Families Surrey West March April 2021 Digital

FFRREEEE

Magazine Magazine IN THIS ISSUE IN THIS ISSUE

Win a family holiday to Santa’s Easter Lapland holiday camps and workshops

Easter Crafts & Cooking at home IN THIS ISSUE

Education Education Early Years Easter Outdoor Activities Outdoor Activities Early Years And lots more! + free March/April 2021 March/April 2021 2020 September/October

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Familiesonline.co.uk March/April 1 Familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

September 2020 1

Back to School Book Boost!

H

ome schooling may be over for children, but home learning and home reading is more important than ever. When children go back to school, there will be huge differences between reading abilities within a class. Teachers’ time is going to be stretched in every direction, so it is essential that parents continue to encourage children’s reading at home.

Reading Chest, the through-thepost book rental service, ensures children have their own constant supply of reading books at the correct level at home. Reading Chest members receive regular personalised deliveries of books from the extensive selection of

2 March/April 2021

schemes such as Collins Big Cat, Big Cat Phonics, Oxford Reading Tree, Project X, Floppy’s Phonics, Phonics Bug and Treetops.

Monthly membership starts from £9.95 and includes a book bag, bookmark, reward chart and stickers. After reading your rental books, simply return them in the pre-paid envelope and wait for some more to drop through your letterbox. What could be easier? CLICK HERE to £5 find out more. Get your off! first month’s membership for just £4.95 (bronze package) with the discount code FAMSW.

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CONTENTS

In This Issue 4 Easter Holiday Camps and Workshops 8 Easter and Spring Activities 15 Online Activities 16 Health 18 Children’s Classes 19 Education 26 Family Holidays

Welcome Spring is nearly here! And a very welcome one after what feels like the longest winter ever. With promise of the world opening up again soon, we hope you find inspiration, hope, ideas and fun within these pages.

We have lots of great family activities for Easter and some ideas for making outside time a little bit more exciting, now that the cold weather is easing.

28 Early Years 30 Outdoor Activities 32 Family Life 34 Lets Go Plastic Free 36 Hot New Kids Books for 2021 If you would like to sign up to have future issues emailed directly to you, please click here.

Keep smiling everybody!

Sarah

MultiSports Guildford 0844 800 9096 Woking 0844 335 0450 Weekend sports and team building Ideal for Boys & Girls aged 4-16 of all abilities

www.multisports.co.uk Now booking for Summer term and Summer Workshops All enrolments include a two week trial – Join today!

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

EASTER ACTIVITIES

In Person Covid Compliant Easter Holiday Camps & Workshops

Surrey Theatre Academy Workshops in Haslemere from 12-16 April for 6-16 year olds.

9am-12pm or 1-4pm. Make a musical film! Click here to book.

Surrey Theatre Academy

Stagecoach Camberley

For ages 6+ from 12-16 April. 10am4pm. Have fun singing, dancing and acting!

Click here to book.

Stagecoach Camberley

Stagecoach Farnborough

12-15 April for ages 6-18. 10am4pm. Each day is themed around different musicals.

Click here to book.

Stagecoach Farnborough

Workshops in Godalming from 12-16 April for 6-16 year olds.

9am-12pm or 1-4pm. And from 14-16 April for ages 4-8. 9am12pm. Make a musical film! Click here to book.

For ages 4-6 from 12-16 April.

9.30am-12.30pm.

A 5 day adventure that will be recorded for you to share!

Click here to book.

12-15 April for ages 4-6. 9.30am12.30pm. Each day will be themed around a different Roald Dahl book.

Click here to book.

Next Thing

Boogie Pumps

The Little Gym

Easter Holiday tech camps in Send, Leatherhead, Guildford and Byfleet. Ages 5-12.

Easter theatre camps. 6-9, 1216 April for ages 4-11, 9am-3pm. In Chilworth.

Easter Holiday camps in Godalming and Camberley for 3-12 years.

In Person Covid Compliant Easter Holiday Camps & Workshops

Stagecoach Liphook

Workshops from 12-14 April. Three fun days of drama, dance and singing!

Trolls World Tour for 4-6s and Mean Girls, Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music for ages 6-18. Click here to book.

Muddy Boots

Holiday Camps for 3-8 year olds in Cobham and Guildford. 6-9 and 12-16 April. Full or half day available.

GoFest

Easter Cricket Camps in Cranleigh for 6-15 year olds.

Running on 30 & 31 March and 1, 6, 7, 8, 12 & 13 April.

Stagecoach Godalming

EASTER ACTIVITIES

Stagecoach Godalming

Workshops in Bramley for ages 3-7 from 5-9 April and 12-16 April.

9.30am-1pm. A different musical each day.

Click here to book.

Workshops in Godalming for ages 6-16. 5-9 April and 12-16 April. 10am-4pm.

A different musical daily.

Click here to book.

Love the Ball Soccer Camp

Sayers Croft Trust

6-8 April for 4-12 year olds in Byfleet. 9am-3pm.

Koosa Kids

Easter Holiday Clubs for 4-13s in Liphook, Aldershot, Woking, Guildford, Godalming & Fleet.

Barracudas

Holiday Camps for ages 4 ½ - 14 in Cobham, Farnham and Woking from 6-9 & 12-16 April.

Easter holiday Club - Book a Bubble.

For a group of up to fifteen 7-12 yr olds in Ewhurst.

Little Rays Forest School & SingOLingo Easter Camp All day forest school in Godalming for ages 3-11.

Running 6-9 and 12-16 April.

Haslemere and Grayshott

Book your free trial class today!

