school careers, Cambridge’s thriving tech scene, museums and world-class higher education institutes provide positive STEM role models and unparalleled opportunities for our students, from work experience at ARM to attending inspiring science lectures at the University of Cambridge.

You can find out more about STEM at St Mary’s by booking a place at our STEM Taster Event from 9.30am-12.30pm on 12 March 2022.

Perform classes will build your child’s confidence

Perform puts children’s social development at the heart of their weekly sessions for 4-7s and 7-12s. Using performing arts-based games and inspiring activities, their classes are designed to boost confidence, build concentration, develop communication skills and hone coordination - and are brimming with fun and laughter too.

Run by professionally trained actors, dancers and singers, classes are kept small to ensure individual attention, with regular progress reports provided. Fantastic termly resources – such as free apps, music downloads and dance videos - support each theme, meaning the fun continues at home. But don’t just take Perform’s word for it, see what parents say by visiting www.perform.org.uk The beaming smile you see when Annabelle finishes a class is so wonderful to see.

She has grown in confidence and thoroughly enjoys it. – Katie Pashley Children can join at any point during the term and will still take part in the end of term performance. Classes are for all abilities; children just need to arrive ready to have the best fun of the week! Book a no-obligation FREE trial class to get started at perform.org.uk/try. Families readers receive a £40 discount when booking before 31st March, just quote CAM310322. Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk perform.org.uk/try familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 5

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Nannies | Babysitters | Maternity Nurses | Housekeepers 22/01/2022 16:02

Families Baby News

Be Safe with more airflow

With the BeSafe® 3D Mesh, adventures have never been more comfortable for little ones and with the introduction of the NEW anthracite shade it takes cool to the next level. The BeSafe® Mesh fabric has an open structure and a spacer layer with a 3D structure. That way, heat and moisture are guided away from your child, while air can flow in-between the layers offering up to 8x higher air permeability* on selected car seats.

This fabric is available in two colour tones with a premium finish ‘Anthracite', which perfectly matches dark car interiors and ‘Peak', a mid-grey tone that reduces heat absorption.

BeSafe® is dedicated to developing the safest possible car seats for children of all ages and prides itself on its innovation and design. This new addition to their range builds on their pledge to keep children safe and comfortable as they travel. * Compared with conventional PU foam-laminated fabric www.BeSafe.com

Families LOVES

The Stepup Baby Learning Tower

Supports your child’s development by involving them in daily activities in a safe and fun environment.

The Learning Tower, inspired by Montessori principles, helps children from 18 months to 4 years to learn and play in a fun way.

Available in four modern finishes - White, Grey, Varnish and Natural wood finish option can be painted to match your own décor.

With three adjustable platform heights, the step will accommodate your growing child for years to come.

Easy to wipe down and clean, so you don’t have to worry about not being messy! www.stepupbaby.com

SnüzPouch® doubles up BIBS launches a new dummy, Boheme

The BIBS Boheme takes inspiration from the modern bohemian style, combining natural elements like wood, rattan and macramé with artistic, quirky, and organic patterns.

The lightweight shield faces away from the sensitive and delicate skin around the baby’s mouth to ensure minimum contact with the baby’s nose and mouth, which means less chance of moisture build-up from saliva that can cause rashes and sore spots.

All BIBS dummies are made of the best material on the market and 100% free of harmful and endocrine-disrupting ingredients such as PVC and BPA.

Iconic sleep brand, Snüz, unveils its much-loved SnüzPouch® in an essential Twin Pack.

The new option gives parents the chance to double up on a trusted product that will save the ZZZ’s and the pennies and is especially useful for twins - what’s not to love!

Known for its stylish prints, the new Twin Packs have been thoughtfully created to ensure the duo of sleeping bags work seamlessly together.

Whether parents choose the classic Grey for neutral hues, or the super cool Mono Twin Pack, or they opt for the serene Clouds & Stars, or fun Colour Twin Pack featuring the brands stunning rainbow print, they are promised two of the brands striking designs.

