Families Manchester and Cheshire MA24 DIGITAL

Welcome

Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to get back outdoors! To entice you, we have some fabulous family walks from our friends at The Outdoor Guide, as well as some interesting outdoor spring activities for the kids to try. You can even find out how to teach them some Forest School skills in this issue.

It’s a packed couple of months with Mother’s Day and Easter just round the corner. Find something fabulous that dad can bake with the kids for Mother’s Day. Then, check our top recommendations for Easter eggs, take a look at our free Easter printables which will keep the kids busy and download our Easter chick craft activity.

Finally, in this issue, we have tonnes of fabulous giveaways on offer. By applying, you can ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Developing a positive attitude towards learning

By Gail Hugman

No matter how skilled or knowledgeable a person might be, their attitude may well be the deciding factor in their future success, both personal and professional.

The second a child is born, its brain, with roughly eighty six billion neurons or nerve cells, ‘hits the ground running’ making connections through senses and experience.

Everything a young child does, feels, hears and sees creates pathways between these nerve cells, building a reference bank of experience. In the first three years, the connections the brain makes have risen to one thousand trillion. This is an automatic process. Ninety percent of brain development is complete by the time a child is 5 years old.

Although there is a default setting for the brain to function whether we engage or not, when it comes to learning, children who are actively engaged in the learning process are

going to be far more effective and therefore, higher achieving than their peers who are simply ‘going through the motions’ of learning.

The child who loves practising the guitar is going to progress more quickly than the child who battles with you or resents practising!

The reason for this is that as we grow, the brain takes its lead from what we do repeatedly. Where we make a conscious decision to put effort is where the brain will focus connections.

Children who enjoy what they’re doing, who love learning, who have a positive attitude, actively engage. Active engagement creates the signal for the connections the brain makes to be ‘cemented’ in myelin, a coating of fat and protein which make it ‘automatic.’ This is how learning is assimilated and habits are created.

Developing a positive attitude towards learning

By Gail Hugman

Continued from page 4

The brain doesn’t know whether what we’re doing is good or not, it just takes its lead from repetitious behaviour and feedback from our surroundings, in this case, parents and teachers.

The more positive our attitude, the more positive the connections and growth we make, which can lead to excellence in performance.

Gail Hugman is a teaching and learning expert at Lessons Alive

Top educational gaming options for kids

Gaming isn’t all bad – there are lots of options which can benefit your child’s learning and development.

Minecraft

Fosters creativity, problem-solving and collaboration. Ages 7+.

SimCity Simulation game that develops planning, resource management and civic awareness. Ages 7+.

LEGO Worlds

Allows players to build and explore Lego creations. Ages 7+.

Karate Cats

A game that helps KS1 students with spelling and grammar. Ages 3+.

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster

Teaches empathy, cooperation and selfconfidence. Ages 3+.

Animal Crossing Simulates social interactions, community and nature. Ages 3+.

DragonBox

A series of fun games introducing algebra and geometry. Ages 3+.

LittleBigPlanet

Promotes creativity, design and teamwork. Ages 7+.

Zoo Tycoon

Teaches animal care, conservation and business skills. Ages 3+

‘Vibrant and welcoming’ at Stockport Grammar Inspection

A few months ago Stockport Grammar School was extra busy with a visit from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) as part of their routine programme of inspections. The results are in and Stockport Grammar met all the ISI standards and the report is full of praise for the school. Some comments include: ’quality of education, pupil wellbeing and co-curricular activities. ‘Vibrant and welcoming community’ ‘children are happy and thriving’ ‘teaching is stimulating and elicits enthusiastic responses’ ‘an extensive selection of cocurricular activities’ ‘pupils are interested and motivated in their learning’ ‘well prepared for life beyond school’

Head Mrs Sarah Capewell said “It is wonderful, although not a surprise, that they identified many of the things that make this such an amazing community to be a part of. It is indeed a ‘vibrant and welcoming community.”

Read the full report HERE.

STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL

An independent school for children ages 3-18 years Assistance with fees available at 11+ and 16+ (means tested), academic and music scholarships

Book online for:

11th May

22nd May, 23rd May and 19th June

Junior,

Tel: 0161 456 9000

www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

Great podcasts for kids

Take a pick from our fabulous recommendations and find something that will really engage your child.

Girl Tales

A long-running podcast that reimagines fairytales through an empowering lens. Ages 4+.

But Why?

Kids ask questions and get answers from experts on various topics. Ages 5+.

The Story Seeds Podcast

Pairs young writers with professional authors. Ages 7+.

The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd

A time-travelling adventure series for kids.

Ages 5-8.

The Past and The Curious

A history podcast that makes learning fun for kids of all ages.