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6 March/April 2021

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In Person Covid Compliant Easter Holiday Camps & Workshops

EASTER ACTIVITIES

Casa Clubs

Easter Holiday Camps from 6-16 April in Camberley, Farnham, Frimley, Aldershot and Weybridge. 8am6pm or 10am-4pm for ages 4-12.

Guildford Tennis

Easter tennis camps in Shalford for ages 3-14. 29 March - 1 April, 6-9 and 12-16 April.

Wild Learning

Holiday Camp on Thurs 15 April 10am-4pm at Alice Holt Forest. For 5-11s. 10am-4pm.

Haslemere Tennis Club

Easter Camp runs from 5-9 April for 3-16 year olds. familiesonline.co.uk

SCL Easter Holiday Camps For ages 4-12 in Ash Vale, Fleet, Send, Godalming Farnham, Byfleet, Farnborough, Haslemere and Guildford.

SCL Easter Soccer Camps For 4-12 yr olds in Farnham and Fleet.

Camp Beaumont

Strawberry Patch Crafters

Easter holiday craft classes from 12-16 April 10am-12pm or 1-3pm. For ages 6-15. In Mayford.

SportyKidz

Multi-Sport & Football Camps running from Tues 6 - Fri 16 April in Woking. For 3-13 year olds.

Sparks

Easter camps for ages 3-16 in Haslemere, Guildford and Woking.

Movie making workshop for ages 7-11 or 11-14 in Leatherhead. 1216 April 9am-3pm.

Energy Kidz

Next Step Holiday Activities

Easter Holiday Clubs in Guildford and New Haw. 8.30am-5.30pm.

Easter holiday camps in Woking.

March/April 2021 7

Please ensure you follow current Covid guidelines

SPRING ACTIVITIES

Places to Visit For most places tickets need to be booked in advance.

Please check websites for up to date information.

The following places are currently open to local visitors:

The following are open from 12 April

Alice Holt Forest

Bocketts Farm

Hatchlands Park

Godstone Farm

Elm Nursery Children’s Farm

RHS Wisley

(outdoor play is open from 29th March)

Winkworth Arboretum

Chobham Adventure Farm

Painshill Park Claremont Landscape Gardens Singing Theatre Dance Drama

(outside play areas, animal barn, outside seating and cafe for takeaways)

Birdworld

Holiday Workshops

Singing

info Theatre Dance TheatreDance

Singing Singing

LAMDA coaching

T

Drama Drama

Drama

H

www Holiday HolidayWorksho Worksho

LAMDA coaching LAMDAcoaching LAM

Easter Egg Hunt in Singing the Unicorn Forest Drama

Theatre Dance Holiday Workshops

Fri 2 - Mon 5 April in Ash LAMDA coaching Green. Follow the woodland path collecting tokens, look out for the clues the cheeky gnomes have left you! The unicorns there too.

Tel: 0845will 388be9789 Trade your tokens for a @surreytheatreacademy.co.uk chocolate goodie!

Tel: 0845 388 9789 surreytheatreacademy.co.uk Click here to book. info@surreytheatreacademy.co.uk

Singing Tel: Tel:0845 0845388 3889789 9789 Drama info@surreytheatreacademy.co.uk info@surreytheatreacademy.co.uk www. surreytheatreacademy.co.uk www. surreytheatreacademy.co.u Theatre Dance Holiday Workshops

Tel: 0845 388 info@surreytheatreac LAMDA coaching Tel:www.

0845 388 9798 surreytheatrea

www.surreytheatreacademy.co.uk www. surreytheatreacademy.co.uk

SPRING ACTIVITIES

Easter Fairy Doorstop Visits

15 minute visit from the flower fairy plus a beautiful handmade fairy card with a personalised message and a delicious Easter treat.

Available throughout the Easter holidays.

Click here to book.

The World of Dinosaur Roar! Discovery Trail Coming soon to Godstone Farm. The exciting trail features life-size dinosaur models in a natural woodland setting, a palaeontology tent with interactives, costume characters, activities and events. Spot characters from the stories as you go!

Click here for details.

Easter Egg Statue Trail, Painshill Park

Giant, colourful Easter eggs are waiting to be found in the Painshill landscape this Easter. Every day from Fri 2 April - Sun 18 April.

Click here to book.

Paint your own Easter Pottery There are many local companies offering delivery or click & collect pottery painting kits. Check websites for details:

Popolo Ceramico Happy Hands Pottery Painting Mrs Potts’ Place Art and Soul Ceramics Ceramimagic

Please ensure you follow current Covid guidelines

EASTER ACTIVITIES EASTER

Best Easter Craft Projects for Families

Paper Easter Wreath

Salt Dough Easter Eggs

Tin Foil Easter Egg Art

Easter Bonnet

Bunny Bunting

Sock Bunny

Bunny Corner Bookmark

Dye Easter Eggs

Bean Bag Easter Chick

March/April 2021 1410 March/April

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EASTER

ENROLLING NOW

Where children become everything they can be Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 -18 year-olds CAMBERLEY 0208 979 5276 stagecoach.co.uk/camberley

FARNHAM 01252 216277 stagecoach.co.uk/farnham

FRIMLEY 01483 676131 stagecoach.co.uk/frimley

FARNBOROUGH 07717 137332 stagecoach.co.uk/farnborough

GODALMING 01252 403504 stagecoach.co.uk/godalming

GUILDFORD 07717 137332 stagecoach.co.uk/guildford

LIPHOOK 07904906900 stagecoach.co.uk/liphook

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

EASTER EASTERACTIVITIES

The Great Families Easter Bake Off

Easter Egg Cookies

Easter Bunny Pancakes

Chocolate Krispie Chick

Hot Cross Scones

Easter Egg Bark

Easy Easter Nests

Hot Cross Bun Doughnuts

Baa-lamb Muffins

Easter Egg Biscuits

March/April 2021 1612March/April

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EASTER ACTIVITIES EASTER

Set Up an Easter Egg Hunt Set Up an Easter Egg Hunt Use these clues to set up an Easter Egg Hunt in your house Use our clues to set up an Easter Egg Hunt in your house.

