IN THIS ISSUE September/October 2022 Familiesonline.co.uk HalloweenAutumnEducationfun FREE Gloucestershire
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 3 Welcome Can you believe the kids are back at school already? It seems like just a moment since they were breaking up! Starting or going back to school can be challenging for children (and parents) so check out our advice on new term teething problems and inspire your kids with our great book recommendations. Autumn is a beautiful time of year so take a look at our suggestions for activities to do with the kids outside. Enjoy our Autumn treasure hunt or try one of our family-friendly walk suggestions when half term rolls around. And, if you want to keep your kids off screens as the nights draw in, check out our half term screen-free kids’ activities too! Finally, in this issue, we have tonnes of Action Heroes sets, some fun Sneezy Panda games, Mr Frosty toys and cool Marlo & Cole t-shirts to giveaway! By applying, you’ll also ensure you continue to receive our wonderful magazine! Autumn treasure hunt GiveawaysHalloweenAutumnoutsideAutumnScreen-freeParentingFamiliesClubsEducation&classesrecommendsactivitiesactivitieswalks In this issue 23201918161210954 CONTENTS Get in touch Competition winners from our May/June issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE
Get outdoors and go on a treasure hunt with your kids, finding and matching autumn treasures.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October4
AutumnHuntTreasure
Autumn treasure hunt
Ideal for appreciating the autumn season and getting outdoors. No checking online until you get home!
On the next page you’ll find pictures of eight different autumn treasures to find in the park or woodlands. Remember, the Woodland Trust has a great guide to woodlands near you. Once you’ve found them, write in the name of what you’ve found. Get your grown up to help Thenyou. take a look at the pictures in a row at the bottom. Each picture has some kind of connection to your treasures. It might be where the treasure comes from or maybe where you find it. When you’ve worked out the connection, draw a line from each of your autumn treasures to the picture at the bottom that is connected to it. And hey presto, you’re done! And hopefully you’ve found an autumn treasure you can keep or learned something you didn’t know. Have fun!
DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE What am I? I am a: I am a: I am a: I am a: I am an: I am an: I am a: I am a:
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 5 EDUCATION
Children who struggle with this usually struggle with other tasks like handwriting too.
Is your child sitting the Gloucestershire Grammar School Entrance Examination?
WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY My son was so happy to receive his marks. Your sessions supported and encouraged him. Without you he would never have achieved such a high score. Thank you!
Does your child struggle to open a packet of crisps? Like all motor function problems, this is indicative of something more significant, in this case a general problem with ‘hand grasp.’
Online learning hub Pupils have access to our unique online hub. This is designed to build confidence and increase speed in mathematical and English skills.
Revision and Intensive Preparation Courses Booking is now open for our Easter and Summer courses. These two and three day courses are specifically designed to ensure children are fully prepared for the September exam. Providing knowledge, tips and revision techniques.
For more information visit www.11pluscoachinggloucestershire.co.uk Or email coach@11pluscoachinggloucestershire.co.uk “
READ MORE
By John and Kyle Hattie
Most children with special educational needs (SEN) go to a mainstream school, where there are both pupils with and without SEN. So, if your child has special educational needs, what type of support can you expect from their school and how do go about getting that support?
Classes We provide 1-1 and small group 11+ coaching for children in years 4 and 5. Our carefully designed course supports children in all aspects of the CEM test. All coaches are fully qualified teachers who use traditional teaching methods and games to support learning and ensure your child thrives.
Mock Exams Booking for mock exams is now open! Places are limited and fill very quickly. After each exam a full question analysis is received by parents. This shows your child’s strengths and areas for development. Allowing you to fill gaps effectively in preparation for the September exam.