The Big Fib

A fast-paced game show that challenges kids to spot the liar. Ages 7+.

Unspookable

A family-friendly take on popular urban legends, scary stories and myths.

Ages 8+.

Brains On!

A science podcast that answers curious questions from kids.

Ages 8+.

Marvellous Musical Podcast

Fun, engaging intro to classical music and composers. Ages 7+.

Teach your kids Forest School skills

Shelter building

Build a den for toys using natural materials. (Ages 2-4)

Erect a temporary shelter making use of woodland materials. (Ages 5-7)

Create a tarpaulin shelter in a woodland. (Ages 8-9)

Make a tipi shelter with camouflage. (Ages 10-11)

Use tools

Safely use a soft hammer to bash leaves. (Ages 2-4)

Use secateurs and loppers to cut wood safely and make something from natural materials. (Ages 5-7)

Whittle a stick safely or use a bow saw to cut wood into sections. (Ages 8-9) Use a saw independently to make a tree cookie. (Ages 10-11)

A Day at Forest School

Cooking with fire

Toast marshmallows - a fun introduction to cooking with fire. (Ages 2-4)

Melt chocolate or make popcorn on an open fire. (Ages 5-7)

Bake damper bread on a stick or fry scotch or Welsh cakes. (Ages 8-9)

Make and tend a campfire safely and cook roast food. (Ages 10-11)

Navigation

Teach little ones map reading with this Easter Egg treasure hunt map. (Ages 3-7)

Learn basic map symbols with Map Symbol Bingo downloadable. (Ages 5-7) Make a simple orienteering course around your home or garden. (Ages 8-9)

Combine map reading and compass skills with handy guides and videos. (Ages 10-11)

How to light a campfire

WHAT’S ON

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.

11-17 March

Altrincham Garrick Theatre – Cinderella A Spring Pantomime

Performed by Garrick Academy of Performing Arts students.

17 March

Lowry Salford – The (Not So) Big Bad Wolf

Little Red Riding Hood here! Stay tuned as I go undercover to reveal the truth behind fairytales’ most infamous villain.

20 March to 20 April

Dunham Massey – Easter Adventures Trial

The trail features 10 activity stations. Follow a route that takes in the medieval deer park, 400-year-old mill and extensive gardens. Enjoy a picnic on the lawn or go fallow deer spotting across the 300 acre parkland. Every trail includes a chocolate egg or ‘Free-From’ egg, made in the UK using cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.

23 March

Waterside Manchester –Alice in Wonderland

Filled with live music, puppetry and hilarious characters, Folksy Theatre deliver the perfect show for the family.

26 to 30 March

The Lowry, Salford- The Boy At The Back Of The Class

Told from a child’s perspective, balancing heart and humour this show highlights the power of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home.

28 to 30 March

The Octagon Bolton –Spot’s Birthday Party

With party hats, songs, dancing and lots of interactive party games, this is going to be the best birthday party ever!

From 29 March

Tatton Park

For events at Tatton Park find out more and book online.

Until 1 April: Segway Experience

Try a Segway experience, environmentally friendly, fun-filled machines create a fantastic day out.

Until 14 April: See Little Grey Fergie At The Farm

Say hello to Little Grey Fergie, the clever little tractor who can move all by himself!

Until 23 June: Shaun the Sheep

Colourful arts trail.

29 March

Queen Elizabeth Hall

Oldham – Robin Hood Easter Pantomime

29 to 30 March

Z Arts Manchester –There’s A Monster In Your Show!

Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show.

29 March to 1 April

Cockfields Farm Ashton under lyne – Meet The Dinosaurs!

Dinos are on the farm! For a fantastic day full of activities and dinosaurs roaming free.

29 March to 14 April

The Giant Easter Egg Hunt at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Find all the larger-than-life hand painted eggs hidden around the garden to win a FREE chocolatey treat from NOMO - The UK’s No. 1 Vegan and ‘FreeFrom’ chocolate brand. Enjoy craft activities, storytelling, a bird spotter trail and family outdoor theatre fun. It’s the perfect way to spend time outdoors.

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.

30 March

The Lowry, Salford – MC Grammar Live Stop! It’s Grammar Time! Wowza! Multi awardwinning rapping teacher and World Book Day Ambassador, MC GRAMMAR is live and in the house!

30 & 31 March

Buxton Opera House –Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special partyit’s going to be an exciting and fun packed day.

31 March

The Albert Halls Bolton – Trouble on Volcano Island/Dinosaur Show Live

Join the intrepid Dinosaur Adventurers as they journey to a world of living, breathing, life-like dinosaurs.

31 March to 1 April

Bury Transport Museum - Peter Rabbit Family Fun Day

Say hello to Peter as he meets, greets and entertains at intervals throughout the day..