In this place you’ll find hundreds ofLaundry pages, reading them all would and Kitchen take you shelves) With thisages! clue, (Book you’ll have to

follow nose, where doescold You put your this on when you’re mummy putproperly’ all your stinky ‘Fasten it up you’re clothes?

(Laundry basket) always being told. (Coat)

In this very have cold, “Close With thisplace clue,it’s you’ll to the door properly!!” you’re always follow your nose, where does being told. mummy put(Freezer) all your stinky clothes? basket) Find me(Laundry in the kitchen, I’m a big

Where do you go when it’s time for sleep? Take a look here, Bedroom there’s totoes, keep.

In here, some daddytreats puts his take (Bed) a big breathe though and cover Iyour takenose! your(Shoes/slippers) clothes for quite a spin, they getit’s wet.

Wherebut do first, you go when time That’s howTake I begin. for sleep? a look(Washing here, machine) there’s some treats to keep. (Bed)

cold white appliance. (Fridge)

Looking for on thewhen missing link, You put this you’re cold, take a peek in the sink.

‘Fasten it up properly” you’re always being (Coat) sink) (Kitchen or told. bathroom

(Microwave)

IInhave hands but find no arms, just this place you’ll hundreds pages, reading themmove all would aofface and my hands at a take youpace. ages!(Clock) (Book shelves) steady

how I begin. (Washing machine)

mefour when youbut need to know IFind have legs, I don’t how to spellI acome word.in(Dictionary – have feet, handy Book shelves) when it’s time to eat. (Chair)

This is where you eat your dinner, I have sound clue that goes beep, find the ahidden and you’re and my main functiontable) is to heat. the winner!

(Dining In this place were’s supposed to I take your clothes wipe our feet, openfor thequite doora to spin, but first, they get wet. That’s see who to greet. (Front door)

Rooms InOther this place, it’s very wet, it’s In thisyou place, very wet, it’s where andit’s the duckies very where you and the duckies very first met.

(Bath) first met. (Bath)

I rain on you when you need a I rain on you when you need a scrub, much like likemy my scrub,I’m I’mvery very much friend friendthe thetub. tub. (Shower) (Shower)

Stay K’nexted!

Sign up to our digital magazine and receive your free gift from K’nex!

InInhere, daddy putssupposed his toes,totake this place we’re wipebreath our feet, open the to a big though anddoor cover seenose! who to(Shoes/slippers) greet. (Front door) your

This isa where eat yourbeep, dinner, I have soundyou that goes findmy themain hidden clue and you’re and function is to heat the winner!

(Dining table) (Microwave) I have hands but no arms, just I can take you to places you’ve a face and my hands move at a never seen, but first type your steady pace.

(Clock)

password in on my screen.

I have four legs, but I don’t have (Computer/tablet)

feet, I come in handy when it’s time to eat. (Chair)

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March/April 15

March/April 2021 13

EASTER

Make an

Chick

With Easter just around the corner, it’s time for some crafty creating with your children to celebrate. This simple craft from Kidzplay Playbox takes just minutes to set up and creates a colourful Easter chick.

You will need: * Eyes, beak, legs and feet pictured here * Scissors * Glue * Yellow Tissue Squares * Feathers * Paper Plate

Step-by-step guide: Step 1 Cover the paper plate in glue.

Step 5 Fold the beak in half and stick to the plate and then add the eyes.

Step 2 Stick the tissue squares onto the plate.

Step 3 Fold the legs along the dotted lines to make them bendy.

Step 6 Finally stick the feathers onto the plate to make the wings.

Step 4 Attach the feet to the legs and then stick the feet on the plate.

Step 7 Leave to dry before displaying.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

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March/April 17

story.

Online activities for Friday 19th March 2021 Baby Spring Many Special are allCats ages.

ONLINE ACTIVITIES

- Mr Blunt, our Director of Music will free - please check bring a special musical extravaganza to to see if thewebsites end of the Spring Term.

booking is needed.

about how you and your little ones can join

Surrey Wildlife Trust

Day of the Dinosaurs Sun 28 March 1011am. Online (zoom) action-packed Jurassic adventure for 5-11 year olds.

To partake in the crafting activity you will need to acquire materials in advance.

St Catherine’s Prep School

Baby Cats Spring Special Fri 19th March. A special free online musical extravaganza suitable for under 5s. Receive a free activity pack to go with this event. You can also watch previous virtual Baby Cats sessions including stories, dance and other activities.

Surrey Libraries

Surrey Libraries run a programme of online events including:

Pebble rhymetime Mondays 10.30am.

Crafts for Children Tuesdays 4.30pm.

Storytime

Wednesdays 10.30am.

STEM activities

Thursdays 4.30pm.

Origami Club

Watts Gallery Artists’ Village

Make Space - Online

Free video art tutorials & printable activity sheets.

Watts Tots - Online

Guided free video tutorials and free printable activity sheets for under 5s.

Watts Tots - Live

19 March, 23 April, 21 May

Every other Saturday 10.30am.

Bedtime Stories

Every other Saturday 10.30am.

Past activities can be viewed here.

