Topfamilyholidaydestinationsfor2025
ByAshleyLutz
Wonderingwheretoheadwiththefamilyin2025foryournext adventure?Whetheryouarelookingforwintersun,abucket listholidaytickedoffthelistoranepicroadtrip,hereare sometoppicksforfamiliesofallagesandstages.
AbuDhabi
Ifyou’replanningatriptothe UAEyoumightbewondering whichisbetter,Dubaior AbuDhabi?AbuDhabiis anincrediblychild-friendly destinationandagreatchoice forfamilieslookingforwinter sun.Offeringamorerelaxing destination,bettervaluefor money,lovelybeachesand plentyofkids’activities, fromfamousmuseumsand magnificentmosquestodesert safarisandbeautifulmangroves.
Croatia
Beyondthecapital,seaside destinationsandmajorcities suchasSplitorDubrovnik, Croatiacanofferunique experiencestofamilieswho prefertogooffthebeaten trackinlesser-knownbut equallybeautifuldestinations. Fromquaintvillagesnestled inthecountrysidetosecluded beachestuckedawayfromthe crowds,Croatiahasplentyof off-the-beaten-pathexperiences toofferfortheperfectsummer holiday.
Iceland
Iceland’sincrediblelandscapeisanendlesssourceofwonder nomatteryourageandexploringitwiththefamilywillcreate memoriesthatwilllastalifetime.InReykjavíkandthevicinity, you’llfindrestaurants,swimmingpoolsandthelargestvariety ofchildren’sactivities.HuntfortheNorthernlights,spotwhales, watchlivevolcanoesandtakeasoakinthewarmwatersofthe BlueLagoon!
Switzerland
Whetheryouarethinkingabout acrispwinterbreakorawarm sunnyholiday,Switzerlandwill leaveyouandthefamilywanting tocomebackformore!Withso manyexcitingmuseums,snow parksandslopes,action-packed ropeparksandtoboggan runs,pristinelakesandrivers, thewholefamilywillenjoy anunforgettabletripandyou canexplorethecountryfrom thecomfortoftheexcellent transportsystem.
USA
Fromdiscoveringyourfavouriterideattheworld’sgreatest themeparksinOrlando,learningtosurfintropicalHawaiian oceansortransformingintoacowboyatoneoftheWildWest’s ranches,thereisaperfectUSAfamilyholidayforyou!There aremanywaystoexploretheUSAwhichcanbetailor-madeto createyourownuniquefamilyholiday.
Mexico
Gorgeouswhitesandy beaches,deliciouscuisine, lushrainforestsandancient civilisationsmeanfamiliesare spoiltforchoicewithaholiday inMexico.TheRiveraMaya betweenCancunandTulum boastsadiverserangeof fantasticfamily-friendlyhotels, fromfun-filledbeachresortsto luxurytropicalhideawaysand withdirectflightsfromtheUKto Cancun,travellingtherecouldn’t beeasier.
SouthAfrica
OnlyonehouraheadoftheUK, familyholidaysinSouthAfrica offertheperfectcombination ofwildlife,explorationand relaxation.Fromzipping throughthetreetopcanopiesin TsitsikammaNationalParkto qualityfamilytimeonthewhite sandsofPlettenbergBayand spottingtheBigFiveonsafari, aonce-in-a-lifetimefamily adventureawaits!
SriLanka
Withavibrantculture,distinctivecuisineandmanydestinationsto discover,thereareendlessexperiencesthateveryonecanenjoy onaholidaytoSriLanka.FromtheUKsummerthroughtothe winter,thereisaperfectspottoenjoybeaches,cultureandwildlife. Combiningstunningnaturallandscapesandbeacheswithbustling citiesandancientculturalsites,SriLankaisacountrylikenoother.
AshleyLutzisaTravelCounsellorwithseventeenyears’ experienceworkingwithfamiliestofindinspiringholidays bestsuitingtheirwants,needsandbudget.Moreinfoat www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/ashley.lutz
HelloAutumn!
Well,it’sbacktoschoolalreadyand soonthenightswillstartdrawingintoo! Solet’smakethemostofitwhilethere arestillpleasantdaysandplentyof daylightleftandenjoysomefamily adventures.Toentertainthekids,why notpickanautumnchallengetohelp themmakethebestofthegreat outdoors?
Inthisissue,wehaveabumper‘backtoschool’educationfeature. Ifyouarethinkingaboutsecondaryschoolsforyourchild,takea lookatourarticleaboutthefeaturesofagoodone.Alsosupport yourchildwithspellingandlearnwhattodotohelpthemwhen failureanddisappointmentcomealong.
OurAutumnWhat’sOnguideispackedfullofgreateventsand activitiesthroughoutBirmingham,Solihull&SuttonColdfieldfor youtoenjoyasafamilyandincludessomereallyfunideasfor OctoberHalf-Term.
Halloweenisafavouritetimeofyearformanychildrensotoget theminthemood,don’tforgettocutoutandkeepourspooky craftactivity!Youcanalsotakealookatourtoptipsforenjoying Halloweenwithallagesofchildren.
Plus,there’ssomegreatparentingarticlesonmakingmoneyreal forkidsinacashlesssociety,fivemindfulquestionstoaskyour childabouttheirdayandTopfamilyholidaydestinationsfor2025.
Finally,inthisissue,wehaveTamatgotchidigitalpetsto giveaway!Applyinside.
Enjoythemagazine!
Claire Editor –FamiliesBirmingham &FamiliesWarwickshire
ChallengetheWild, changinglives
TheOutdoorGuideFoundation, startedbyJuliaBradbury andhersisterGina,launched TheWaterproofandWellies Campaign toraisefundstoprovideeverystateprimary schoolwithwaterproofclothingsothateverychildcan playoutdoorsinallweathers.
Recently, ChallengeTheWild donatedafunfamilyactivity breakintheForestofBowlandtoschoolsthathavealready receivedkitsfromtheFoundation,enablingchildrenwho perhapsotherwisewouldn’tbeabletotakepart,inactivities suchasrockclimbing,abseiling,orienteeringandhiking. ‘Towitnessthesechildrenandtheirparentsembraceallthat thegreatoutdoorshastoofferiswhywedowhatwedoat TheOutdoorGuide.I’meternallygratefultothesupportof ChallengetheWild.’ GinaBradburyFox TwoyoungambassadorsoftheFoundation,Aidanand Oliver,whohaveeachfundraisedforitthroughtheirown outdoorchallengesalsojoinedtheactivitybreaktomeet someofthosethattheyhavehelped. www.theoutdoorguidefoundation.org
Whylearningtoplayaninstrumentis theBESTthingyourchildcando
Choosinginstrumentallessonsforyourchildisn'tjustamusical decision,it'saninvestmentintheirmentalwellbeing,emotional intelligenceandjoy.In2019,astudyconductedbytheUniversityof Columbiaprovedthatchildrenwholearntoplayamusicalinstrumentdo significantlybetteracrossallsubjects.