The new Twin Packs will be available in size 0-6 month, in both 1.0 Tog and 2.5 Tog ratings to support parents all year round. They provide added convenience, and at £49.95, the Twin Pack offers a saving of more than £10.

RRP: £49.95 | Stocklist: www.snuz.co.uk

New law to protect breastfeeding mothers

Taking photos of breastfeeding mothers in public without their consent is to be made a crime in England and Wales.

Campaigners have welcomed the law-changing decision. Julia Cooper from Manchester began the campaign to make taking pictures of breastfeeding mothers illegal after her own experience in a local park last April.

‘I sat down to breastfeed my daughter and I noticed a man on another bench staring at us,’ she said, ‘he got out his digital camera, attached a zoom lens, and started photographing us. I just felt that it was so wrong that we had been violated in this way and there was nothing the police could do to help,’ she added. ‘This change in the law will provide the reassurance that mothers can breastfeed in public without strangers freely photographing and filming as they wish.’ familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 7

THE WIZARD OF OZ

What’s Ons to place Things to do, be had go and fun to ages in for kids of all

Cambridgeshir

WHERE: The Maltings, Ely WHEN: 7th and 8th April

This jam-packed Easter Pantomime adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic story, written by Daniel Bell (writer of Ely’s Christmas Pantomimes) is packed with hilarious jokes, dazzling song and dance routines, colourful scenery, and plenty more for all the family!

From £10.00 kdtheatre.co.uk 01353 725026

e 'Little Acorns' Toddler Forest School Group

Park-O

Grounds, March WHEN: Wednesdays in March, 9.00 - 11.00 Little Acorns is a six weekly toddler group designed for 1-5 year olds, which enables them to fully immerse themselves into nature and introduces them to the magic of forest school. £50.00 for 5 sessions (trial class £5.00 for 1 session) fenland-foragers-forest-sch. class4kids.co.uk 07962 337988

An easy, fun way for juniors and families to try orienteering and enjoy the local park. Three different courses and friendly advice to get you started.

Family groups £5; Child £2 www.waoc.org.uk

WHERE: St. Johns Church

Daffodils and Spring Gardens WHERE: Chippenham Park

Gardens WHEN: Until 1st April, 10.00 – 16.00 View the breathtaking display of daffodils and spring gardens. Over 40 acres of garden, lakes, canals and wilderness. Delicious homemade food and refreshments in the licensed Potting Shed Cafe.

Adult £7; Children £3 (Under 5’s Free) (Cash only) www.chippenhamparkgardens. info/opening-dates

Botanic Garden WHEN: 5th March and 2nd April , 10.00 – 13.00 Find out all about insect body parts and make cool insect artworks (5th March) or visit beautiful cherry blossoms in the Botanic Garden and make a blossom inspired work of art (2nd April). First Saturday Family activities are free with only garden admission charges for accompanying adults. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/

Public Open Evenings Online

WHERE: Institute of Astronomy,

University of Cambridge WHEN: Wednesdays until 23rd March, 19.15 Each evening consists of a 30-minute public talk about astronomy, followed by (weather dependent!) stargazing on the Cambridge University Astronomy YouTube channel. FREE www.ast.cam.ac.uk/public/ public_observing 8 Families Cambridgeshire

WHEN: 12th March, 13.00 – 15.00

Easter Special 2022

Nature Tots

WHERE: Ferry Meadows,

Peterborough WHEN: 14th& 28th March and 11th& 25th April – 10.00 – 11.30 A fun monthly outdoor parent and toddler group with a nature theme. The whole session will take place outside, so please dress for the weather. 2+ years. £4.00 www.nenepark.org.uk/ferrymeadows 01733 234193

WHERE: Audley End Railway

WHEN: 2nd – 18th April Hop

Family Saturdays

WHERE: Cambridge University

WHERE: Cherry Hinton Hall Park

Zog and the Flying Doctors

WHERE: New Theatre,

Peterborough WHEN: 11th – 13th March The Roar-some crew are back for a brand-new adventure! Zog, super keen student turned air-ambulance, still lands with a crash-bang-thump. A truly modern take on the classic fairy tale. From £12.00 www.newtheatre-peterborough. com

on their miniature train and ride deep into the enchanted woods to visit their very own Easter bunny in his woodland home. Also enjoy the Easter trail, storytelling and adventure playground. From £8.50 (children under 1 free) Booking essential. www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

Squidge

WHERE: The Junction, Cambridge WHEN: 13th March, 11.30

and 14.30 Immerse yourself in this shared experience for children 3-8yrs and their grown-ups. Sit in your own special seating area where you can explore magical light-up boxes, full of exciting textures for little hands which will delight and tickle your senses.