Each club is a series of 3 video workshops.

Lego Club

familiesonline.co.uk

Free weekly story.

Art Club & Drawing Club Online Postal Clay Club

Suitable for all ages.

The Lightbox Storytelling for Under 5s: Mrs Armitage on Wheels Tues 9

March 11am.

Stories and rhymes zoom session.

Young Creatives – Artists Live!

Thurs 11 and 18 March, 4.30-6pm.

For 11-16s. Learn about contemporary artists Dr Chantal Powell and Dean Melbourne before they help you create your own work.

How to Draw The Lightbox

16 March. In this pre-recorded video learn how to draw The Lightbox building. Suitable for all ages.

Storytelling for Under 5s: Stomp, Chomp, Big Roars!

Here Come The Dinosaurs Tues 23 March, 11am. 15-minute zoom storytelling.

March/April 2021 15

HEALTH

Notes from the Locker Room

By Jemma Wilson, Director of Sport, It comes as little surprise that St Catherines Prep School activity levels in both children and adults dropped dramatically in both of our national lockdowns but even more so in the most recent one.

Dark evenings and cold weather gave the perfect reasons to stay home and snuggle up on the sofa.

However, what are the repercussions of this increase in sedentary lifestyles and how do you get a nonmover…well… moving? This may seem particularly challenging if, as Physical activity plays a vital an adult, PE was your least favourite role in a child’s development subject and sport is not your and well-being. Self-confidence, favourite past time. communication, empathy, Below, are a few ideas I have used teamwork, fulfilment and a sense both in lockdown and at other times of achievement are just a few to encourage young children to get of the benefits children can gain active. from taking part. There are also mutual benefits for you as it may 1 Set small and realistic targets be that you also become more which can be achieved over a active as a result. A family that short period of time. play together thrive together.

2 Make a reward or sticker chart.

Winning, losing, teamwork and communication are all skills 3 Share success with friends or that are needed far beyond the family. classroom, but they are not skills 4 Set a good example to your that can be taught from a book child, show them that you find it or learnt sitting behind a desk hard too but are going to give it or screen. Our aim here at St a go.

Catherine’s is for physical activity 5 Try a variety of different activities to become a part of daily life until you find something your essential for building skills which child really enjoys. This could be provide children with the best anything from skateboarding to possible chances of succeeding, line dancing! not only in sport but in any challenge which they face.

6 Introduce your child to a completely new skill such as Jemma Wilson is Director of Sport at juggling or plate spinning.

St Catherine’s Prep School, Bramley.

7

Use active apps such as ‘Couch to 5km’

16 March/April 2021

For more information about the school, please visit www.stcatherines.info

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HEALTH APRIL FOOL’S DAY

HEALTH

April Day Prank Ideas FREE ‘EndFool’s Emotional Explosions’ Online Around the House….

In the Bathroom….

Bath Blues. Paint a bar of soap Spiders on the Loose. Cut out Course

with a thin layer of nail varnish so spider shapes using black paper Lucy Russell, mother and clinical it won’t lather. and place inside a lampshade. psychologist at Everlief, a large child Shampoo Put some cling health Television Terror! Place a very psychologyShock. clinic, has seen mental film between the bottle and lid in the last small piece of black tape over the issues in children accelerating of shampoo/shower gel bottle. sensor/light on the end of the TV 12 amonths.

How long will it take your family remote. to nothing is coming out?has launched Shoe Trouble.

XCLof In realise response to demand, Everlief a parentStuff the Eend USIVE Wrap Attack.

Place some bubble a pair of shoes with toilet roll so support site, They Are The Future offering free and paid wrap a rug or bathmat. and blog.your family member onlineunder courses, masterclasses These include Calmcan’t fit their Wait for the shriek! feet in. affected OFFER & Connected, aimed at parents with pre-teens Toilet Bowl Alert. the lid is offering LoopyFamilies Laces. Tie a family by stress, anger orRemove anxiety. Everlief of the toilet cistern andmini-course pour in member’s shoe laces readers a FREE 5 day in which Lucy teaches thetogether so 10-20 drops of food colouring! they’ll emotional get nowhere fast…. You Cup Approach, a powerful tool for preventing explosions. will learn the science emotional Balloon explosions, two distinct ways Tooth Trouble.

Pop a behind raisin inside Door Explosion.

Tapeto prevent and what is meant your child’s the neckthem of a tube toothpaste andby filling balloons to the“cup. back” of the front cover with toothpaste to conceal. door before the family comes in.

Access the mini course HERE.

In the Kitchen….

Boost Your Child’s Mood

By Caroline Roope The night Brick of Breakfast. before, fill a bowl with cereal and milk, half-submerge a spoon and then put it in the freezer. Add a touch of fresh milk before serving it.

Cereal Confusion. Swap the contents of boxes of cereal, and watch the look of confusion as its poured out!

With everything the last year has flung at us, it’s understandable Pudding Prank.

Make an ‘ice that we’re feeling cream sundae’ out somewhat of mashed deflated.

Children in particular potato... yum! can be prone mood swings Juice Joke.

Puttojelly in your because they have not yet child’s glass instead of juice. developed theAnnounce emotionalyou Browned Off. language to express have just baked some their “brownies” feelings.

Try these activities to and present a plate of letter Es help banish your child’s blues. cut from brown paper.

READ MORE

12Familiesonline.co.uk March/April familiesonline.co.uk

Win a Smoby Playhouse!

Growing Pains or HSD?

By Ellie Malt

T&Cs apply

Remember your “double-jointed” classmate who kept doing the splits and bending their fingers into impossible positions? Now, this is known as hypermobility and up to four in ten young girls and about one in ten Choose young boys TeePee or have hyper-flexible joints.

