Families Dorset September/October 23 Digital

Welcome

So it’s back to school already! Maybe you’ll have some time this month to take a look at our fabulous Education feature and explore how to support your child’s learning this year. Whatever stage your child is at you’ll find something of interest.

And it won’t be long before your child starts to get excited about half term and, in particular, Halloween. So take a look at our fab Halloween cooking and craft ideas and download our free Halloween activity pack! We’ve also got great suggestions for board games for the family as the nights draw in and familyfriendly museums to visit as the weather turns.

Look out for our fabulous giveaways too! Apply inside and you’ll also ensure you always receive this magazine and can take advantage of more content and goodies on offer.

Performing arts

Get in touch

Competition winners from our May/June issue

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE

Why choose performing arts classes for your child?

By Alexa Brant

A range of research studies have found that students who participate in the arts demonstrate a higher academic performance and test results AND perform better in areas that contribute to success outside the classroom.

There are many other benefits too:

Self-confidence

Aspects of performing arts, especially improvisation, help children understand how to appraise situations, think outside the box and be more confident in unfamiliar situations. They learn to trust their ideas and abilities and apply them. Meanwhile, dance helps build self-confidence with each new routine practised and mastered.

Imagination

Being creative and learning to make creative choices helps children think of new ideas, allowing them to view the world around them in different ways. Remember Einstein said: ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’

Concentration and memory

Practising, rehearsing and performing develops the abilities and skills necessary for children to be able to focus their minds, bodies and voices and improves their memory. Memory requires exercise, just like a muscle!

Communication and socialisation

Dance and performing arts are highly social activities. Children learn how to work as part of a team, develop a greater sense of trust and co-operation and make new friends. They also develop their listening and observation skills. Acting improves vocal projection, articulation, tone of speech and expression.

Empathy

Understanding characters, roles and the sub-text of plays and musicals allows students to relate better to different situations, backgrounds and cultures and encourages them to show compassion and tolerance for others.

Physical health

Dance improves flexibility, coordination, balance, range of motion, stamina, muscle tone, strength and posture. Performing and dancing on stage also helps children develop spatial awareness, become less clumsy and pay more attention to others sharing their space.

Perform with Stagecoach Ringwood & Wimborne

Stagecoach Performing Arts offers weekly singing, dancing and drama classes to children ages 4 to 18 in Ringwood and Verwood.

Stagecoach’s ethos is built around instilling Creative Courage for Life, regardless of age or ability. High quality teaching and student inclusion is the utmost priority and Stagecoach believes in making special memories that children will treasure forever.

It’s been a busy year for Stagecoach Ringwood & Wimborne, with EVERY student participating in performances at the Verwood Hub and community performances at the Wimborne Folk Festival and St Ives Summer Fayre.

At its summer workshop, students put on a show in just four days and now students ages 6+ are thinking about their 2024 performance at the Bournemouth Pavilion.

Try a FREE 2 week trial and let Stagecoach find your child’s confidence today.

EMAIL Emily or find out more HERE.

Kickstart autumn with a FREE Perform class

Perform classes use a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential. Run by experienced actor-teachers, the classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration.

From September, Perform children ages 4 to 7 will take to the skies with Phileas Fogg as they go on an amazing adventure Around the World. Whether walking like a wallaby in the outback or revealing the legends of the Egyptian pyramids, the new term will be filled with globetrotting fun!

Hama Beads in Small Storage Box Giveaway

6000 Hama beads and 3 uniquely shaped pegboards for endless 3D designs

2 sets available

*T&C’s apply

Meanwhile, children ages 7 to 12 are going to the ball in a rags-toriches rock show, Cinderella Rocks. This hilarious version of Cinderella features struggling band, The Ugglies, in their quest to top the charts with charming music mogul, Simon Prince.

With all abilities welcome, the children will work towards an end of term performance for family and friends. The only requirement is to get ready for the best fun of the week!

Classes are for all abilities and every child is welcome to try a free class in Bournemouth.

More about Perform’s weekly classes

Confidence building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. Classes are designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. EMAIL, call 020 7255 9120 or click HERE to book a FREE trial class at St Augustin’s Church Hall, Bournemouth, BH2 6NU.