Thisskillnurturescreativity,criticalthinking,socialskills,boosts confidenceandself-esteem,improvesfocusandconcentration,develops anunderstandingofwhatitmeanstoperseverewithpatienceand discipline,anditprovidesafoundationforhappinessinyourhome. Often,weseechildrenstrugglingwiththepressuresthatcomewith modernlife.Tobestprepareforthefuture,weneedtocombinecreativity withcognitiveprocesses.
MusicMonstersprovideasafeenvironment,fullofencouragementand warmth,forchildrentolearntoplaythepianothroughgamesandhidden learning.
Startyourfamily’smusicaljourneytoday!
USEYOURSENSES
It’sgreattoexploretheoutdoorsusingallofyoursenses. Imagineyouhaveearsaslargeasanelephant-howmany soundscanyouhear?Imagineyouhavelongtentaclearms likeanoctopus-howmanydifferenttexturescanyoutouch? Imagineyouhavethenoseofadog-howmanydifferent smellsareintheair?Imagineyouhavetheeyesofahawkwhatcanyousee?
TREASUREHUNTING
Atreasureisintheeyeofthe beholderandthenaturalworld hasmanytreasuresjustwaiting tobefound.Wanderoutand seehowmanyyoucanfind. Perhapslookfortreasuresthat spelloutthewordNATURE -maybeyou’llfindanut,an acorn,atwig…
NATURE’SLARDER
Intheautumnmonths,the hedgerowsandwoodlandsare abundantwithtreats.Perhaps you’llfindsomeblackberries, sweetchestnutsorsloesto takehomeandmakesome tastytreatswith.Remembernot totakeallofthemfromthetree orbushasthelocalwildlifewill wanttoenjoysometoo!
SMALLTHINGS
Autumnoutdoorchallengesforfamilies
Astheautumnapproachesandthenightsdrawinoncemore,itcanbeachallengetogetoutside.Butfearnot! TheOutdoorGuide (www.theoutdoorguide.co.uk)isherewithsomegreatsuggestionsforoutdooractivitiesfor familiestoenjoy.
SLOWITDOWN
Alltoooftenwe’removingtooquickly,focusingonour destinationratherthanwhereweare.It’sonlywhenwereally slowdownthatwestarttonoticeeverythingthatishappening aroundus.What’stheslowestanimalyoucanthinkof?Asloth perhapsoratortoise?Imagineyou’reoneofthem-moving slowlyandjustnoticingwhatishappeningaroundyou.
Sometimeswe’realltoobusy lookingatthebigpictureto noticethesmalldetailswithin it.Grabyourselfamagnifying glassandgoexplorethelittle thingsthatareallaroundyou inthenaturalworld.What’s thesmallestthingthatyoucan find?
MAPYOURPATCH
Mapsofferabirds’eyeviewof anarea,showingallthedetail ofwhat’sthere.Canyoucreate yourownmapofthearea whereyoulive?Whatarethe thingsyoucanseeasyouwalk alongthepath?Perhapsyou couldincludetrees,hedges, ponds,housesandroad turnings.
MAKINGARTWITHTHEPIECES
Asthetreesshedtheirleavesforanotheryear,collectthoseyou canfindthathavealreadyfallen.Clearingaspaceontheground asyourcanvas,useleavesandotherobjectsyoumighthave foundtomakeyourownworksofartforotherstoenjoy.
BIRDFEEDERS
Asweapproachthecoolermonths,yourlocalgardenbirds willbegratefulforextrafoodthatyoucanleaveoutforthem. Youcanmakeyourownbirdfeedersusingthingsyoufindin thenaturalworld.Openpineconesareperfectforthis.Mix someseeds,oats,driedfruitorperhapssomegratedcheese intosomesuet,lardorvegetableshorteningandthensmear itoverthepineconeandhangsomewherethebirdscan easilyreachit.
Fivemindful questionstoaskyour childabouttheirday
ByLorenaBernal
Communicatingwithourkidsissomethingmanyofus strugglewith.Weoftenthinkitisjustaboutwordsbutit’s muchmorethanthat.Ourchildrenareconstantlyconnecting withusonadeeperlevel,pickingupourbodylanguage,facial expressions,toneofvoiceandevenhowweinteractwith othersintheirpresence.Ifourwordsdon’tmatchourgenuine stateofbeing,ourkidswillseethroughit,potentiallyleading tomistrust.
Thekeyhereistobemoremindfulinyourcommunicationstyle bylisteningactively,beingpresentinconversationsandasking questionsthatdelvebeyondthesurfacelevel.Herearefive examplesofmindfulquestionstohelpyoudevelopastronger connectionwithyourkids.
Whatwerethehighlightsofyourday?
Askwiththesameenthusiasmachildhasforwatchingtheir favouritefilmorsportsteam’shighlights.Try:‘Comeon,what werethehighlightsofyourdayatschool?’andtrulylistento theirresponsewithoutjudgement.Engagewiththeemotions theyexpress,whetherjoy,excitementorevenfrustration.By avoidinglabelslike‘good’or‘bad,’youallowthemtosharetheir experiencesfreely.
Doyouknowwhathappenedtometoday?
Sharesomethinginterestingaboutyourownday.This encouragesthemtoreciprocatewiththeirownstories.Make yourstoryengagingandshowgenuineemotion.Youmightsay: ‘Youwon’tbelievewhathappenedtometoday!’andthenfollow upbyaskingfortheiradvice,regardlessoftheirage.They’ll appreciatethatyouvaluetheirinput.
Howisyourfriend?
Askingabouttheirfriendsshowsthatyoualsocareaboutthe peoplewhoareimportanttothem.Thisquestionislessdirect andfeelslesslikeaninterrogation.Ithelpsbuildabondbetween youbecausetheirsocialcircleisasignificantpartoftheir world.Byshowinginterestintheirfriends,youvalidatetheir relationshipsandexperiences.
Workonyourself
Childrenareincrediblyperceptive.Iftheyfeelresponsible fortheirparents’happiness,theymaybecomereluctantto communicatehonestly.Theyneedtofeelfreeandsafetobe themselves,withoutfearingtheymightupsettheirparents’ emotionalworld.
Akeystepinfosteringeffectivecommunicationwithourchildren istoworkonourselves—ourhappiness,peace,self-confidence andself-love.Whenwecreateasafeandbalancedenvironment, childrenfeelsecureenoughtoexpressthemselveshonestly withoutfeelingburdenedbytheweightofouremotions.
Askaboutsomethingspecifictheyweregoingtofacethat day
Showthemthatyourememberdetailsaboutwhattheyhave toldyou.Itcouldbeaboutanactivitytheyhadplannedora conversationtheyneededtohave.Byrecallingspecifics,you demonstratethatyoupayattentiontowhat’simportanttothem, fosteringasenseofbeingseenandvalued.