What can parents and carers do to ensure their children, of all ages, develop great learning habits which will help them achieve their maximum potential in school and in life? It all starts with talking - and lots of it – from the very early years onward. Why education begins at home
READ MORE Getting school support for a child with SEN Contributed by Contact
By Usha Patel
READ MORE Hand grasp challenges in young children
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October6 EDUCATION Chapter books that encourage kindness The MovementSoup By Ben Davis Age 8+ The Worries: Sohal Finds a Friend By JionAgeSheibani6+ The Elephant in the Room By Holly Goldberg Sloan Age 10+ A Kind of Spark By ElleAgesMcNicoll8+ Lost By Ele AgesFountain11+ Five Ways to Make a Friend By Gillian Cross Ages 8+ The Elephant By PeterAgesCarnavas6+ Boy at the Back of the Class By Onjali Q. Rauf Ages 8+ Wonder By R. J. AgePalacio8+ Our friends at Parrot Street Book Club contribute their suggestions.
New term teething troubles
The autumn term has begun and your child has returned to school. What kind of ‘teething troubles’ might you face over the next few months while your child copes with the changes that September brought with it? And how should you deal with them?
APPLY HERE for your FREET&Cstoyapply Magazine available5 Suitableforages3+
By Liat Joshi-Hughes
anything formal, just reading a little more together or encouraging them to do some basic adding up when you’re at the shops or baking. For writing practice, could they write a post card to their grandparents or other relatives?
READ MORE Make fruity, crunchy ice with Mr Frosty!
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 7 EDUCATION
My child is having trouble making friends Perhaps they’re in a different class or their closest friend has left the school and they’re struggling to adjust and find a new bestie or gang. Regardless, there are a couple of things you can do to boost your child’s friendships. Firstly, of course, talk to your child’s teacher and ask if there’s anyone they think your son or daughter might particularly gel with. Next up, invite them over for a playdate or arrange to meet them and their parent in the park. If confidence is an issue, role play approaching potential friends with your little one…take it in turns. My child can’t manage this year’s curriculum Primary school learning is much more of a double act these days, a partnership between parents and teachers. Again, go and have a chat with the teacher to try and understand your child’s level and find out what you can do to support your little one’s reading, writing or maths at home. This needn’t be
Brilliant first chapter books for early readers
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October8 EDUCATION
When your child is ready to move on from picture books, here are some wonderful first chapter books recommended by Parrot Street Book Club. Morgan the Book Cat
Dragon Storm
The Tindims of Rubbish Island
By Polly Faber, illustrated by VulliamyClara There’s a Dog in My Brain By Caroline Green, illustrated by Rikin Parekh The GrannyMarvellousJinksandMe
By Sally illustratedGardner,byLydiaCorrey Panda at the Door Written and illustrated by Sarah Horne
By Alastair DeschampsillustratedChisholm,byEricandBenMantle
By Serena Patel, illustrated by Selom Sunu Alien in the FactoryJam
By David MacPhail, illustrated by MorganRichard Noodle the Doodle By Jonathan Meres, illustrated by Katy Halford
By Chrissie Sains. illustrated by Jenny Taylor Velda andAwesomesttheVikingtheVoyageofDeadlyDoom
details: BOOK YOUR
jphillips@littlekickers.co.uk
Little Kickers has multiple classes for different ages during the week and at weekends. Find locations, class times and more information HERE.
visit:
Contact Jonathan
Following the pandemic when many young children missed out on those first experiences of socialising and taking part in group activities, Little Kickers is passionate about helping children develop the confidence to make friends and join in with others Theirvoluntarily.classes are perfect for supporting those young children with their self-esteem and encouraging them to come out of their shell.
Familiesonline.co.uk CLUBS & CLASSES Meet Little Kickers Gloucestershire
Our kids’ class spotlight features Little Kickers, an indoor football class where building children’s confidence in themselves is the name of the game! If you are looking for a children’s class that has your child’s very best interests at heart, then Little Kickers in Cheltenham and Gloucester is the ideal one for you. Fun football classes for boys and girls ages 18 months to 8 years, Little Kickers is all about having a good time and building your selfWithconfidence.agentle ‘play not push’ ethos, children are encouraged to join in and learn football skills but at the end of the day, these classes are all about making friends and enjoying yourself. Children are allowed to develop at their own pace, giving them a positive experience of sport and being in a class environment.
www.LittleKickers.co.uk#MoreThanJustFootballContact FIRST CLASS NOW! Phillips Email: Call: 07759 547957 Or www.LittleKickers.co.uk
Other fantastic benefits include early bird booking for events like Enchanted Christmas and Forest Live Concerts, 10% off at the Westonbirt Shop, discounts with local partners like Cotswold Outdoor and Go Ape and at selected partner gardens, including Batsford Arboretum. And, of course, your membership supports the conservation of trees for future generations.