RockStars After School Club at RockReef

RockReef indoor adventure attraction on Bournemouth Pier has an exciting after school club every Wednesday from 4.30pm to 6pm during term time.

The sessions are fully instructor led so parents/carers can take a break and drop off their children in the safe hands of RockReef’s friendly and experienced staff. Rockstars ninety minutes sessions are action packed and children have access to all Rockreef’s indoor activities including its twenty eight themed climbing walls, HighLine aerial obstacle course, Pier Cave and Vertical Slide. Sessions combine fun learning with exciting games and challenges to help children build confidence, gain new skills and make new friends. Suitable for children ages 6 to 13, activities and challenges vary and instructors tailor them depending on children’s ages and experience.

More info and booking HERE.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Daily until 30 Oct

Smugglers Trail at Golden Cap Estate

Collect FREE map and brass rubbing sheet and complete trail with views of Lyme Regis bay.

Every Mon during term

Nature Tots at Knoll Beach

Join the National Trust for nature inspired activities in a beautiful coastal setting for children ages up to 5 yrs.

Every Wed during Sep Wild Wednesday at Durlston Country Park Drop-in at the Learning Centre from 11am to 3pm to have a go at painting, crafts and activities.

Fri 8 Sep to Sun 10 Sep

Free Entry to Hardy Monument

Visitors will be able to climb to top of monument for FREE. Booking required.

Fri 8 Sep to Tue 31 Oct

Cosy Creatures Trail at Kingston Lacy

Themed activities, solve woodland riddles, find seven hidden woodland creatures.

Sat & Sun 9-10 Sep

Free Entry at Max Gate Enjoy FREE entry to this atmospheric National Trust home designed by Thomas Hardy. Booking advised.

Sun 10 Sep

Heritage Open Day at Upton Country Park FREE entry to explore the ground floor of Upton House with a colourful programme.

Sat Fri 15 Sep

Family Shoreline Adventure at Shipstal Beach

Join an after-school guided adventure searching for shoreline creatures and treasures.

Fri 15 Sep to Sun 17 Sep Free Entry to Portland House

Enjoy FREE entry to this National Trust historic property which is not usually open to public.

Fri 15 to Sun 24 Sep

Inside Out Dorset Festival at Poole

International outdoor arts festival celebrating all that is Dorset.

Planet Purbeck Festival Events across Purbeck celebrating Purbeck’s amazing natural world.

Sat 16 Sep

Tom Thumb at Poole

Lighthouse CBeebies Patrick Lynch brings classic story to life in a playful and fascinating show.

Ages 3+.

Purbeck Festival of Cultural Heritage at Corfe Castle

From artisan crafts to demonstrations, learn about rich cultural history of the area. FREE.

Sun 17 Sep

Heritage Open Day at Fort Henry

Celebrating Studlands role in the success of the D-day landings. Display of WW2 ordnance and ration packs along with children’s activities and a self-guided, top secret Studland walk.

Tue 19 Sep

Kisses 4 Fishes litter & craft at Kimmeridge

Remove discarded fishing nets (kisses) from the beach and craft them into something.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Wed 20 Sep & 18 Oct

Nature Tots at Kingcombe Visitor Centre

A group for parents/ guardians to bring children 4 and under to experience the wildlife of Kingcombe.

Sat 23 Sep to Sun 12 Nov

Stories of the Spirits Family Quest at Corfe Castel

Discover five important people from Corfe Castle’s history, collect stamps and a special siege coin.

Sat 30 Sep & Tue 3, 10 & 17 Oct

Apple Picking at Kingston Lacy

Help harvest this year’s crop by picking your own apples. Suggested donation £3 per bag.

Sun 24 Sep

Paws for Fort at Nothe Fort

Fun dog show for dog lovers, categories include Cutest Pupply, Waggiest Tail and Best 6 Legs.

Wessex Heavy Horse Show and Country Fayre

A spectacle of Heavy Horse breeds which sees

the best horses compete against each other.