Sometimes,don’taskanything
Simplybepresent.Kissthem,smile,askacasualquestionlike: ‘Howwasyourday?’andthenjustbewiththem.Comment ontheweather,tellthemhowmuchyoumissedthemorhow lovelytheylook.Embracethepotentialsilence;sometimes, childrenneedaquiet,lovingpresencemorethanwords.Share experiences,laughterandaffection.
Whateverapproachyouchoose,refrainfromjudgingorteaching alessonimmediately.Thegoalistocreateasafespacewhere yourchildfeelsheard,valuedandfreetoexpresstheirtrue selves.Makesureyoutrulyhearthem,valuethemandaccept themforwhotheyare.
Byaskingmindfulquestionsandbeingpresent,youbuilda deeper,moregenuineconnectionwithyourchild,layingthe foundationforopenandhonestcommunication.
LorenaBernalisacertifiedlifecoachandspirituallifecoach andFounderoftheeventsandcoachingplatformLiveLove Better(www.livelovebetter.co.uk).
Droprigidexpectations
Parents’expectationsusuallygetinthewayofhonest communication.Insteadofevaluatingwhatourkidsdoor howtheydoit,weoftenjudgethemagainstourexpectations andstandards.Forinstance,ifweexpectourchildto completetheirhomeworkwellandontime,anythingshortof thatmayseeminadequatetous.
Totrulyconnectwithourchildren,weshoulddroprigid expectations.Trustintheirindividualityandcourageously releasetheneedtocontroltheiroutcomes,allowingthemto growandexpressthemselvesfreely.
EDUCATION
PrepandJuniorSchools
EdgbastonHighSchool forGirls
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214545831
www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat21Sep 09:30–12:00
HallfieldSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214541496
www.hallfieldschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat28Sep 09:30–12:00
HighclareSchoolPre-Prep &Prep
Erdington,Birmingham T:01213737400 www.highclareschool.co.uk
NorfolkHouseSchool
Birmingham T:01214547021
www.norfolkhouseschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat28Sep 10:00–12:45
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404103 www.prioryschool.net
St.George’sSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398 www.sgse.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat28Sep 10:00–12:00
TheBlueCoatSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214106800
www.thebluecoatschool.com
OpenMorning:Sat21Sep 09:00–13:00
WestHouseSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404097 www.westhouseprep.com
NurseryOpenMorning: Fri20Sep10:00–11:30
WholeSchoolOpenMorning: Sat5Oct10:00–12:00
EversfieldPrepSchool
Solihull T:01217050354 www.eversfield.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat5Oct 09:30–12:00
RuckleighSchool
Solihull T:01217952773 www.ruckleigh.co.uk
SolihullSchool
Solihull T:01217050958 www.solsch.org.uk
OpenMorning:Sat28Sep 09:30–12:00
TheShrubberySchool
SuttonColdfield T:01213511582 www.shrubberyschool.com
SeniorSchools
EdgbastonHighSchoolfor Girls
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214545831 www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat21Sep 09:30–12:00
HallfieldSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214541496 www.hallfieldschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat28Sep 09:30–12:00
HighclareSchoolSeniors Erdington,Birmingham T:01213737400 www.highclareschool.co.uk
OpenEvening:Thu10Oct 16:30–19:00
KingEdward’sSchool
Birmingham T:01214721672
www.kes.org.uk
OpenMorning:Thu12Sep 17:30–20:00
KingEdwardVIHighSchool forGirls Birmingham T:01214721834
www.kehs.org.uk
OpenMorning:Sat21Sep 09:15–12:30
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404103
www.prioryschool.net
St.George’sSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398 www.sgse.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat28Sep 10:00–12:00
SolihullSchool
Solihull T:01217050958 www.solsch.org.uk
OpenMorning:Sat21Sep 09:30–12:00
Registerforopen eventsonline
Whatdoesagood statesecondary schoollooklike?
ByMelanieSanderson
Choosingasecondaryschoolisoneofthebiggestdecisions you’llevermakeforyourchild.Verylikely,yourtwopriorities arewhetheryourchildwillreachtheiracademicpotentialand whethertheywillbehappythere.Herearemytipsonwhatto lookfor.
Hot-houseorgreenhouse?
Istheschooleducationallyaspirationalandhowdoesthis manifest?Lookforrelaxedandrespectfulteacher-pupilrelations. Theyarekeytosuccessfullearning.Isthelibrarywell-stocked andbusy?Teacherrecruitmentandretentionischallengingall schools.Askpupilshowoftentheyhavecoverteachers.
Arepupilsregularlyassessed?Performancemeasuressuch as Progress8 (seewww.gov.uk)aregoodindicatorsofhowa schooladdsvalueastheymeasureacademicattainmentrates overtime.Arethereprogrammestostretchthemoreacademic children?Whataboutthosewithspecialeducationalneedsand disabilities?
Breadthofcurriculum
Thebeststateschoolsofferandvalueabroadliberalarts educationbeyondthestandardcurriculum.Forinstance,Bohunt SchoolinHampshire‘blewthesocksoff’the GoodSchools Guide withimmersionclassesinMandarin.Someofthebest stateschoolsinvestintopnotchsportsfacilitiesandcoaching, othershaveoutstandingcreativeorperformingartsspaces. Pickaschoolthatsuitsyourchild’sstrengths.Checkoutschool noticeboardsandtheschool’ssocialmediaforco-curricular activitiesandtripsthechildrenaredoingoutsidetheclassroom too.
Whenchoosinga secondaryschool
JudgeaschoolentirelybyitsOfstedreport: areport canquicklyfalloutofdateandonewordjudgementscannot paintafullpicture.Lookformorenuancedinformation.Other localparentswithchildrenalreadyattheschoolareagreat placetostart.
Taketoomuchnoticeofsocialmedia community groupgrumblesaboutaschool.Theseareusuallyledbya singulardisgruntledparent.
Beswayedbydinnerpartybraggingrights. The super-duperacademicgrammarschoolthateveryone’s talkingaboutmayormaynotbethebestplaceforyourchild toflourish.Equally,don’tchooseaschoolbasedonwhatYOU wouldhavelikedasachild.
Lie,cheatorchangeyourreligion togetyourchild intoaparticularschool!
Beputoffbyaschoolthatisn’tpristine. Lookinstead forcleanlinessandorderliness.Asktovisitthetoiletsthe pupilsuse–they’lltellyoualotabouttheschool’svalues!
Pastoral
Goodschoolshaveclearsystems.Everychildisknown;nobody slipsthroughthenet.Askifreportsandopeneveningsinclude pastoralupdates.Doestheschool’spraise/disciplinesystemflex tomeetindividualneedsandalignwithyourfamilyvalues?Ask pupilswhattheydoatbreakandlunch.Goodschoolsinclude spacesforchildrentoseekquietreflectionwhenneeded.