Spago is passionate about using high quality ingredients and every meal is freshly made to Situatedorder. close to the river on Gloucester Docks and with a super cool and stylish interior, Spago has a fun holiday feel. Look out for live events HERE and follow on Instagram. Family dining at Spago
With an annual membership to Westonbirt Arboretum, you gain free entry to enjoy every beautiful season and bring up to four of your children or grandchildren ages 18 and under for FREE.
Spago is a hidden gem of Gloucester! Opened during the pandemic in 2020, this thriving, lively and popular restaurant features a European style breakfast and all day sweet and savoury crepes, whilst, at lunchtime and evenings, there’s a delicious range of tapas and salads Highlightsavailable.ofSpago’s menu include gambas – pan fried prawns with garlic, parsley and chilli and chorizo cooked with red onion and red wine. Children will absolutely love their Nutella Crepes with strawberries. Gluten free crepes made from buckwheat flour are also available so that nobody misses out on these delicious treats!
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October10 FAMILIES RECOMMENDS
MORE HERE Become a ArboretumWestonbirtmember
The Arboretum offers fascinating guided walks to discover the different species and hidden gems of the arboretum and fun, seasonal activities like orienteering and character trails that kids will love. Children will also love the woodland adventure play areas, while adults may wish to go for a jog along the running trails.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 11 *while stocks last T&Cs applyMagazine APPLY HERE *while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply Enter the Action mini-figureGetuniverse!HeroesyourFREEsetNOW*CollectandbuildthemedworldsMix&matchbodyparts&changefacialexpressions
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The clocks are changing - bring on the extra-long Sunday lie in!
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October12 PARENTING Managing the October clock change
To help your child sleep a little later, perhaps you can take advantage of this year’s clock change coming at the end of the school half term?
Start making a small change on Wednesday 26 October by delaying starting your children’s evening routine by fifteen minutes. Then, add another fifteen minute delay the following night and each subsequent night. By Saturday night, you will be ready for the clock change and their usual bedtime will return on Sunday. If there is any flexibility to your family’s morning routine, it can help to wake your children fifteen minutes later too.
During half term week there may be less pressure to get everyone out of the door for school. If your children are younger and still nap during the day, then you can also adjust their nap times from Wednesday too. MORE
By Michelle Cyril
I always like to think you have two options. You can do nothing or do something. You can just wait it out until eventually everyone is back in tune with the clock or you can make preparations to help your family transition when the clock goes back a Here’shour.
Hmmm, if, like me, you’ve got young children, Sunday lie-ins are probably a thing of the past and the prospect of the clocks changing may fill you with dread. If that’s you, don’t worry, because I’ve got a plan to help keep your family ontrack this autumn.
an effective four-night plan to prepare for when the clocks go back on Sunday, 30 October.
The wider benefits of financial advice
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 13 PARENTING
The ILC has undertaken research that shows financial advice could be an important factor in promoting mental health and wellbeing. Its report ‘Peace of mind: Understanding the non-financial value of financial advice’ finds that non-financial benefits may be at least as important as the more easily visible financial ones in achieving Participantsthis.*inthe study who had taken financial advice reported that they felt less worried about their future, enjoying the peace of mind that comes from knowing that proper preparation has been made for their later years – and that included those who were already in Theseretirement.participants felt more confident that they would achieve their long-term goals and, through their interactions with an adviser, felt more financially literate and able to understand how those goals would be achieved – and more empowered to make complex financial decisions for themselves. Being in control of their financial future in these ways left them feeling reassured and less worried than they would otherwise have been.