But ENTER HERE when can hypermobility start to Nature cause issues?

Playhouse Magazine READ MORE March/April 2021 17 13 March/April Familiesonline.co.uk

CHILDREN’S CLASSES

Stagecoach

Stagecoach Performing Arts where we love to bring out the best in every child through the wonderful world of Singing, Dancing and Acting.

Molly Moocow

MultiSports

Learn & play the Moocow way!

Montessori-based music and movement classes for babies and toddlers in South West Surrey.

Woking and Guildford Weekend sports and team building for boys and girls aged 4-16 of all abilities.

Red Shoes School of Dance in Haslemere. Fun filled quality dance classes from 2yrs +.

Book your free trial today!

STA is a unique place where fun meets exceptional performing arts opportunities.

We run weekly classes for ages 4-12 yrs, holiday workshops, LAMDA classes and a Youth Theatre. Free Trials Available!

18 March/April 2021

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EDUCATION

Looking for a Nursery place for your child in September?

St. Andrew’s is a thriving co-educational Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep school set in beautiful grounds in Horsell, Woking.

Come to our next Open Morning on Friday 14th May, 9am 11am to find out more. Register your interest here.

Socially Distanced External Tours Are Available Click to play our video

Live lessons for all pupils

St Nicholas’ School fleet • hampshire

2019

An independent day school for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-16 • Hand sanitising stations throughout the school

• Brand new Interactive 4K UHD classroom screens

• Virtual Learning for quarantine or lockdown

• After School Clubs

• New Head of Pastoral and Key Stage 3 and 4

• Following current guidelines for year group ‘bubbles’ due to small classes

• Online concerts, private music lessons and assemblies

• Fully Operational Bus Timetable - Basingstoke, Chineham, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Old Basing, Alton, Farnham, Camberley, Yateley, Farnborough • Platform - Microsoft Teams www.Microsoft.com

Used with permission from Microsoft.

Best School in Hampshire for GCSE results

T. 01252 850121 | E. registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk @stnicholasfleet | @stnicholasschool | stnicholasfleet www.st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 2021 19

EDUCATION

SCIENCE ACTIVITIES

Fun Science Projects at Home Your kids will love these cool experiments and activities. Adult supervision may be required!

Make a Balloon Powered Car

Create Crystal Snowflakes

Build an Electromagnet

Make a Sensory Bottle

Create Giant Bubbles

Plant an Ice Garden

Make Magic Milk

Create a Cloud

Make Butter

20 March/April 2021

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March/April 23

EASTER

Autism andHunt Education aster Egg

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

n Easter Egg Hunt in your house.

By Jane Constantine

,

Bedroom

Autism and Education Is Online Tutoring One Size Doesn’t Fit All Effective?

By Lucy Jane Constantine Spencer

Early Years to GCSE | Day & Boarding | Co-Ed

In here, daddy puts his toes, take a big breathe though and cover your nose! (Shoes/slippers) Where do you go when it’s time for sleep? Take a look here, there’s some treats to keep. (Bed) Today I cried with happiness You put this on when you’re at an email.

It contained a cold, ‘Fasten up properly” glowingitreport of my 11you’re year old always being told.

(Coat) autistic daughter’s progress at school in recent in In this place you’lldays. find We’re hundreds lockdown and it’sthem her first year of pages, reading all would at a specialist school. take you ages! secondary (Book shelves) I’m so proud of how far she has Find me when you need to know come. how to spell a word. (Dictionary – READshelves) MORE Book

Why is My Child Teaching Stay Child?

K’nexted!

Another Sign upGray to our digital

By Annabel

magazine and receive your free gift from K’nex!

Just before the pandemic struck, I was in a café when I accidentally overheard a conversation between two SIGN UP mums.

One was expressing her HERE outrage that, at school, her child IT’Sbeen FREE! had teaching another child to read. Let me share with you a secret about this.

T&Cs apply Magazine READ MORE While stocks last Familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION EDUCATION

March/April 15

Begin at Belmont

I cried with to happiness IfToday you’ve had time breathe at an email.

It contained between home schooling,a glowing of myyou 11 year work andreport parenting, mayold autistic daughter’s progress have wondered about the at View our Early Years video or school in recent days. We’re in effectiveness of online tutoring. take a Virtual Tour at lockdown and it’s her first year Like any online experience, at aanswer specialist secondary school. the depends on many www.belmont-school.org I’m so proud of howthe far facilitator, she has factors, particularly come.

Holmbury St Mary, Surrey RH5 6LQ the goal and the environment.

READ READ MORE MORE

Why is My Child Teaching Another Child?

By Annabel Gray

Just before the pandemic struck, I was in a café when I accidentally overheard a conversation between two mums. One was expressing her outrage that, at school, her child had been teaching another child to read. Let me share with you a secret about this.

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March/April March/April 2021 21 5

EDUCATION

EDUCATION

Supporting your Child’s Return to School

Mornings ByOpen Catherine Lynch

Wednesday 28 April 2021 Friday 11th June 2021 th

Helping your Child be an Effective Learner

By Gail Hugman

(geared to Reception entry 4+)

‘Why go private at Primary?’ Webinar Friday 26th March 2021

For the second time in a year Many things can get in the way Virtual Baby Cats children haveinspire experienced major of a child learning effectively: Let our teachers your pre-school child’s with lives. turbulence in imagination their school dislike of practising difficult a selection of free interactive and things; being discouraged by The restrictions of the latest creative activities online. failure; comparing themselves lockdown have been piled on top with others; or simply not of months of change, anxiety and making much effort. If you feel uncertainty. So how can parents your child is underperforming, support their child’s transition St Catherine’s Prep, Bramley what can you do? back to school?

GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 4 - 18 years READ MORE READ MORE Guildford GU5 0DF | www.stcatherines.info | prepadmissions stcatherines.info @

Supporting your Child’s Device Free Learning Return to School

By Dr Amanda Gummer

EDUCATION

Helping your Child be Stay K’nexted! an Effective Learner

By Catherine Lynch

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By Gail Hugman magazine and receive your free gift from K’nex!

For the second time home in a year For many parents, learning has been very challenging, with children have experienced major spotty Wi-Fi wreaking havoc turbulence in their school lives.and children battling to use the same The restrictions of the latest device. The good news that lockdown have been piledison top lessons on and a ofremote monthslearning of change, anxiety device are So nothow the only way that uncertainty. can parents parentstheir canchild’s support their child’s support transition learning at home. back to school?

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Many things can get in the way of a child learning effectively: dislike of practising difficult things; being discouraged by failure; comparing themselves with others; or simply not making much effort. If you feel T&Cs apply your child is underperforming, what canUP youHERE do?

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION

Free Maths Downloadables Use these high quality maths resources from PlanBee to help support your child’s learning.

Converting Measures Chart

What is the Question?

Fractions of Numbers Posters

This handy chart helps to convert a variety of different measures.

Work backwards from the answer to find the question.

Watermelon-themed posters that explain the concept of fractions.

Position Puzzles

Interpret positional language to put the shapes in the correct place.

Multiple Mazes

Identify the multiples of the 2/5/10 times table.

3 levels of difficulty.

Place Value Game

24-Hour Time Display

Times Table Booklet

Compare the Money Cards

Help your child tell the time on 12 and 24-hour clocks.

4 March/April familiesonline.co.uk

All the times tables in one handy booklet!

What numbers go in the place value columns to win the point?

Recognise coins. Use for playing Snap or Matching Pairs.

Familiesonline.co.uk March/April 2021 23

EDUCATION EDUCATION

Support your Child’s Love and Learning of Music

Meet the Orchestra with the Royal Albert Hall Fun introduction to the world of percussion for young children.

Gentle Guitar

Online guitar school with lessons for children ages 5-12.

BBC Play the Noise

Explore the elements of a song. Play/clap along.

Listen back to your own version.

6 March/April 24 March/April 2021

Cbeebies Radio Prom Podcast

Enjoy an imaginary musical journey to the moon with this podcast.

On Stage at Home Nordoff Robbins & the Clangers

Young children have fun making music using household objects.

Virtual Musical Instruments

Chrome Music Lab

Naxos Music Box

Sing Up at Home

Fun, hands-on music Learn & create music. experiments. Make and Play instruments online learn your own songs. using PC keyboard/ mouse.

Interactive musical resource for ages 4-12.

Activities, puzzles, quizzes.

Keep kids learning & singing. Free online resources and A-Z playlist.

Familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS

Welcome

In This Issue

Stay K’nexted!

4

Education

10

Outdoor Activities

12

Family Health

13

April Fool’s Day

14

Easter Activities

18

Family Life

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20 Early Years 23 Science Activities

We have lots of great family activities for Easter and some ideas for making outside time a little 130 bit more exciting, now that the cold weather is pieces easing. Choose 10-in-1 Building Set

(Ages And there are5-10) some great suggestions for Make 10 projects! memorable staycation holidays in England, Scotland and ORWales.

24 Environment 26 Travel

Kids Safari Mates

Keep smiling (Ages everybody!

3-5)

Get in touch Cover image ©PRShots for Next 2016 Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care T&Cs apply is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

While stocks last

Free gift

Spring is nearly here! And a very welcome one after what feels like the longest winter ever.

With promise of the world opening up again soon, we hope you find inspiration, hope, ideas digital andmagazine fun within theseand pages.

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Weronika Puchala, Luna Smith, Kelly McGleish, Simone Ayres, Taya Freeman, Katie Scott, Melanie Oley, Jenni Weston, Annelien Bass, Virginie Renaut, Lauren Powell, Margaret Challen, Maria Jornet Escuet, Philomena Price, Sophie Magazine Venables, Vicki Wright, Stephanie Chan, Chalice Palmores.

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ENTER HERE March/April 3

March/April 2021 25

FAMILY HOLIDAYS

Summer in the Alps The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit?

Summer offers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year and plenty of fresh air to fill your families’ lungs.

With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet Au Coin du Feu - plus two chalets next door, you can organise your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Family friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown ups – or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace – Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home! Click here for more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter and for more about summer in Morzine Click here

Fabulous UK Holidays

26 March/April 2021

Away Resorts offer a choice of seven fabulous UK locations, from countryside to coast, giving you the opportunity to fall in love with a new type of holiday. A holiday that puts you first, where your accommodation is off-the-scale amazing and where new experiences await at every turn. Our parks are jam-packed with fantastic facilities, from on-site restaurants and bars to indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

As for entertainment and events– well, there’s something to keep every member of the family grinning from ear to ear. You can be sure of a holiday that will create “remember when we did that?” moments, lasting a lifetime. Click here for details. familiesonline.co.uk

TRAVEL

FAMILY HOLIDAYS

UK Holiday Inspiration Families top ideas for places to enjoy a brilliant staycation in the UK this year! Please adhere to Covid-19 government guidelines when travelling.