Communication
Goodschoolsalsocommunicatewellwithparents.Thetone ofschoolnewslettersandsocialmediafeedscantellyoualot, whileanactivePTAisasignofanengagedparentcommunity. Ifyoucan,passbytheschoolathometimeandobservepupil behaviourastheyleavethesite.Anothertoptipistotalkwith pupilshigheruptheschool.Wouldyoubehappyforyour childrentoturnoutlikethem?
MelanieSandersonisManagingEditorofTheGoodSchools Guide(www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk),whichcontainsfrank, impartialreviewsofschools.Itswritersvisitthousandsof schoolsannually,speakingtoHeads,teachers,pupilsand parents.
Autumnfunforallthefamily AguidetoWhat’sOnintheWestMidlands
OutdoorFun
BirminghamBotanicalGardens
Edgbaston
TheGardenshavesomethingforall agestoenjoy,including7,000plants, 4VictorianGlasshouses,children’s trailsandaplayground. HeritageOpenDay14Sep (10:00-17:00)FREE. www.birminghambotanical gardens.org.uk
BirminghamWildlifeConservation Park
Edgbaston Hometoauniquecollectionof animalsfromacrosstheworld.There areredpandas,lemurs,reptiles, meerkats,otters,birds,wallabiesand acollectionofmonkeys. birmingham.gov.uk/conservationpark CanalsideFarmGreatHaywood Staffordshire TakeapicturesqueCanalsideWalkor CycleRide,visitStaffordshireWildlife Trustandenjoyadeliciousafternoon teaonthecaféterrace.Autumn MarketontheFarm14-15Sep (10:00-16:00) www.canalsidefarm.co.uk
MartineauGardens Birmingham 2.5acresoforganicallymanaged landscapetoexploreincludinga naturetrail,formalgardenand children’s‘shipwreck’playarea. AutumnOpenAfternoon21Sep. www.martineau-gardens.org.uk
SuttonParkNatureReserve
SuttonColdfield
WrapupwarmthisAutumnandvisit oneofthelargesturbanparksin Europe.Fromplaygrounds, restaurants,sailing,bikeridingtokite flying.Agreatdayoutforthewhole family! www.birmingham.gov.uk /suttonpark
WinterbourneHouseandGarden
Birmingham Edwardianhistorichouseand botanicalgardenwithplentyof activitiesavailableallyearroundfor families.Children’sgarden,family trail,TeaRoom,giftshopand second-handbookshop. Under5sFREE. www.winterbourne.org.uk
WalsallArboretum
TownCentre,Walsall Accessiblewalkways,boatinglake andlakesidecafé,tenniscourtsand acresofopenplayingfieldsto explore.Plusachildren’splayarea withskateparkandsplashpad. FREEentry. www.go.wasall.gov.uk
OctoberHalf-Term (28Oct–1Nov)
SpookyFarm AshEndHouseChildren’sFarm Tamworth 21,22,28,29,30&31Oct Unlimitedtimeonthefarm,meet theWizard,getclosetosome creepycritters,pickandcarvea pumpkin,ghoulishgamesand spookycraftsplusaprizeforkidsin costume!Familyfriendlyevent, suitableforyoungchildren. www.ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
SpooktacularChildren’sTrail MiddletonHall&Gardens Tamworth
23-31Oct(12:00–16:00)
Followthespookycluesaroundthe gardenstodiscoverthepassword thatwillreleaseyourtreat...ortrick! Includedinchildren’sadmission price. www.middleton-hall.co.uk
SolihullHalloweenFestival
SolihullHighStreet
25–27Oct(Fri/Sat10:00–18:00 Sun10:00–16:00)
NEWfor2024!Visitthecreepy HalloweenstallsliningtheHigh Street,MillLaneandMelSquare. Plus,children'sentertainmentand tastyfoodsandcraftfromaround theworld.
HalloweenintheWoods Parkridge,Solihull 28Oct(11:15–12:15)
Headintothespookywoodsand playgames,makemagicpotions andlearnwhichanimalsarebrave enoughtobeoutandabouton Halloween.ForPrimarySchool agedchildren,bookonline. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
HalloweenHalf-Term
SellyManorMuseum,Birmingham 28–Oct–1Nov(10:00–17:00) Hauntinglyfun,family-friendly Halloweenevent.Artsandcrafts, pumpkintrailwithpuzzles,spooky housetrailandunder5’strail. www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk
NationalTrust BirminghamandWestMidlands There’sheapsofHalloweenfunto enjoythishalf-termatourlocal NationalTrustproperties: BirminghamBacktoBacks, Roundhouse,WightwickManorand Gardens,ClentHills&MoseleyOld Hall.Eachpropertyhasitsown uniquefamilyactivitiessowhynot visitthemall.Seeindividual websitesfordetailsandprices. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
GoldenPutter CannonHillPark,Birmingham Challengethekidsto36holesof minigolfmadnessthisAutumn. Perfectforpeopleofallages. Wheelchair/pushchairaccessible. Brilliantwaytospendthedaywith friendsandfamily! www.cannonhillpark.co.uk
NPFBassetsPoleAdventurePark SuttonColdfield Kidsandfunfamilyactivities,ideal forkeepingactive,adventurouskids entertainedthroughouthalf-term. Paintball,LaserTag,Archery, Bushcraft,QuadTrekking,Jungle Escape,Gelballandmuchmore.All designedforchildren,age restrictionsapply. www.npfbassettspole.com
TheStickManOutdoorTrail NationalMemorialArboretum Staffordshire FREEbrand-newmile-longtrailfor youngvisitorstohelpTheStick Manonhisadventurebacktothe FamilyTree.Anadventurethrough acresofwoodlandfeaturinglotsof carvingstospotalongtheway. www.thenma.org.uk
Birmingham,Solihull
EverySeptember,thousandsofvolunteersacrossEngland organiseeventstocelebrateourfantastichistoryandculture.It bringspeopletogethertocelebratetheirheritage,community andhistory.Storiesaretold,traditionsexplored,andhistories broughttolife.It'stheperfectopportunitytogetthefamily togethertoseehiddenplacesandtryoutnewexperiences–all ofwhichareFREEtoexplore.
Visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk tocheckthedirectoryfor eventsnearyou…orwhynotexplorefurtherafield?There’ssome fantasticfamilyfriendlyeventsrunningacrossthecountry.