READ MORE * Peace of mind: Understanding the non-financial value of financial advice, ILC, 2020
By Rhian ResearchEvansshows that sound financial advice boosts confidence and emotional wellbeing and is more important than ever. Not only have changes in pensions and financial regulation placed more responsibility for planning retirement income into the hands of individuals but the coronavirus pandemic has also reminded us all that unforeseen events can rock the foundations of what we had thought was a stable financial footing.
In this film for ages 7 to 12, children discuss first solo journeys they’re looking forward to and older children share what their first journeys were like.
Ages 5-7
The Green Cross Code Find a safe place to cross. STOP just before you get to the kerb.
In this film for children ages 3 to 6, pupils dress up and learn how to cross the road safely using the Stop, Look, Listen, Think sequence.
Toddlers
Reinforce Stop, Look, Listen and Think.
Children should not go out alone until they know and can use the Green Cross Code . Let your child make decisions with you, so they learn through practical action. Help your child plan safe walking routes. Encourage your child to talk about what they see on the roads and whether it’s safe.
Introduce Stop, Look, Listen and Think. Point out hidden entrances or driveways that cross the pavement.
LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic. LISTEN for traffic approaching from all directions. THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road. Walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing. Stop, Look, Listen, Think
Never let your child go near a road alone and always hold Showhands.children how pedestrians walk safely on the pavement and vehicles use the road. Point out safer crossing places and show how to use them.
The number one rule is hand holding. If your child is likely to pull away use safety reins. Make sure your child walks on the INSIDE of the pavement away from traffic.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October14 PARENTING Road safety for kids of all ages
Ages 7-11
First Journeys
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 15 Magazine Whatever age your children, we’d love you to tell us what’s happening in your world and about your childcare. In the autumn we’ll share parent stories about how things have changed, the different challenges and how we’re all making things work. Lot of things are changing in our lives and that includes our childcare needs and choices. Tell aboutus childcareyour Take our 5 minute survey Rising costs of living. New ways of working. Not ...theChangingChangingworking.jobs.location...listgoeson! £100£100£100£100 £100 x5 VouchersAmazon£100tobewon!
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October16 ACTIVITIES
Screen-free rainy day activities
We asked Isabell Fisher, co-founder of Little Hands Learning for some easy-to-set-up activities that will appeal to little hands, eyes and brains.
Reading to your kids is great but don’t limit the experience to sitting on the sofa. If the book is set in a cave, evict the vacuum cleaner from under the stairs and issue everyone with head torches! If you’re reading a desert adventure, create a Bedouin tent using some sheets and your clothes horse.
Boosted books
Baking shortbread and scones is simple enough for inexperienced bakers to try. Hopefully the end results will taste great and they will enjoy eating them too.
Baking bread is also surprisingly simple and you and your children can have lots of fun creating different animals out of the dough to then bake in the oven. Baking
Children love to paint and getting messy is part of the fun! BUT the idea of the mess can fill many parents with dread. Instead of using poster paint, try using watercolour paints which are easier to clean up. To change things up, get the kids painting on coffee filters, a canvas or ice cubes. Painting There’s no doubt that playdough is a versatile toy. But if the smell and texture of big-branded playdough is something you’re not keen on, there are some wonderful options for soft and scented playdough that doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Check that its been UKCA tested before buying. Playdough
Screen-free rainy day activities
We asked Isabell Fisher, co-founder of Little Hands Learning for some easy-to-set-up activities that will appeal to little hands, eyes and brains.
This doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Often keeping it simple is far better than creating something elaborate. Try making a paper boat and see how far it travels or creating tealight holders out of old jam jars by gluing on pieces of tissue paper. These also make lovely homemade presents for grandparents. Art and craft
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 17 ACTIVITIES
There are lots of easy science experiments that can be tried at home with household items and they encourage kids to ask questions, make predictions and understand the world around them. Try making a lava lamp with water, food colouring and oil in a jar. Add an effervescent tablet and watch what happens! Easy science experiments Treasure hunt This is a fun way for kids to learn about design and teamwork.