Sat 30 Sep

Wildlife Tots at Testwood Lakes

Monthly Wildlife Tots sessions are aimed at children ages 2-5.

Shaftesbury Carnival

Annual tradition sees a procession for children in the day and grand illuminated parade at night.

Sat 30 Sep & Sat 28 Oct Fox & Cubs Club at Upton Country Park Sessions designed for dads and kids to spend quality time together in the great outdoors.

Sat & Sun 30 Sep-1 Oct

Binocular & Telescope

Weekend at RSPB Arne A full range of binoculars and spotting scopes for you to sample.

Sun 1 Oct

The Bubble Show at Corn Exchange

Unique blend of magic, storytelling, science and bubble art. Ages 3+.

Weymouth Family Science Festival at Nothe Fort

Exciting experiments,

demonstrations, a planetarium and lots more fun family activities.

Tue 3 & Wed 4 Oct

Tales from Acorn Wood at Weymouth Pavilion

Packed full of toetapping songs, puppetry and all the friends from Acorn Wood. Ages 1-6.

Sat 7 Oct

Gillingham Carnival

Traditional carnival events including processions, fun fair and stalls.

Sat & Sun 7-8 Oct

Pirate Weekend at Nothe Fort

Unforgettable weekend with heaps of pirate fun and treasure to find.

Wed 11 to Sat 14 Oct

Wimborne Model

Railway Exhibition at Museum of East Dorset View trains running in historical recreation of town of Wimborne.

Sat 14 Oct

Stories in the Dust at Poole Lighthouse

With live music, puppetry and clowning, a funny, heartfelt, postapocalyptic production. Ages 3+.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Sat 14 to Sat 21 Oct

Dorchester Literary Festival

Features a children’s programme with storytelling, craft and author sessions.

Thu 19 to Mon 30 Oct

Halloween Activity Trail at Durlston Country Park

The trail will take you on a trip around the park to find missing pumpkins and other freaky friends.

Sat & Sun 20-21 Oct Apple Pressing at Kingston Lacy

Watch the apple press in action and taste the freshly crushed apple juice.

Binocular & Telescope Weekend at RSPB Arne

A full range of binoculars and spotting scopes for you to sample.

Sat 21 to Sun 29 Oct

October Half Term at RockReef RockReef on Bournemouth Pier is full of family adventures and fun this October half term. With indoor activities for ages 4+, including twenty eight climbing walls, HighLine aerial obstacle course,

Pier Cave and Vertical Slide. Perfect for keeping warm this autumn. Outside is the awesome PierZip, the only pierto-shore zipwire in the world. Book online for discounts and free entry onto the pier.

Halloween Quiz at Wimborne Model Town Will you be able to find Winnie the Witch and follow her around the Model Town?

October Half Term at The Tank Museum

Half Term fun for the whole family kids’ activities, new exhibition, soft play and more.

Halloween Trail at Knoll Beach

Spooky nature-themed trail around Studland beach, dunes and woodland. Children can make witches brews, brooms and creepy crawly hotels. £3.

Teddy Zip-Wire at Corfe Castle

Help your teddy escape the castle and feel the wind on the zip wire.

Sat 21 to Tue 31 Oct

October Half Term at Upton Country Park

A spooky, immersive trail with a prize at the end.

Sun 22 to Thu 26 Oct

Autumn Half Term at Lulworth Castle & Park

Seek out pumpkins, find funny bones on the autumn trail, try pitch’n’putt and traditional lawn games.

October Half Term at Highcliffe Castle

Enjoy indoor bat trail with bat related crafts.

Tue 24 Oct

Little Explorers Spooky Spells & Ghastly

Ghouls at Museum of East Dorset

Create spooky spells and creepy crafts, enjoy a ghoulish garden trail and spine-chilling stories.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Poole

Lighthouse

A sideways take on Shakespeare’s classic play. For ages 6+.

Tue 24 to Mon 30 Oct

Halloween Hunt at Seaton Tramway

Collect a FREE activity guide, hunt the ghouls to claim your sweet treat.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Wed 25 Oct

Journey to the Stars at Corn Exchange

Blend of puppetry, storytelling, live music and comedy with science and astronomy. Ages 4+.