Theatre
BirminghamHippodrome
Birmingham
Hairspray
Mon16Sep–Sat21Sep
AgeRecommendation:7+
Disney’sAladdin Wed9Oct–Sun3Nov
AgeRecommendation:6+ www.birminghamhippodrome.com
CrescentTheatre
Birmingham
Greece
Thu28–Sat30Nov
AgeRecommendation:12+ www.crescent-theatre.co.uk
SuttonColdfieldTownHall
SuttonColdfield HarryPanto–TheUnnecessary SequelParodyPanto! Sat26Oct www.suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com
SymphonyHall
Birmingham
LifeonOurPlanet:Livein ConcertwithCBSO Fri4Oct
TownHall Birmingham
CharlieCook’sFavouriteBook Sat26–Sun27Oct
TheSnowman&TheSnowman andtheSnowdog(FilmwithLive Orchestra)
Sun15Dec(13:30)
Agerecommendation:3+
TheSnowman&TheBear,the Piano,theDogandtheFiddle (FilmwithLiveOrchestra) Sun15Dec(16:00)
Agerecommendation:3+ www.bmusic.co.uk
TheAlexandraTheatre
Birmingham
LordoftheDance Mon30Sep–Sun6Oct
AwfulAuntie Thu17Oct–Sat19Oct
AgeRecommendation:5+ www.atgtickets.com
TheCoreTheatre Solihull
MrSleepybum Sun10Nov www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
TheRepTheatre Birmingham PiedPiper-AHipHopFamily
Musical Thu31Oct–Sat2Nov
AgeRecommendation:6+ www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
Museums& History
BlackCountryLivingMuseum
Dudley Gobackintimeandexplore26acres ofcarefullyreconstructedshops, housesandindustrialareasthat representtheBlackCountry’s fascinatingstory. www.bclm.com
DudleyMuseumattheArchives
Dudley Filledwithfantasticfossilsand guaranteedfun,enjoyawholehostof displaysincludinggeology, dinosaurs,historicfindsfromDudley Castle,localheroes,glassand artworkeveryThu,FriandSat. FREEentry. www.dudley.gov.uk
DudleyZoo&Castle Dudley Hometoalargecollectionof endangeredspeciesaswellasbeing thesiteofan11thcenturycastle-an importantgeologicalsite. www.dudleyzoo.org.uk
LapworthMuseumofGeology UniversityofBirmingham Goandseethefinestandmost extensivecollectionsoffossils, mineralsandrocksintheMidlands. Excitingfamilyactivities,educational talks,toursandarts&crafts activities. www.birmingham.ac.uk
SandwellMuseumsSandwell Variouslocations
Explorearangeofdifferentmuseums includingOakHouseMuseum(a half-timberedfarmhouse),Bromwich Hall(amedievalmoatedmanor house),andmore.MostlyFREEto visit.Seasonalactivities. www.sandwell.gov.uk/museums
SellyManorMuseum
Birmingham
Stepbackintimetodiscoverhowthe Tudorscooked,dressedandlived. Exploretheparlour,dininghall, kitchenandbedchamber.Dressup inreplicacostumesandsuitof armour.FREEchildren’strail. www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk
ThinkTank Birmingham
Fourfloorsoffuntoexplore,bursting withmorethan200hands-onhightechdisplaysalongsidehistorical collectionsandnaturalscience specimens.Funandeducational! Autismfriendlysessions. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk /thinktank
WestMidlandsPoliceMuseum
Birmingham
Learnabouttwocenturiesofpolicing history.Experienceanauthentic Victorianlock-up,hearabout pioneeringindividuals,interactive displays,dressupinpoliceuniforms andtakeyourownmugshot! www.museum.westmidlands.police.uk
MakeitaChristmastoremember,withaspecial screeningoffamily-favourite'TheSnowman' accompaniedbyaliveorchestra.
Thismagical,festiveshowwillalsoincludeanadditionalshort film,accompaniedlivebysomeoftheUK'sfinestprofessional musicians.
AllperformedwithintheiconicBirminghamTownHallon 15December2024.Choosefrom:
'TheSnowman'&'TheSnowmanandtheSnowdog'at1.30pm 'TheSnowman'&'TheBear,thePiano,theDogandtheFiddle' at4pm
Theshowalsoincludesafun,festiveintroductiontothe orchestra,andevenavisitfromTheSnowmanhimself! PerfectforthewholefamilytoenjoytogetherthisChristmas!
Agerecommendation:3+ Bookyourticketsonlineat https://bmusic.co.uk/events/the-snowman-tour
WHAT’SON
Events
HaveAGoBrass SymphonyHall
8Sep(10:00)
Haveagoatplayinganinstrumentand hearthebestyoungbrassmusicians fromacrosstheUKshowcasetheir talentsinthisFREE,fun,family-friendly sessioninB:Eatscafé.
https://bmusic.co.uk/events /have-a-go-brass-2
NationalYouthBrass:BandofGreat Britain:Children’sBand SymphonyHall
8Sep(14:00,40mins)
FREEafternoonofbrass.Watchthe NYBBGBChildren’sBandshowcase theirrepertoirefromtheirrecent summercourseandconcert.
https://bmusic.co.uk/events/national -youth-brass-band-of-great-britainchildrens-band-2
AutumnOpenAfternoon MartineauGardens,Birmingham 21Sep
Tryoutsomeoftheactivitiesthattake placeintheGardens,includingTaiChi, greenwoodworking,ponddipping, plantingandmore.Refreshments availabletobuy.FREEentry. Allwelcome. https://martineaugardens.org.uk/event/martineau-gar dens-autumn-open-afternoon/ HocusPocus
SandwellValleyCountryPark 5Oct(17:00–22:30)
Grabyourblankets,chairs,familyand friendsandspendaneveningunderthe starswatchingtheultimateHalloween classicmovie,HocusPocus.Catering onsitebutpicnicswelcome.Family ticketsavailable.Fancydress encouraged!TicketsonEventbrite.
HorseoftheYearShow2024
NEC,Birmingham 9–13Oct
Thebiggestweekoftheyearfor equestrianentertainmentisback!The 75theditionofHorseoftheYearShow hassomethingforeverymemberofthe familytoenjoy,fromshowstoshopping, andofcourse…thehorses!Bookonline. www.hoys.co.uk
NewlandsBishopFarmPumpkin
Patch Solihull 12,13,19,20Oct
Kidscangrabawheelbarrowand embarkonapumpkin-picking adventure.Pluscarveonsiteandsave themessyclean-up!Testyourskills withaminigamearoundthefarmand winprizes. www.newlandsbishopfarm.co.uk
SpookyWellyWalk BentleyManor ChildcareCentre,Solihull 26Oct(17:00–19:00) FantasticeveningofHalloweenfun. Crafts,storiesandtreats.Don’tforget yourtrickortreatbuckets!£5perchild. HalloweenFun TheCoffinWorks,Birmingham 26Oct(12:00–15:00) WherebettertospendHalloweenthan anoldVictorianfactorypackedwith coffins!Extraspecialactivitiesrunning forfamiliesincludingaSorceryClass andGhostHunt.Childrenincostume visitFREEwithpayingadult. www.coffinworks.org
GetActive
RushUKTrampolinePark Stirchley,Birmingham
JumpintohappyatRushTrampolinePark,Birmingham!Theperfectdayout forthewholefamily,comerainorshine.Bouncersofallagescandefy gravityonthewall-to-walltrampolines,practicetheirtricksonthe72ftlong tumblelanes,diveintothegiantfoampitsorchallengetheirfriendsonthe dodgeballcourt.