From £6.00 www.junction.co.uk 01223 511511

Science Festival

WHERE: University of Cambridge WHEN: 31st March – 10th April

Children, young people and families are invited to be a part of this year’s Cambridge Science Festival with a packed series of talks, games, experiments, theatre shows, demonstrations and hands-on activities.

All events are FREE www.festival.cam.ac.uk 01223 766766.

All events are subject to change and cancellation in view of any future Covid-19 legislations.

familiesonline.co.uk

Families What's on Storytelling with Micahel Morpurgo

WHERE: The Cambridge Union –

Holiday Trail

WHERE: Ferry Meadows, Peterborough

WHEN: 2nd– 18th April, 10.00 – 16.00 Collect a trail sheet from the

Visitor Centre and then hunt for questions as you walk around Ferry Meadows. Return to the Visitor Centre to claim your prize. £1.00 per sheet. www.nenepark.org.uk 01733 234193

Pay and Play hire

WHERE: Nene Outdoors, Ferry

Meadows WHEN: 1st – 18th April, 11.00 – 16.00 Boat and cycle hire is available at Nene Outdoors throughout the Easter school holidays. Will you try something new or do you have a favourite boat to enjoy the lake? www.nenepark.org.uk 01733 234193

Holiday Bushcraft

WHERE: Wandlebury Country

Park.

WHEN: 5th – 8th and 11th – 14th

April, 8.30 – 16.00 Sessions focus on practical bushcraft and survival skills and follow a forest school approach encouraging self-confidence and sense of achievement. Age 5 - 12 £38 per child per day.

Booking essential www.wildthymeandembers. co.uk/holiday-bushcraft-club/

Literary Festival WHEN: 24th April 2-3pm As part of the Cambridge Literary festival enjoy a magical afternoon of music, storytelling and poetry, with Michael Morpurgo, who celebrates the incredible animals who share our planet, and whose habitats are threatened by human thoughtlessness. £12 www.cambridgeliteraryfestival. com

Cambourne Little Bugs (Spring Series)

WHERE: Cambourne Nature

Ferry Meadows Easter Egg Hunt WHERE: Discovery Den, Ferry

Meadows WHEN: 15th & 16th April, 10.30 – 14.30 Can you help the Easter Bunny find all the hidden Easter eggs!

You will explore the park looking for pictures that will lead you to your Easter egg prize at the end. £10 per timeslot (includes 2 eggs) www.nenepark.org.uk 01733 234193

Reserve WHEN: 29th April, 9.30 – 11.00 The programme of 5 weekly sessions is designed to support the wellbeing of the adults, as well as provide activities and resources to engage toddlers (18 months – 4 years) in outdoor nature-related activities. Free www.wildlifebcn.org 07894 599020

Little Bugs Club – Great Fen

WHERE: Countryside Centre,

Ramsey Heights WHEN: March and April – Fridays (Term-time): 10.30 – 12.00 A fantastic introduction to the natural world for pre-school children. Each weekly session is packed with activities, walks and games….be prepared to get mucky. £4 per child. www.wildlifebcn.org 01487 710420

Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre WHERE: Stow Bardolph

WHEN: March and April

10.00 – 17.00 Make friends with a wide variety of tame animals and experience all their young at close quarters throughout the season as well as enjoying their adventure playground. 01366 382162 www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk

Slime

WHERE: The Junction, Cambridge

WHEN: 3rd April, 11.30 and 14.30 Enter the undergrowth to SQUISH,

Ugg ‘n’ Ogg and the World’s First Dogg

WHERE: The Junction, Cambridge

SQUELCH and PLAY your way through this hilarious, surreal show for 2-5 years and their families, told with a handful of words and lots of SLIME. From £6.00 www.junction.co.uk 01223 511511

WHEN: 24th April, 11.30 and

14.30 Don’t miss this comic tale of how two young hunter-gatherers Ugg ‘n’ Ogg make friends with their wolf enemies Tooth ‘n’ Nail and go on a thrilling adventure to invent our best friend the dog.