Wild Wednesdays at Durlston Country Park

Drop-in at the Learning Centre from 11am to 3pm to have a go at painting, crafts and activities.

Thu 26 Oct

Wild Durlston Kids Activity at Durlston Country Park

Join a Ranger to learn about Durlston through games and activities. Booking required.

Halloween

Spooktacular at Tivoli Theatre Wimborne

Jam-packed with your favourite Halloween hits and amazing ultra-violet puppetry. For all ages.

The Sooty Show at Poole Lighthouse Spectacular celebration of the longest-running children’s television show.

50% Family Discount at Highcliffe Castle Families will enjoy a fifty percent discount on admission today.

Wed 25 to Sun 29 Oct

Pumpkin Carving at Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre

Get stuck into some pumpkin carving with all equipment and pumpkin provided. From £5.

Thu 26 to Sat 28 Oct

Cinderella A Twisted Tale at The Barrington Centre

Ferndown Phoenix Musical Theatre presents a special Halloween performance.

Fri 27 Oct

The Magic of Science at Bridport Electric Palace

A thrilling science packed magic show for all the family. Ages 3+.

Sat 28 Oct

Museum by Torchlight at Museum of East Dorset

Dress up and bring your torch for a spooky time in the galleries.

Milkshake Live! at Poole Lighthouse

Brand-new show has plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun. For ages 3+.

The Little Mermaid at Poole Lighthouse

Lots of fun, singing and dancing. Ages 5+.

Sat 4 Nov

The King of Nothing at Bridport Arts Centre

With songs, slapstick humour, a comic and playful show. Ages 5-11.

1 April - 29 October

Every day 10am-5pm

Autumn days out at Monkey World

To include your business in our next issue, call Claire on 07812 218331 for more information

Sat 21 to Sun 29 Oct

Gibbon Half Term at Monkey World

Get your International Gibbon Day activity sheet with Monkey World’s half-term pack. The children’s activity centre is also open with pumpkin carving designing and arts & crafts! This is the last chance to complete the Monkey World Summer Challenge, with gibbon day providing the final activity! For just £2.50, kids can sign up to the challenge which runs until October. Each challenger will receive a beautiful card to fill with stickers and a Monkey World pencil.

There is a huge list of fun challenges and activities to complete at the park and those who manage to complete five before the end of October will receive a certificate and be entered into a prize draw. See the website for the full list of challenge dates and purchase the challenge at the adoption centre at the park.

Tue 31 Oct

Halloween at Monkey World FREE entry for children in FULL Halloween fancy dress. Free fancy dress competition with prizes, as well as the Activity Centre open for children. Select the fancy dress option when booking online. Only available on 31 October.

Ten top tips for attending school Open Days

By Andrew Campbell

If you are looking ahead to your child’s first or next school, you have big decisions ahead. Do your homework now and the choices will become clearer, particularly when it comes to visiting your shortlist.

TOP TIP: It can take a couple of visits to really nail your school choices. So attend Open Days for key schools two years in advance of your child’s start date so you have time to come back to an Open Day the following year. Bear in mind that independent schools are generally non-selective at Reception, so get your name on waiting lists early. It can be good to visit the school and see it in action on a school day too, if you can.

Here are my tips for preparation and getting the most out of your visit.

1. Do your research

Study the school’s website noting where the gaps are in your knowledge and which questions you want to ask at the Open Day. Are there particular entry requirements? How long is the school day? How many students per class? Are there taster sessions for children before the start of term? Make a list of questions covering the things that are a priority for your family.

If your child is moving on to senior school, you may want to ask about things like mobile phone policy. If

it’s a state school you are visiting, check your understanding of the catchment area, as they can change from year to year.

Best new adventure books for kids

We asked our friends at Parrot Street Book Club for their suggestions.

Yomi and the Fury of Ninki Nanka

By Davina Tijani

A fun fantasy adventure inspired by African mythology. Ages 5+.

Leif the Unlucky Viking

By Gary Northfield

Highly illustrated, laugh-out-loud Viking adventure. Ages 5+.