CheckouttheNEWValoarena!Amixedrealityplaygroundwhereyoucan immerseyourselfinaworldofendlessfunandexcitement. Forthelittleones,ourToddlerTakeoversessionsprovideasafeand enjoyableenvironmentforages1-6.
OurMainCourtsalsohostchildren’strampolineparkparties,adult trampolinefitnessclasses,studentsocials,teambuildingdaysandactivities forSENchildren.
Kidsaged4+canjumptotheirhearts’contentduringOpenJumpsessions orenjoyacoolnightclubatmosphereatourweekendSunsetSessions. BookyournextpartyatRush!Chooseapartypackagefora100%-fun-zerostressexperience!Therearearangeofpackagestochoosefromtosuit everybudgetandneed,startingat£17perperson. www.rushuk.com
AckersAdventure
Birmingham
Getinvolvedwiththeactionat Ackers,includinglearntoskilessons (4+),tubingortobogganing,disc golf,sessionsforhomeschoolers andholidaycamps. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk
CliffLakes
Tamworth
TheUltimatewatersports destination!HometotheUK’s biggestAquaPark.Withan extensiverangeofinflatableslides, climbingwallsandtrampolinesover 5parks.PlusSUPandcoldwater swimming. www.clifflakes.co.uk
GoApe CannockChase (Staffordshire), WyreForest (Kidderminster), CoombeAbbey (Coventry)
Forthrill-seekingadultsandfunseekingchildrenexperiencethebest ofhighropeantics,forestsegways, netadventures,ziptrekadventure, axethrowingandmini-LandRovers. Activitiesvarybylocation.Book online. www.goape.co.uk
JuniorParkrun variouslocations
AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly2K eventforjuniors(4-14yearsold) EverySundayat9:00.Childrenmust beabletocompletethecourse withoutanadult. www.parkrun.com
Solihull
Skateforfun,learntoskate,booka partyortakethefamilytowatchan IceHockeygameandsupportthe SolihullBaronsthisAutumn.See websiteforfixturesandbooking. www.planet-ice.co.uk www.solihull-barons.net
RockUp
Birmingham
Enjoysomehealthy,action-packed funinasafeenvironment.Climbing walls(age4+),toddlerclimband play(upto5’s),verticalchallenges, highropes(minheight requirements)plussoftplayfor 0-5’s.Alsoavailableforgroup bookings,schoolsandparties. www.rock-up.co.uk
TheBearGryllsAdventure Birmingham Epicexperienceswhichwillpush youtoyourlimits.Fromindoor climbingwalls,highropes,zipline, archery,shooting,axethrowing, cagesnorkel,sharkdivetoiFLY, there’ssomethingforeveryone. www.beargryllsadventure.com
DaysOut
AshEndHouseChildren’sFarm
Tamworth
Hands-onfamily-friendlyfarm.Entry includesanimalfeed,tractor-trailer ride,pony-sit-onandlotsofanimal interaction.Outdoorplayareas available.Greatforchildrenparties! www.ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
CadburyWorld
Birmingham
Enjoyadaychoc-fulloffunand discoverthestoryofhowtheymake CadburyChocolate.Interactive factorytourwithdemos,exciting rides,meetCadburycharacters.With plentyofchocolateytreats! www.cadburyworld.co.uk
DraytonManor
Tamworth
Thrillsandadventureforallthefamily toenjoy.TicketsincludeThomas Land,a15-acrezoo-hometoover 500animalsfromallovertheworld,a Vikingsareaandnauticallythemed AdventureCove.
HalloweenEvent 1Oct-1Nov www.draytonmanor.co.uk
LegolandDiscoveryCentre
Birmingham
Getcreativeandhavefunwithyour favouriteLEGOcharactersin Miniland,the4Dcinema,the KingdomQuestRide,LegoCity Softplayandsomuchmore. www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com
MonkeyForest
Trentham
Seenatureupclosewith140 fascinatingBarbarymacaquesto watchanddiscover.Plusanewplay areaforchildrentoexploreand replicatevariousprimatebehaviour. Funandeducational. www.monkey-forest.com
NationalSeaLifeCentre
Birmingham
Takeatriptotheaquariumwiththe UKsonly360-degreeoceantunnel andover60displaysoffreshwater andmarinelife.Quieterexperience sessionsavailableforSENDchildren andtheirfamilies. www.visitsealife.com/birmingham
WestMidlandsSafariPark
Bewdley
Four-miledrive-throughsafariwith over100differentspeciesthroughout thepark.Plusthrillingthemepark anddinosaurexhibit.Stayovernight inaluxurySafariLodgeforatotally wildexperience.SpookySpectacular 19Oct–3Nov. www.wmsp.co.uk
PlanetIce
Makingmoneyreal forkidsinacashless
society
ByTanithCarey
Toayoungchild,moneyisamagicalcommoditywhichallows grown-upstogointoshopsandtakeanythingtheywant.And it’snotjustaboutunderstandingwheremoneycomesfrom andhowit’sused:inanincreasinglycashlesssociety,money isevenmoreofanabstractconceptforkidstograsp.
Inthedaysofcoinsandnotes,childrencouldseethatmoney wassomethingtangible,usedforgoodsandservices;andthat itcouldrunout.Nowthatwecanjusttapandgo, kidsdon’t evenseemoneybeingexchanged. So,it’sevenharderfor themtoseethatit’snotanunlimitedresource.Thisrequires parentstoputalittlemorethoughtintohelpingkidsunderstand howfinanceswork.Afterall,managingmoneyisalifelongskill, bringingarangeofkeybenefits.
Aswellasboostingtheirmaths,moneyteacheskidshowto controltheirimpulses,developpatience,delaygratification; andultimatelyspendwiselythroughoutlife.Indeed,according toresearchbyCambridgeUniversity,attitudestomoneyare formedbyaroundtheageof7.
Practicallifelessons
Kidsfirstgraspwhatmoneyrepresentsaroundtheageof6. Startbypayingthemtheirfirstpocketmoneyincoinstomake ittangible.Givethemasee-throughjarsotheycanseeit disappearwhentheyspendit.Whenyou’reoutandabout,try tousecashaswellascards.Eachtimeyoudouseyourcard, explainit’sthesameashavingthesameamounttakenoutof your‘jar,’akayourbankaccount.Astheygetolder,startsharing yourownspendingdecisionstoo.