Bodmin Jail Hotel in Cornwall

Rocks at Plas Curi in North Wales

Bovey Castle & Spa Hotel in Devon

4-star boutique hotel within the walls of the 18th century prison.

5* hostel near Snowdon + Zipworld.

Family friendly luxury.

5*, child-friendly, relaxed, dogs welcome.

Plenty of activities.

Crewe Hall in Cheshire

Eco Glamping in Wales

Eilean Shona in Scotland

Luxury stay, famed afternoon tea, family attractions nearby.

185 acres for walking, hiking and wild swimming.

Cottages on magical private island off Scotland’s west coast.

Winchcombe Farm in Warwickshire

Scilly Isles

The Little Retreat in Pembrokeshire

Five unique tree houses at this gorgeous glamping retreat.

26 March/April

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Sand-fringed islands, warm waters, empty beaches. 28m from Cornish coast.

Luxury glamping in castle grounds in coastal National Park.

Familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 2021 27

EARLY EARLYYEARS YEARS

Like Mary Poppins – Turn Jobs into Games….

Games and play ideas from The Good Play Guide that help children learn life skills in a fun and engaging way.

Tidy Up Game

Laundry Game

Bedroom Tidy

Ages 2+. Children tidy away their things by the end of a song.

Ages 2-3. Get children folding, sorting and matching the laundry.

Ages 3+. Makes another fun game out of tidying up.

Drying Up Game

Odd Socks Game

Changing Rooms

Ages 3+. Children dry up, playing ‘pick up sticks’ game with cutlery.

Ages 3+. Fun way to develop colour, shape & pattern recognition.

Ages 4+. Children learn to dress/undress and how buttons and zips work.

Running a Café

I Packed My Suitcase

Cooking

Ages 4+. Develops role play, social play, food/nutrition, money/ counting.

28March/April March/April 2021 20

Ages 4+. Develops memory and concentration.

Ages 5+. Cooking and baking teaches children invaluable life skills. familiesonline.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

EARLY YEARS

EARLY YEARS

Easy Games and Activities for Toddlers

Running out of ideas for keeping the little ones busy? Here’s some you may not have tried.

Hair Cutting Station

Shaving Cream Paper

Spring Play Dough Garden

Pompom Drop

Posting box

Rainbow Rice

Tugging Box

Book Drop

Car Wash Tunnel

22 March/April familiesonline.co.uk

March/April 2021 29 Familiesonline.co.uk

OUTDOOR OUTDOORACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES

Spring “Make and Do” Outdoor Projects

Make a Bird Feeder

Search for Tadpoles

Make a Nature Journal

Make a Rain Gauge

Grow Butterflies

Make a Butterfly Feeder

Build a Den

Plant Tomatoes

Go Stargazing

30 March/April 2021

10 March/April

familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Making Family Walks More Fun

By Claire Winter Three ideas to liven up family walking in your local area.

Scavenger Hunt Make a list of specific things you might see locally eg red bicycle, car park, couple holding hands. Split into teams and walk around in your group, photographing the items when you find them. Whoever finds all the items first, wins.

Introduce Incentives!

Give each child a matchbox to fill with tiny treasures; Volunteer Let them map read; Create a nature journal for them Show the kids the importance of to fill with bark rubbings, photos, kindness. Volunteer to clean up litter drawings and notes; in your community or walk dogs at a Bring hot chocolate; local animal shelter.

Try geocaching.

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March/April 2021 31 11 March/April

FAMILY LIFE LIFE

Parenting Books that Don’t Shame!

Dr Sarah Mundy from Parenting through Stories selects accessible, evidence-based books that she’s appreciated as both a mum and a psychologist.

What To Expect Series

No Drama Discipline

A helpful resource covering pre-pregnancy to the toddler years.

Interprets neuroscience theory into practical parenting, with clear examples.

How to develop a secure attachment relationship with your child.

What Every Parent Needs to Know

The Danish Way of Parenting

Parenting Handbook

Calm Parents, Happy Kids

The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read

Pulls together up-to-date Advice on raising kids research into practical from the world’s happiest and accessible advice. people!

Why parents need to manage their feelings, and children need connection and empathy.

32 March/April 2021 18 March/April

Relate how you were parented, to how you parent.

The Power of Showing Up

Make sense of every day challenges together with your child.

The Gentle Parenting Book

Helping parents become confident and calm.

Putting gentle parenting into practice. familiesonline.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

HEALTH

FAMILY FAMILYLIFE LIFE

FREE ‘End Emotional Talk, Read, Play: Crucial What is Family Skills for Parents Mediation?

Explosions’ Online

By Louisa Dickson

By Cristina Odone Course Lucy Russell, mother and clinical psychologist at Everlief, a large child psychology clinic, has seen mental health issues in children accelerating in the last 12 months.

EXCLUSIV In“I’m response demand,and Everlief a parent gettingtodivorced needhas launched Lockdown has kept us at home E support site, They Are The Future offering free and paid a solicitor.” Only Mums & Dads, with our children 24/7. Under online courses, masterclasses and blog.

These Calm we’d a not-for-profit social enterprise theseinclude circumstances, O &that Connected, parents with pre-teens affected be forgiven for switching FtoFER supportsaimed peopleatthrough bydivorce, stress, anger Everlief is offering Families autopilot, managing through the hears or thisanxiety. statement readers a FREE 5 day mini-course in which Lucy teaches theany special day without paying daily. Their advice is always to try Cup Approach, powerful toolisfor emotional You attention to ourexplosions. children: we’re mediation firsta(where there nopreventing will learn the science behind emotional explosions, two distinct ways to always with them, so no special domestic abuse) and if it breaks prevent them and what is meant by filling effort your child’s “cup.right? ” is needed, WRONG! down, to try again. But why?