Age 3 + From £6.00 www.junction.co.uk 01223 511511 familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 9

Families Education St Mary’s School

St Mary’s School is the leading independent day and boarding school for girls aged three to eighteen in Cambridge. Recently shortlisted for ‘Independent Girls’ School of the Year’, a St Mary’s education is about discovering and pursuing individual talents with confidence and drive, inspiring girls to become great women – creative, agile, resilient learners, ready to make their mark in the world and overcoming gender stereotypes.

As a faith-based school, courage, respect, compassion, and integrity are part of

Wisbech Grammar School

Our educational approach is based on allowing our pupils to ‘discover who they are’ and this is achieved through a combination of individualised academic and pastoral care, and a timetable that allows children to discover and explore their passions and challenge themselves beyond the confines of the classroom through an exciting programme of foreign languages, sport, science, music and forest school to name but a few.

Our class sizes are small and our teachers are passionate about ensuring every child

everyday life. This creates a supportive community, where happiness and wellbeing are a priority, and each girl knows her voice will be heard and valued.

Whilst academic results open doors for our girls, it is their self-belief, persistence and drive that keeps the door open.

With new state-of-the-art sport facilities, boathouse on the River Cam, a Junior School STEM lab, and a brand-new Preschool, now is a great time for your daughter to join us.

Discover more: stmaryscambridge.co.uk/ visit

is happy and reaches their full potential. As children progress, they get to take part in music and drama lessons, food and nutrition, more team sport, art and textiles and science lessons in our Senior School laboratories along with many other opportunities.

To find out more, join us on the 12th March at 9.00 am for our Early Years Open Morning - Book online on our events page at wisbechgrammar.com, speak to the Admissions Team on 01945 586750 or email admissions@wisbechgrammar.com

Open Mornings Early Years Ages 2 - 5

Saturday 12 March 0930 - 1130

Whole School Open Morning Saturday 07 May 0930 - 1300

Register now: wisbechgrammar.com 01945 586750

admissions@wisbechgrammar.com

School tran routes from sport Spalding, Peterbo Hunstanton, rough, Kin and surroun gs Lynn din towns and g villages

Scan to register

Families Education

Nurturing emotional intelligence through play

by Dr Anne Lane When my daughter was in her first year at nursery her favourite game was pretending to say goodbye to me. ‘Bye Mama, I’ve got to go. I’ll see you later.’ ‘Oh no! You’re not going...’ I’d say after her, ‘I don’t want you to go!’ The more I sighed ‘Don’t go,’ the more she’d giggle and run off. Thus reassured, we were ready for our day. These little moments of play helped my daughter process her separation from me at nursery from a space of safety and connection.

For a child, life can be full of emotional demands; from the strains of separation from you, to new friendships, periods of uncertainty and family changes. As a parent and psychologist, one of the most effective and fun ways I have found to help children navigate experiences and the difficult emotions that come with these is through this process of play. Simple, giggly, repetitive play helps children develop a resilience and familiarity with situations which can dispel tension and anxiety.

SO HOW DOES PLAY WORK? Play is serious work for your child. The process of role-playing real scenarios allows them to reflect on their reactions and beliefs about a situation. They can steady their emotions and become more nuanced and agile in their reactions.

The most important aspect of play is that it feels safe.

In the real world, things are unpredictable. People can be abrupt and cross and make your child feel vulnerable and uncertain. But in the world of play, they get to switch things around and feel empowered. They can explore and try different things. The play scenario can be ridiculous, funny and amusing and tense and tight emotions soften and ease.