Tipsforteachingyounger children
Paypocketmoneyasintherealworld: afixedallowance onthesamedayeachweek,justlikeawageandit’stheir responsibilityastohowtospendit.Thisteachesthevalueof moneyandthatit’snotanunlimitedresource.
Helpthemtracktheirmoneyonscreen: ifyougivethem aprepaiddebitcard,asmanyparentsdo,showthemtheir balanceonafamilytablet.Watchthenumbersgoupanddown together.
Letthemearn: comeupwithsomesmalljobsaroundyour homeandsetapriceforthem.Whenyoutransfertheirpay,let themseeitpopuponscreen.Thiswillshowhowworkearns moneyandhowmoneygetstransferred.
Playboardgames: Money-basedboardgameslike Monopoly and PayDay stilluseold-fashionedplaybanknotesandcanalso introduceconceptslikedebt,mortgages,taxesandsaving.
Talkaboutit. Forexample,whenyougotobuyanice-cream withthem,chatthroughthedifferentpricesforeachitem. Explainhowthehigherthecost,themoremoneywillgooutof yourbankaccount.Whenyougotopay,ratherthanjusttap, showyourchildtheamountdisplayedonthecardreadersothey linkwhatyou’rebuyingtothemoneyitcosts.
Explainthatifyouspentallyourmoney onice-creams,youwouldhavelessto spendonothermoreimportantitems youallneed,namelyfood,clothesand travel.
Pocketmoneyisoneoftheseventy fiverealworldscenariostackledinthe bookWhat’sMyTweenThinking? PracticalChildPsychologyforModern Parentco-authoredbyTanithCarey withDrAngharadRudkin,published byDKbooksandavailablenowfrom www.bookshop.org
Tipsforteachingolder children
Shareyourspendingdecisions Parentsoftendon’tsharewithchildrenhowmuchmoneythey haveorhowtheymakefinancialdecisions.Sokidsmaybelieve youhaveanunlimitedamountandonedaythey’llbethesame. Tohelpthemthinkresponsibly,calmlysharesomeofyourown moneymanagementdecisions.Whenyou’reoutshopping,chat throughyourchoicesandhowyoucompareprices.Youmight alsoshowhowyourpurchasesaffectyourbankbalance,sothey learnbasiccause-and-effect.
Talkaboutthedifferencebetweena‘need’anda‘want’ Inatap-and-gosociety,it’seasierthanevertouseacard tobuyanitemwithoutthinking.That’swhyit’simportantto introducesome‘friction’toslowdowntheprocess.Whenyou buysomething,talkaboutthedifferencebetweena‘need’anda ‘want.’Explainthat‘needs’areeverythingyourequiretosurvive, likefood,shelter.‘Wants’arecomplementaryadd-onswhichare nicetohavebutyoucanlivewithoutthem.
Overcoming disappointmentand failure
ByLisaWanderandCatherineLoble
Whilststudiesshowthatchildrenlearnbetterwhenthey experiencefailure,noparentlikesseeingtheirchildupset ordisappointed.Itfeelsrighttowanttokeepthemhappy andcontentbytakingstepstoavoidanythingseemingly harmfultheyencounter,whetherthatbethroughdistraction, bargainingorevenwithaquickcredit-cardswipe.
However,whilstthesequickwinsfeelbetterorevenjustsimpler, safeguardingchildrenfromdisappointmentultimately hinders themfromdevelopingresilienceandconfidence toprogress fromchildhoodtoadolescenceandintheiradultlife.When childrenaregiventheopportunitytostruggleandsometimes fail,youarehelpingthemdevelopessentialsocialandemotional skills.
Whatisdisappointmentandfailure? Disappointmentisa naturalresponsetofailure.Itinvolvesthefeelingsofthwarted desire,lossanddiscouragementwhenchildrenfailtofulfiltheir hopesandexpectationsorthoseofothers.Childrenaregoing tofeeldisappointmentwhentheydon’tachievetheirgoalsor believethattheyhaveletyoudown.
Thestigmasurroundingfailureisasignificantissuethatimpacts achild’sdevelopment,confidenceandwillingnesstotake risks.Bothclosefamilyandsocietyplacehighexpectationson childrentosucceedacademicallyandsocially,whichcanoften leadtoanintensefearoffailure.Theemphasisoncontinual testinginoureducationsystemreinforcesanarrowdefinition ofsuccessandfailuretoo.Ifachilddoesnotreachcertain
Howtohaveahealthy perspective
Strategiestocombatthestigmaoffailure
Understandthatfailureisanaturalpartofthelearningprocess andseefailuresasopportunitiesforlearning.Praiseeffort andpersistenceratherthanjustresultsandwhilstshowing yourchildempathy,avoidofferingaconsolationprize.Model yourownhealthyperspectiveondisappointmentandallow yourchildrentoexperienceit,viewingstumblingblocksas opportunities.
Managingyourexpectationsofyourchildren
Viewyourchildasanindividual.Childrendevelopatdifferent ratessodon’tcompareorbetemptedtoprojectyourown challengesontoyourchildren-theyeasilypickupon yournegativity.Instead,beenthusiasticandpositive,offer encouragementandsupport.Focusonpositive,realistic expectationsandcelebrateeffortaswellasachievement. Helpyourchilddeviseeasily-achievablegoalsandseparate themintomanageablechunks,prioritisingclearandconsistent communicationandexpectations.Aboveall,validatetheir feelingswhichwillhelpthemdevelopperspective.
benchmarks,theyareoftenlabelledafailure.Thiscanleadto adownwardspiraleffectwithchildrenreducingtheirefforts, givingupeasilyandnottakingrisks.Childrenwhofallintothis spiralmaysubsequentlyhavelittleconfidence,self-esteemand motivationtoachievefuturegoals.
Sohowdowenotfeelcompletelydefeatedasparentswhen wehavetowatchourchildsuffer?
Placatingyourchildrendoesn’tallowthemtounderstandthe rootcausesandfigureouthowtonotfeeldisappointedinthe future.Ratherweshouldletthemflextheirmusclesandwith support,encouragethemtofindsolutionsthemselves.Ingiving ourchildrenthenecessaryskillstomanagedisappointment, itisimportanttovalidatetheirfeelings,showempathyandbe mindfulofhowyoureacttowardsyourowndisappointments.
LisaandCatherineareco-foundersofEmparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk),supportingchildren,parentsand familieswiththeinsights,skillsandtoolsneededtonurture thedevelopmentandwell-beingofthenextgeneration.