The Lucky Bottle

By Chris Wormell

A beautifully illustrated, mysterious maritime adventure. Ages 8+.

Friends and Traitors

By Helen Peters

A thrilling wartime mystery with a classic feel for readers. Ages 8+.

The Housetrap

By Emma Read Scooby Doo meets

Escape Room in this entertaining adventure. Ages 8+.

Koku Akanbi and the Heart of Midnight

By Maria Motunrayo Adebisi

Epic new fantasy series. Ages 8+.

Tiny the Secret Adventurer

By Aisha Bushby

A heartwarming, inclusive adventure story. Ages 5+.

All the Way Down

By Stewart Foster

A life-affirming story packed with friendship, resilience and empathy. Ages 8+.

The Stolen Songbird

By Judith Eagle

A gripping mystery set in 1950s London. Ages 8+.

How can AI support dyslexia?

By Usha Patel

Continuity at Talbot Heath School

Recently, the parent of a dyslexic student told me that, despite being offered speech-to-text assistive technology, he found writing and rewriting by hand helped organise his thoughts and process his ideas. So how could AI help assist with this?

READ MORE

Making the most of Parents’ Evening

By Justina Gapper

As the new school year gets going, many parents will be anticipating talking to their child’s teacher(s) at a Parents’ Evening. This may be a new experience or you may have attended these events already. So how do you get the most out of them?

READ MORE

Talbot Heath School’s allthrough girls’ education, spanning ages 3 to 18 and combined with a unique STEAM curriculum, offers a seamless academic journey.

The continuity creates a comfortable transition, providing a nurturing early years foundation and progressing through to tailored adolescent development. This approach cultivates a sense of familiarity, building strong teacherstudent relationships and peer connections that enhance the learning atmosphere. The allthrough model allows for holistic growth, preparing young women to excel not only academically but also emotionally and socially, equipping them with the confidence and skills to excel in a diverse and evolving world.

As girls advance, the school adapts to their changing needs, fostering individual potential, nurturing strengths and addressing challenges.

Open Events: Senior School 22 Sep, Kindergarten, Pre-Prep and Junior School 29 Sep.

More info HERE

Phonics resources to assist with reading

Is your child learning to read? Help them learn with these fun phonics activities.

Phonics Play

Phonics information, games and activities. £12 per year.

YouTube Channel

Over 500 literacy resources recorded by a Year 1 teacher. FREE.

Reading Eggs

Online phonics activities and games for learning. £6.99 per month.

Jolly

Over 150 eBooks to help your child put learning to practice. FREE.

Sort That Sound! Activity Set

Identify and sort sounds and images, building phonemic awareness.

£25

Children sing a song for each phonics sound. CD & explanatory book. £8.75.

Teach Your Monster to Read

Mini-games help children recognise letters and practice blending sounds. FREE.

Created by reading experts. £5.03.

iPhone/iPad app

Fun, engaging combination of letter and sound pronunciation and writing practice. £6.99.

abc PocketPhonics

Songs Book and Audio CD

Oxford Owl Phonics Storybooks

Mr T’s Phonics

Julia Donaldson’s Songbirds Phonics Games

Fun role play ideas for kids

Fantasy role play

Super hero: let your child choose and act out imaginative adventures.

Circus: make tickets and provide hula hoops, face paint, animals etc.

Astronaut: create cardboard spaceships and helmets.

TV character: Paw Patrol, Postman Pat, Peppa Pig. Storybook character: a favourite or a classic eg Cinderella.

Work role play

School teacher: teach the ABCs to stuffed toys or younger siblings.

Police: let kids enjoy the idea of being responsible. Factory: use old containers, tools, masking tape and set a task.

Taxi: two chairs, plate for steering wheel and a destination. Hospital: provide white coat and medical tools.

Café Role Play

Daily life role play

Grocery store: promote early maths skills, use pretend money and home produce.

Restaurant: set up pretend restaurant with menus, play food and tables.

Post Office: use envelopes, stamps and boxes; children can send and receive.