Against this background of safety and security, your child can become more comfortable making suggestions and changing things, allowing their understanding of situations to develop. They’re the boss, they call the shots and decide how a situation goes.

From this place of safety, they revisit difficult experiences without feeling vulnerable or uncertain.

In role playing and playing out different scenarios with them, your child comes to know you as someone who can understand and relate to their experience. They feel steady and secure.

TOP TIPS FOR PLAYING When you play with your child, focus less on conversation and more on acting things out familiesonline.co.uk

and exploring. This focus away from language allows your child to relax and connect.

Follow the laughter.

When your child is laughing they are releasing fear and tension, enveloped in happiness with you.

Silliness, smiles and laughter are great indicators that play is working.

Let your child take the lead. If you can, get down to their level.

Prioritise your child feeling in control. If your child seems uncertain or pulls back then slow down, change things around. Let them be the boss.

Be careful with tickling. Although a lot of children love tickling, the feeling of being tickled can be overwhelming and intense.

Instead prioritise play which creates real engagement and collaboration, as well as laughter.

Play doesn’t have to be big, take long or be over-planned. Make it spontaneous and funny. Some of my children’s favourite games can involve me simply looking surprised or pretending to sleep on the sofa!

Dr Anne Lane is a clinical psychologist and author. Her new book Nurture Your Child’s Emotional Intelligence: 5 Steps to Help Your Child Cope with Big Emotional and Build Resilience is out now.

USING PLAY TO WORK THROUGH DIFFICULT EMOTIONS ROLE REVERSALS ARE A FANTASTIC WAY TO HELP CHILDREN FEEL SAFE AND MORE IN CONTROL AROUND AN AREA OF ANXIETY. You might role play being worried about something (for example, a teddy bear or a falling leaf). Your child gets to reflect on what it feels like to be anxious and to calm you.

EASING RESISTANCE OR STRUGGLE: does your child become frustrated and resistant even around small things like brushing teeth or dressing? Playing in a way that brings on giggles melts away these tired, stuck emotions. I’ve often pretended to scrub the floor and a child’s legs etc with the toothbrush. When they start giggling and the mood softens, you can say: ‘Here you go, let’s get those teeth brushed.’

PLAY CAN ALSO HELP YOUR CHILD NOTICE AND REFLECT ON A BEHAVIOUR. If your child is being mean to another, play ‘shaking out the meanies.’ The behaviour gets named but without shaming a child, tension shifts and a more collaborative, open way of relating replaces the power play.

Families Cambridgeshire 11

KIDS TRAVEL

FREE

*

Cambridge Park & Ride Taking you into the heart of Cambridge Open seven days a week

For more information on fares, timetables and other details, please visit www.cambridgeparkandride.info * Up to 3 children under 16 travel free with each fare paying passenger

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Families Clubs & Classes

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do th Things to music ama, year - Dr thing for me & sport so ne in everyo

Cambridg

eshire

Stagecoach Holiday Workshops

WHERE: Coleridge Campus,

Cambridge WHEN: 4th – 8th April, 10.00 – 16.00 Students will study all 3 disciplines of drama, dance and singing working on different skills and themes each day, all led by specialist teachers. Suitable for ages 6.5 to 15 years (students split in to age related groups) No previous experience is necessary, only energy and enthusiasm! www.stagecoach.co.uk/ cambridge#workshops

Wild Thyme & Embers Easter Holiday Bushcraft Club

WHERE: Wandlebury Country Park

and Nature Reserve WHEN: 4th - 14th April: 8.30 16.00 Sessions focus on practical bushcraft and survival skills with tool use (under adult supervision).

Following the forest school approach, kids can undertake activities cooperatively in groups to strengthen social development and problem-solving skills.

Suitable for children age 5 -12. £38 per day www.wildthymeandembers. co.uk/holiday-bushcraft-club

Razzamataz Cambridge

WHERE: Impington Village College

Perform confidenceboosting weekly classes

WHERE: Hills Road Sports Centre: WHEN: Wednesdays; Newnham

Croft Primary School: Saturdays; St. Andrews Church Hall Chesterton: Mondays Confidence building fun for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination.