How toviewyourchild’s disappointments
AccordingtotheauthorAllisonArmstrong,‘manyparents todaytrytoohardtosmoothawaylife’sroughedgesinthe hopesofkeepingdisappointmentatbay.Childrenwithno experiencesolvinglife’slittlesetbackshaveamuchharder timewhenthey’refacedwiththebigones.’Shesuggests thatparentsshouldviewtheirchildren’sdisappointmentsas positiveexperiencesthatpreparethemforadulthood. ‘Childhooddisappointmentisactuallyapracticelapon thecoursetoadulthood.Ifyouruninterferencewhenever disappointmentthreatens,you’resettingkidsuptoruna marathonwithouteverlettingthemtrainforit’Allisonadds. Instead,reframedisappointmentasahealthyandpositive emotionthatplaysanessentialroleinchildren’semotional, intellectualandsocialdevelopment,equippingthemwith resiliencetomeetandovercomefailuresinadultlife.Albert Einsteinsaid:‘Failureissuccessinprogress.’Itisnotwhat wedoforourchildrenbutratherhowweguidethemon theirjourney,whichwillmakethemsuccessful,strongand confidentindividuals.
Howtobegreatat spelling
ByZuzuJordan
Forchildren,learninghowtospellisn’tjustaboutpassing schooltestsbutbeingabletowritewordscorrectlyintheir extendedwriting.Asadults,spellingisessentialforeffective writing,bothintheprofessionalworldandonsocialmedia.
Therearemanytoolsthatcanhelp,suchasautocorrect, predictivetextandevenAI(ArtificialIntelligence).However, childrendonothavereadyaccesstotheseatschoolwherethey areexpectedtospellindependently.Learningiskey.
Herearesometechniques:
Ensurethattheyknowallthe40+phonemes
Somechildrenneedrepetitionofthephonicstaughtinearly years.Childrenwillbetaughtthe26lettersofthealphabet, 44differentsoundscalledphonemesandthecorresponding graphemes(thewrittensymbolsthatrepresentasound).Making suretheyaresecureintheirphonicsunderstandingcanmakea differenceintheirabilitytospellwordsthatfollowpatternsand rules.
Learntheexceptionstotherules
Themanywordsthatdonotfollowpatternscanbeconfusing. Knowingwhatthesewordsareanddiscussinghowtheyare the‘tricky’wordsbringsthemtoyourchild’sattentionsothey aremindfulofthemwhenwriting.AlsochooseEnglishover Americanspellings.
Rhyminggamescanreallyhelp
Childrenfindsimilaritiesbetweenwordsandthisexpandsthe numberofwordstheycanspell.Forexample,iftheycanspell ‘rain’thentheycanspell‘gain.’
Lookingforwordswithinwords
Thisisagreatwayofbreakinguplargerwordsegtheword ‘independent’hasthewords‘in,’‘pen,’‘dependent,’‘dent.’Equally, mostwordscanbebrokenintosyllablesandeachsyllable usuallyhasavowel(orsometimestheletter‘y’).
Seeingtheshapeofthewordhelpsvisuallearners
Forexample,theword‘tall’hasonetallletterandashortletter followedbytwotallletters.
Memorygames
Rhymingisapowerfultooltoraise phonicsawarenessandhelpkids remembertrickyfacts.Forexample, ‘wakeywakeyriseandshine,7x7is 49’ .
Mnemonicsisanothermemory strategythatcanbeusedinall subjects.Itturnsinformationinto songs,acronyms,rhymesandother forms.
Thespellingof‘necessary’canbe rememberedwiththismnemonic: NeverEatCake,EatSalmon Sandwiches And RemainYoung. A quickinternetsearchshowsmany usefulmnemonicstohelpyourchild inlotsofsubjects.
Mnemonicsislikemakingupastorytohelpspellaword
Fortheword‘because’usethemnemonic‘bigelephantscan alwaysupsetsmallelephants.’
Thetraditionalmethodof‘look,say,cover,writeandcheck’ worksforsomechildrenbutcomeswithawarning
Notallchildrenrespondtothismethodandthewordsdon’t alwaysentertheirlong-termmemory.Practisingwritingtheword outhelpsyourchildbecomefamiliarwiththeshapeoftheword. Rainbowspellingisanothervisualwayoflearningspellings: maybeuseonecolourforaspecificsoundanddifferentcolours fortheotherletters.
Usingtechnologyandapps
Theapp SqueeblesSpellingTest startswithalistfromthe nationalcurriculumandyoucanuploadyourownwords. Childrencanthenpractisetheirspellingsindependently. Usedifferentmaterialstopractisewritingthewords withpaintorfoamorinsand.Scrabble-liketilescan beboughtfrommosthobbyshopsandaregreatforkinaesthetic learnersastheycanphysicallymovethelettersintothecorrect order.Equally,playinggameslike Scrabble and Hangman isalso helpful.
Ultimatelyamulti-facetedapproachwillbringthebestresults whensupportingyourchild’sspellingjourney.
ZuzuJordanisaMasteryforMathsspecialistwhohastaught primaryagedchildrenforsixteenyearsandisinterestedinearly yearsandhomelearning.ForFREEhomeworkandhomelearning resources,findheronInstagramatedumate_uk
Rhymingandmnemonics
Boostingyourchild’scognitivedevelopmentthrough memorygameswillimproveconcentrationandfostertheir problem-solvingskills.
Kim’sGame involvesshowingchildrenarangeofobjects, hidingthemandseeinghowmanytheycanremember. Numbersequencememorygame helpswithnumerical memorybygettingyourchildtorepeatasequenceofnumbers andthenextendingiteachtime.
Storyrecall isexcellentforreadingcomprehension. Incorporatingthesegamesintodailyroutineswillhelpchildren tolearnhowtoretainimportantinformationatschool.
Makehanging pumpkinsfora twigtree
Weaskedourfriendsat Hobbycraft (www.hobbycraft. co.uk)foraspectacularlyspookyHalloweencraftactivity forparentstodowiththeirkidsandthey’vecomeupwith thesecutepumpkinstohangonatwigtree.
Instructions:
Step1: Printoffthepumpkin templateatwww.bit. ly/pumpkintemorget creativeanddrawout yourownpumpkin shape.Cutitout.
Step6: Takea15cmpieceof cordandglueittothe frontofthepumpkinto makeahangingcord.
h
Youwillneed blackribbon,A4feltsheets inorange,greenandpink,softtoyfilling, blackcard,agluegun,scissorsandapen.
(Allmaterialsplustwigtreescanbepurchasedat Hobbycraft).
Step2: Useapentotraceyour pumpkintemplateonto afoldedpieceoffelt.Cut thisouttogiveyoutwo identicalpumpkins.
Step7: Tracethepumpkinstalk ontosomegreenfeltand cutouttwopieces.
Step3: Useahotgluegunto putalineofgluearound theedgeofonepumpkin andsticktheotheron top.Leavethebottom open.
Step8: Glueonepieceofthe greenfeltstalktothe frontandonetothe back,sandwiching thehangingcordin between.
Step4: Stuffthepumpkinwitha smallamountofthesoft toyfilling.
Step5: Usehotgluetoclosethe pumpkin.
Step9: Cutfacedetailsoutof someblackcardandadd tothepumpkinsfora spookyfinishingtouch.