Dentist: settle patient nerves, provide chair, coat and pretend tools.

Small-world role play

Cardboard city: create a pretend urban area using cardboard boxes.

Bug small world: use plastic bugs in a sensory tray.

Dinosaur land: use a tray with sand, pebbles, plastic trees and dinosaur toys

Animals at lake: make miniature beach with sand and animal figurines.

Travel Agent Role Play

A dad demonstrates a café role play with his son.

Enjoy a giggle watching children play being travel agents.

2024 family friendly holiday destinations

We asked Ashley Lutz of Travel Counsellors for her top recommendations. Remember booking ahead can mean low deposits, discounts and even free child places.

Crete

The largest of the Greek islands’ really does have something for everyone. For younger kids, there are quiet beaches and secluded coves. For older ones, plenty of theme parks, aquariums and water sports.

Krk Island, Croatia

Switzerland

Connected to the mainland by bridge and accessible directly by air, this island is lesser known and there’s no need for ferries. Krk’s natural beauty and numerous activities like scuba diving, go karting or simply just relaxing on one of the many lovely beaches and coves make it perfect for families.

A magical, ‘great outdoors’ destination for family holidays. Whether bathing in one of the many lakes or rivers, hiking up a mountain or cycling through unique landscapes, Switzerland is a paradise for summer adventures.

Portugal

Explore beyond the Algarve on a fun road trip. Motorways tend to be quiet, making it easy to explore a variety of regions, each with its own unique character. Lots of fun routes to explore which take in long golden beaches, hilltop medieval villages, famous vineyards, the island’s natural beauty and delicious food.

2024 family friendly holiday destinations

We asked Ashley Lutz of Travel Counsellors for her top recommendations. Remember booking ahead can mean low deposits, discounts and even free child places.

Abu Dhabi

Consider booking Abu Dhabi over Dubai for winter sun. It’s more relaxed, very well suited to families of all ages and has a less chaotic feel. Family-friendly activities include Ferrari World, waterparks, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and Warner Bros World.

Sweden

Enjoy the pure bliss of jumping into lakes, kayaking and swimming in the sea. Rest your head in a tent for some wild camping or book into a comfy boutique hotel. From the unspoilt nature of Swedish Lapland to exploring Stockholm and its vast archipelago, Sweden is a dream for nature lovers and adventurous travellers.

Mauritius

For stunning scenery and beautiful beaches, gorgeous year-round sunshine and enough breeze to keep young children cool, Mauritius is perfect both for summer and Christmas holidays. Expect family-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities.

Thailand

For a long haul adventure, this is a great option. My best advice: don’t just fly and flop. Travelling with children is easy here, with welcoming locals and great domestic travel options making exploring easy. From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to the chilled out vibes of island life, there’s truly something for everyone.

Top family-friendly museums

Head for one of these museums this October half term and you will definitely keep the kids engaged! And, many of them are FREE.

Sheffield Loads of interactive and hands-on activities.

Dedicated, designed and curated by children, a brand-new museum full of wonder. FREE

Dunfermline, Scotland Award winning. Handson activities. FREE.

Hancock, Newcastle Natural history, archaeology, geology and world cultures. FREE

Leeds

Fascinating history of Leeds, signposted selfie points, all-round excellent facilities. FREE

Derby

Hands-on activities, regular family workshops. FREE.

London

Climb aboard vintage buses/trains/taxis/tubes.

FREE for under 17s.

Liverpool

Hands on, interactive displays telling Liverpool’s story. FREE.

Birmingham

Steam engines, talking robots, spitfire gallery and planetarium.

Leeds City Museum

Museum of Making

Great North Museum

London Transport Museum

Museum of Liverpool

National Emergency Services Museum

Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum

Young V&A London

Thinktank Science Museum

Fun board games that encourage development

It’s the perfect time of year to invest in a new board game and these are not just brilliant fun, they also encourage aspects of children’s development.

Feed the Woozle

Fosters self-regulation in young ones in a fun and silly way.

Ages 3-6. £21.15.

Life on Earth Matching and Memory Game

Great for encouraging focussed attention, Ages 3+. £6.