Visit www.perform.org.uk/ try to book a FREE class. Use code CAM310322 for a £40 discount when you book before 31st March. 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk

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Cambridge United Community Trust Football for All

WHERE: Coleridge Community

College

WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays

Disability sport sessions provided

by Cambridge United Community Trust including Ambulant Cerebral Palsy,Down's Syndrome, Frame, Powerchair and Pan-Disability Football. £3 per session www.cuctrust.co.uk/inclusion/ disability-sport/ 07948 407950

West Anglian Orienteering Club

KD Kidz

WHERE: The Ross Peers Sports

Centre (Soham) and Isle of Ely Primary School WHEN: Saturdays 9.00 - 10.00 KD Kidz is an hour of singing, dancing and acting for 3 - 5 year olds. It gives young children a foundation for all performing arts skills and helps build their confidence from an early age and is an excellent way of introducing the performing arts to young children. kdacademy.co.uk 01353 725026

WHERE: Milton, Trumpington,

Stagecoach Performing Arts Classes WHERE: Coleridge Campus,

Cambridge; Cambourne Village College, Cambourne and Chesterton Community College Stagecoach aims to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dance classes in Cambridge, Cambourne and Chesterton, stretching young imaginations and helping them to develop confidence, physical awareness, communication and articulation. From 4 – 18 years.

From £25 for two-week trial www.stagecoach.co.uk 01223 359974

Soham Roller Skating Club Wisbech Town Junior WHERE: Ross Peers Sports Hockey Club Centre, Soham WHEN: Saturdays in March and April: 9.15 – 11.45 Fun for all ages! Whether a beginner or a pro and anything in between, go and join for fun and games all morning!

01353 722662

Performing arts training for Razz Tots (2-3yrs), Minis (4-5yrs), Juniors (6-8), Inters (9-11yrs) to Razz Seniors (12-18yrs), with access to talented performers through specialist workshops and classes. Small classes to nurture a child’s confidence and self-esteem, plus a lot of fun.

From £72 for 12 weeks.

Free taster session available. cambridge.razzamataz.co.uk 01223 755113 or

WHERE: The Pavillion, Wisbech WHEN: Saturdays in March & April

Junior hockey on Saturday mornings for children aged between 6 & 13, learning the skills they require to play in a safe environment. www.wtchc.co.uk/u18s

Ferry Meadows Welcome members of all ages and abilities. Hold regular events with courses suitable for children and newcomers, many events have Training sessions for club juniors.

Also provide two junior training nights each term. www.waoc.org.uk/juniors

Rhymetime

WHERE: Cambridge Central

Library

WHEN: Tuesdays, Thursdays and

Saturdays: 10.30 – 11.00 Rhymetime for children aged birth to 18 months. Take your little ones along for lovely songs and rhymes!

Places are limited so booking advisable. This is a free event but donations welcome.

0345 045 5225

Storytime

WHERE: Cambridge Central

Library

WHEN: Sundays (15.00 – 15.30)

and Mondays (10.30 – 11.00) Storytime for children aged 18 months to 5 years. Take your child along for half an hour of stories. Places are limited so booking advisable. This is a free event but donations are welcome.

0345 045 5225

KD Academy

WHERE: The Ross Peers Sports

Centre (Soham) and Isle of Ely Primary School WHEN: Saturdays (term time only) 10.15 – 13.15 KD Academy offers quality, professional and affordable performing arts training for young people (6 – 18 years) with exclusive performance opportunities, masterclasses with West End Performers and the chance to star in their own full scale productions. kdacademy.co.uk 01353 725026

City of Ely Junior Netball Club

WHERE: King’s School, Ely

Energetic young players meet for weekly training, progressing onto competitive matches. Provide fun matches and training for girls in school years 8 upwards. www.cityofelynetball.co.uk/ juniors/ Families Cambridgeshire 13

Families Education

Learning the Times Tables – Tips & Tricks In 2020, it became compulsory for all Year 4 students to undergo a new times table test and this is likely to put additional pressure on parents to help their children get to grips with their times tables.