All you need is a piece of paper, some pens, some counters (maybe toy figures), some dice and some rules. Involve your children in working out what the game is about, how it works and decorate your board before playing! Design a board game
Hide some treasure and then create a map for your kids to follow. Make it more interesting (and last longer) by having the map lead your little pirates to different locations where each location’s ‘treasure’ is a clue to the next location. For more authenticity, scrunch up the paper and stain it with a damp teabag.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October18 AUTUMN Enjoying autumn outside Get your kids outside and engaging with nature this autumn with these great activity options. Play Pooh sticksPick your NoughtsPlaypumpkinownnaturalandCrosses Forage for edibleswild Make friends with a bug Go orienteeringfamily Play conkers Have fun stickswithMake a potionmagic
Ham House and Garden Fun walking & activities in the gardens of a seventeenth century manor in Surrey. Morden Hall Park
Explore the National Botanic Garden of Wales or CantrefFarm.Adventure Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens Try Ripon and Fountains Abbey walk or the Lost Spa trail.
Follow The Gritstone Trail from Disley to Kidsgrove, through Tegg’s Nose in Cheshire.
Sutherland’sGrove From waterfalls to forest trails, a Scottish wonderland in West Argyll.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 19 AUTUMN
Seven CountrySistersPark Miles of coastline in the South Downs National Park in East Sussex. Old Sarum Explore the walks around this Iron Age Hillfort in Wiltshire. Stowe countryside,Breathtakinglake and forest at Stowe in Bucks. Dogs on leads. BreconNationalBeaconsPark
Tegg’s CountryNosePark
An outdoor oasis in London – escape the concrete jungle!
Family-friendly walks for autumn
The great British countryside is full of stunning walks. Here are nine that are suitable for the whole family. So why not make a day of it?
If you’re looking for something that’s Halloween-themed and easy to prepare with just one pot, this healthy pie is a perfect option. It’s a great way to get fish and hidden veg into your child’s diet too!
RECIPE Hot chocolate sticks
RECIPE My son is obsessed with anything creepy and scary and these fun and super-easy snacks are some of his favourites. Your kids will love these delicious Creepy Crumpet Pizzas, Ghostly Peppers and Witches Brooms made from Cheese Strings!
RECIPE
These delicious hot chocolate sticks are perfect when you want a warming treat this Halloween. Kids can get creative topping them with their favourite chocolates, sprinkles or even cookies and then enjoy them by dunking in a hot cup of milk.
Making rice crispy treats is one of my favourite things to do with my son because he can do most of the job himself! It’s a fab no-bake recipe, you can use any cereal and the results are deliciously crispy and perfect for decoration.
Spooky snacks
Bake these delicious Halloween recipes from Neha Gandesha @squashedpickle. Watch her videos or click for recipe and ingredients.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October20 HALLOWEEN Halloween treats
Tuna fish pie (with pumpkin tops)
RECIPE
Spooky crispy treats
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 21 HALLOWEEN DIY Halloween costumes If you have time, a home-made Halloween costume can be much more individual than anything shop bought. Here are some great options, complete with instructions. The BFG Spider’s web Bull in a shopchina Pumpkinpaintface PirateThe Worst pillowcaseSkeletonWitch BatgirlJackfaceSkellingtonmakeup
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October22 HALLOWEEN Halloween crafts the kids will love Time to get really spooooky…..get crafting in good time for Halloween! Paperspidersplate Pumpkin pinata Halloween bat Halloween box scene Easy paper ghostscraftGiant webs Halloween wreath Trick or bagsTreatRock Skulls
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 23 GIVEAWAYS Unique T-shirts from Marlo & Cole! Magazine T&Cs apply FREE for your child APPLY HERE available10 2-3,Sizes3-4&4-5 Make fruity, crunchy ice with Mr Frosty! APPLY HERE for your FREET&Cstoyapply Magazine available5 Suitableforages3+ Sneezy Panda games to giveaway!Theflowersandleavesmakepandasneeze...whatcanyoudo? T&Cs applyAPPLY HERE Magazine available10 Suitable for ages 4+