Spot it Junior!

Children have to learn to suppress their first impulse.

Ages 4+. £14.39.

Zingo Bingo

Develops language skills and self-regulation.

Ages 4+. £18.50.

Shopping List

Fast paced game which tests memory and matching skills. Ages 3+. £8.30.

Sequence for Kids

Practises turn-taking, planning, prioritising and boosts short term memory.

Ages 4-7. £29.35.

Melissa and Doug Suspend Junior

Promotes planning, decision making and fine motor skills.

Ages 4+. £16.49.

Hey, that’s my Fish

Award-winning game of strategic fish hunting. Ages 8+. £17.23.

Kingdomino

Improves spatial awareness, decision making and executive functioning.

Ages 8+. £22.35.

Dealing with fussy eating

Authors of The Fussy Eater’s Guide to Exploring Food: A book for children explain how parents can support fussy eaters to expand their range of foods, using a sensory ‘food science’ based approach.

What is a Food Scientist?

Fussy eating is common in children, often peaking around age 3.

The consequences include poor dietary variety, especially with fruit and vegetables, leading to concerns about nutrient intake and possible negative health outcomes. Evidence suggests that repeated exposure to new foods, using a sensory based approach, can help children expand their diet.

Consequences of fussy eating Look

By becoming Food Scientists, children can explore new foods using a step by step, practical approach at a speed with which they are comfortable.

They are encouraged to explore foods, such as fruits and vegetables, in a fun way using all their senses by looking, touching, smelling, licking and listening to their sounds.

Touch

Evidence suggests that the more you expose children to new fruits and vegetables, the more likely they are in time to accept them. Initially suggest your child LOOK at the food they are exploring and describe its colour and shape. Using a magnifying glass enables them to look closely and compare the inside and outside.

Your child can then TOUCH and feel the food with their fingers to see if it smooth, bumpy, wet, dry, soft or hard.

Encourage them to explore further by looking inside, using cutters, peelers or juicers. They can use tongs or a napkin if they dislike getting their hands wet.

Dealing with fussy eating

Authors of The Fussy Eater’s Guide to Exploring Food: A book for children explain how parents can support fussy eaters to expand their range of foods, using a sensory ‘food science’ based approach.

Smell

Encourage your child to progress to eating, from tolerating the food in their space to bringing it closer to their nose and mouth, to find out if it is a big SMELL that fills the room or smaller one, that stays close to the food.

Sound

Finally, children are encouraged to explore a small piece of food in their mouth, by taking a bite and to listen to the SOUND. Is it a squelchy or a louder crunchy sound?

Give children permission to spit the food out (into a tissue) if they dislike it.

Taste

Many children are reluctant to TASTE new foods. Suggest they take a small ‘snake taste’ by putting their tongue quickly on the food. How do the inside and outside compare? Salty, sugary, sour or bitter? They can take a bigger, longer lick, if they want.

About the book

The Fussy Eater’s Guide to Exploring Food is for children and parents.

Its large childfriendly print and photographs show children how to become food scientists, exploring the sensory elements of different foods.

In small steps, the book supports children to become comfortable with new foods and eventually be able to eat them.

Spooky Halloween crafts

Get crafting with this range of craft activities that will get the family in the Halloween mood.

Free printable bunting

Flying ghost stick puppet

Chalkboard paint pumpkin

Handprint spider

Rock skulls

Witches’ cauldrons

Halloween bowling

Haunted house

Puffy ghosts

Spooky Halloween food ideas

Make these delicious and super-scary Halloween recipes with the kids.

Meringue ghost ice-cream sundaes

Monster cookies

Chocolate mousse mud pots

Spooky sausage rolls

Pumpkin fondue with crispy bats & crunchy veg

Apple pie mummies

Haunted pizza

Banana ghosts

Monster burgers

True’s Mushroom House Playset Giveaway

Worth £40 each

5 available

Come and play with True and Bartleby

Multi-level house complete with furniture for endless play possibilities

Compatible with all True and the Rainbow Kingdom figures, so True’s friends can join the fun Ages 3+

APPLY HERE