READ MORE READthe MORE Access mini course HERE.

Boost Your Child’s Mood All areRecycling!

Different GetFamilies Your Kids By Caroline Roope and it’s All Normal!

By Andrew Campbell

Growing Pains or HSD?

Win a Smoby Playhouse!

By Ellie Malt

T&Cs apply

Tay and Chan Kabs, parents of Everyone is responsible for The With everything the last year has the social media superstars creating waste, whether it’s flung at us, it’sspoke understandable Kabs Family, to Families leftovers the dinner plate that we’reon feeling somewhat about their new campaign with or the finished looinroll.

And so deflated.

Children particular Haliborange #ItsAllNormal. everyone is responsible for can be prone to mood swings The campaign celebrates sustainable because theywaste have disposal. not yetthat we are some all parenting in our own Here’s ideas developed thegreat emotional way, and it’s all normal.

See for teaching children about language to express their #ItsAllNormal family storiesthem recyclingTry and encouraging feelings. these activities toon to get moreyour involved.

Instagram. help banish child’s blues.

READMORE MORE READ

12 March/April familiesonline.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

Remember your “double-jointed” classmate who kept doing the splits and bending their fingers into impossible positions? Now, this is known as hypermobility and up to four in ten young girls and about one in ten young boys Choose have hyper-flexible joints.

But or TeePee ENTER HERE when can hypermobility start to Nature cause issues?

Playhouse Magazine MORE READ Familiesonline.co.uk March/April 2021 33 19 March/April

ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT

Let’s Go Plastic Free!

Start reducing your plastic consumption now. How many of these products do you use? How many can you try soon? Swap products or introduce new habits—one at a time.

A Simple Bar of Soap!

Compostable Coffee Pods

Buy Loose Fruit and Veg

Bin the plastic plunger container. Buy bars bar!

We love these.

Swap to these Nespresso compatible compostable pods.

Bring your own cotton or cloth bag to weigh and carry it home.

Shampoo/ Conditioner Bar

Reusable Sanitary Pads

Re-Fill your Detergent Bottles

Plastic Free Toilet Paper

Shaving Soap

Widely available. Try Planet Organic or The Body Shop.

Loose Washing/ Dishwashing Powder

Sainsbury’s sells its own brand of powder.

34March/April March/April 2021 24

Re-fill or make your Wash at home, save money or use reusable own with white vinegar & essential oils. mooncup.

100% plastic free. Free shipping (most orders).

100% natural.

Hand made by disadvantaged women in Kerala. familiesonline.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT

Let’s Go Plastic Free!

Start small. Choose one new behaviour you’d like to take on board and only move to the next once it is established as a habit.

Plastic Free Tooth Brushing

Plastic Free Bathroom

Buy Loose and in Bulk

Think bamboo toothbrushes and toothpaste in tablets or a glass jar.

Cotton buds, dental floss, make up remover pads and more!

Buy larger quantities.

Store in glass jars. Refill from zero waste shop.

Start your Own Food Group

Buy Oil in Larger Quantities

Plastic Free Meat or Fish

Buy products in bulk, save money, reduce your carbon footprint.

Think 5 litres. Pour in glass bottles at home.

Get your local butchers/fishmongers to wrap goods in paper.

Deodorant

Pasta in a Cardboard Box

Use Real Nappies

Widely available. Try Boots, Holland & Barrett. familiesonline.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

An easy switch that will further reduce your plastic footprint.

Wash and re-use nappies or use a laundry service.

March/April 2021 35 25 March/April

BOOKS EDUCATION

Hot New Kids’ Books for 2021 All books can be purchased via Bookshop.org, an online bookshop which financially supports local, independent bookshops and of which Families Magazine is an affiliate.

Pip and Posy: The Friendly Snail

The Whale Who Wanted More

The Cat’s Cook Book

By Axel Scheffler.

Ages 0-2.

By Rachel Bright & Jim Field. Ages 1-5.

By Julia Donaldson.

Ages 2+.

Hom

The Woolly Bear Caterpillar

Nature Trail

By Jeanne Willis & Paddy Donnelly.

Ages 3+.

Draw with Rob: Build a Story

By Rob Biddulph.

Ages 3+.

36 March/April 2021

8 March/April

By Julia Donaldson & Yuval Zommer.

Ages 3-5.

The Invisible

By Tom Percival.

Ages 3+.

By Benjamin Zephaniah & Nila Aye. Ages 3-5.

What Did the Tree See?

By Charlotte Guillain & Sam Usher. Ages 4-6. familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

BOOKS EDUCATION

Hot New Kids’ Books for 2021 All books can be purchased via Bookshop.org, an online bookshop which financially supports local, independent bookshops and of which Families Magazine is an affiliate.

RuPaul

By Maria Isabel Sanches Vegara.

Ages 4-7.

Wolfboy

By Andy Harkness.

Ages 4-8.

Move Like a Lion

Rainbow Grey

A Tangle of Spells

Space Detectives

Best Bites Cookbook

Dragon World

By Laura Ellen Anderson.

Ages 7-10.

By Omari McQueen.

Ages 8-11. familiesonline.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

By Michelle Harrison.

Ages 8+.

By Radzi Chinyanganya.

Ages 5-7.

By Mark Powers and Dapo Adeola.

Ages 7+.

How to Grow Up

By Tamara Macfarlane. and Feel Amazing!

Ages 8-12.

By Dr Ranj Singh.

Ages 10-13.

March/April 2021 37 9 March/April

Stay K’nexted!

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