Children’s inability to instantly recall times tables and manage simple multiplication is a recurring theme of mathematics teaching reported by teachers in primary schools. These skills need to be embedded by Year 4 in order to prepare for the maths teaching for the next two years. At secondary school, lack of basic numeracy, including not knowing their multiplication tables really well, can lead to an inability to grasp new concepts and really slow children’s mathematical progress.

While it may seem tedious to practise times tables with your child,by ensuring your child is confident with times tables you will be equipping them with essential tools for success in maths.

Getting Familiar with Multiplication Concepts

The first step with multiplication is to make sure your child understands what multiplication really means. In other words, they need to understand that 4 x 3 is the same as 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 and be confident with such number sequences.

The Rule of Commutativity

Show your child that each answer repeats, so, technically, they only have to learn half of the tables. In other words, 4 x 5 is the same as 5 x 4. The rule of commutativity helps them understand that they know more than they might think.

the answers to the 8 times table are double the answers to the 4 times table. For example, 5 × 8 = 40 is the same as 5 × 4 × 2.

Learning the 11 times table is actually easy up to the number 9. It is simply doubling the appearance of the number you wish to multiply by. For example, 2 x 11 = 22, 3 x 11 = 33, 4 x 11 = 44 and so on.

Point Out Patterns

It doesn’t all have to be memorised by rote. There are clues and helpful hints that can be learned.

For example 2x is just doubling the number. This is the same as adding the number to itself: 2x2=4, 2x3=6, 2x4=8 etc. So the pattern is 2, 4,6, 8 etc. And once these are remembered then the rule of commutatavity above means they also know 3x2, 4x2 etc.

9× has a pattern too: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90. Notice how the tens (first digits in every number) go up by one and the units (second digits) go down.

All the multiples of ten end in zero.

All the multiples of 5 end in either 5 or 0 and are half as large as the multiples of ten.

(10x5=50 which is half of 10 x 10 = 100).

Any number x 0 is always 0. No matter what.

The answers to the 4 times table are double the answers to the 2 times table. For example, 3 × 4 = 12 is the same as 3 × 2 × 2. Likewise,

14 Families Cambridgeshire

4 times tables: Double the number you are multiplying, then double it again! It is simply a matter of doubling the number, then doubling the answer. For example, 4 x 5 is 5 + 5 = 10 and then 10 + 10 = 20. 4 x 5 is 20.

12 times table is 10x plus 2x. For example: 10 x 4 = 40, then add 2 x 4 = 8

Drilling

Some drilling is inevitable. Drilling should be done once the child is familiar with their tables or at least a set of numbers. Drilling should be started in order and once you feel they are getting there you can mix it all up.

They may hesitate at the beginning but the more you drill the more the times tables will be embedded into their memories.

Everyone’s Different

Teach the Tricks

The great thing with times tables is that there are many tricks that can help your child memorise them more easily. Let’s take a look at a couple of tricks: 2 times tables: Double it! Two times a number simply means add the number twice.

6 x 2 is actually 6 + 6 and 8 x 2 is the same as 8 + 8.

Some children like to learn by rote; for others it doesn’t work at all. To support their learning, work out what will make times tables stick in your child’s mind, whether that’s singing them, putting them into practice with puzzles, playing games with them or writing them out.

Good luck! If you want some extra help with teaching your children then there are many different tutors out there and some specialise in Maths such as Mathnasium.

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STAGECOACH

GE & BRID CAM BOURNE CAM

Cambridge & Cambourne

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 2022

Realise the unique potential in your child at Stagecoach.

Cambourne

Cambridge

8th - 12th August

4th - 8th April

Easter Week 1 - 6.5-15 years old

25th - 29th July

Cambourne Summer Week 1 6.5-15 years old

Summer Week 1 - 6.5-15 years old

1st - 5th August

Summer Week 2 - 6.5-15 years old

15th - 19th August

CHIL DCAR E VOU CHER S ACCE PTED

Summer Week 3 - 6.5-15 years old cambridge@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge

01223 359974

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals.

Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.