1 April

Buxton Cinema/Pavilion Arts Centre - Soul PG showing of Soul!

2 to 4 April

Brindley Theatre Runcorn - Goldilocks And The Amazing Three Bears Spring Pantomime with fabulous circus acts.

2 to 7 April

The Lowry, Salford – The Gruffalo’s Child One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he?

3 April

Storyhouse Theatre

Chester – The Sooty Show

Celebrating 75 amazing years in show business, Sooty, Sweep and Soo are planning a very special birthday party.

3 to 14 April

Altrincham Garrick Playhouse – Treasure Island

Avast there, me hearties! It’s time to set sail with the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse for an actionpacked, swashbuckling adventure on the high seas to Treasure Island!

7 April

Kingsway School

Cheadle – Kids Car Boot Kids Car Boot and Swap Shop.

7 April

Manchester Opera House - Kidz Bop Never Stop! Sing and dance along to today’s biggest hits, live on stage.

7 April

Bridgewater Hall

Manchester – Paddington In Concert

Watch the award-winning 2014 film on a giant HD screen, accompanied by the London Concert Orchestra playing Nick Urata’s calypso-infused score live.

10 April

Middleton Arena

Manchester – Dinosaur Adventure Live

This awe-inspiring interactive stage show will immerse audiences in the enthralling and realistic world of dinosaurs.

10 & 11 April

O2 Apollo Manchester –L.O.L Surprise Live

First ever live show set to dazzle families. The call has gone out… All B.B.s in the UK have been invited to strut their stuff and show off exactly who they are when the L.O.L. Surprise!

11 April

East Lancashire

Railway Bury - Travel To Wonderland

It’s time to take a tumble down the rabbit hole for a curious adventure through Wonderland with Alice.

11 April

Buxton Cinema/Pavilion Arts Centre - Luca PG showing.

12 to 14 April

Cockfields Farm Ashton under lyne – Falconry Displays

Exciting to have some feathered special guests

on the farm.

14 April

Brindley Theatre Runcorn – Trouble On Volcano Island

The UK’s biggest dinosaur show.

14 April

Stockport Plaza –Dinosaur Adventure Live

This awe-inspiring interactive stage show will immerse audiences in the enthralling and realistic world of dinosaurs.

18 to 21 April

Depot Mayfield

Manchester – RHS Urban Show

Fri 29 Mar – Sun 14 Apr

Be part of this new immersive gardening experience.

18 to 21 April

Manchester Opera House – Awful Auntie!

20 April

Sugden Sports Centre

Manchester – Northern Vegan Festival

20 April

Bridgewater School Open Morning

This provides the perfect opportunity to experience the school’s inclusive and nurturing atmosphere. Register HERE.

Top Mother’s Day bakes

Grab dad and head to the kitchen to bake an extra-special gift for mum.

Rhubarb and orange custard tart

This tangy rhubarb custard tart includes orange for added zest.

Vanilla cupcakes

Decorate with buttercream and a topping of your choice.

Easy chocolate cake

This chocolate cake recipe is super easy and quick to make.

I love mum biscuits

The perfect way for little ones to learn letters while they bake.

Chocolate fridge cake

No-bake cake - simple to make. Ideal treat for the special day!

No-back orange cheesecake

An easy cheesecake for kids to prepare with just a little supervision.

Lemon and blueberry loaf cake

A simple, springtime lemon and blueberry loaf cake.

Butterfly cakes

These classic bakes are great for kids or baking novices.

Luscious lemon pudding

Simple ingredients and easy for kids to help with.

MAKE AN EASTER CHICK CUP

Looking forward to Easter?

Try this Easter craft from our friends at Orchard Toys to get everyone in the mood

Easter activity printables

Perfect for when you’re out and about, when you need a break or when your kids need some downtime.

Peter Rabbit

Maze

Help Peter Rabbit find his lost chicks.

We’re Going on an Egg Hunt Activity Pack

Fun activity pack based on book.

Mr Bunny’s Chocolate Factory

Maze

Can you help Mr Bunny find his chocolate eggs?

How to draw a chicken

See if you can draw a chicken using this activity sheet.

The Odd Egg: Colour by Numbers Follow the colour key to complete this scene.

Number Easter Egg Hunt

Colour the eggs, cut them out, then hide them around the house.

Make a Hungry Hen Headress

This hen-shaped headdress is a great alternative to bunny ears.

Pip & Henry Easter holidays eco activity pack

Easter crafts, games and activities.

Paddington’s Easter Egg Hunt

Activity Sheets

Fun Easter activities with everyone’s favourite bear.

EASTER

Best Easter Eggs 2024

Take a look at our selection and choose something your kids will love!

Cocoba Candy Bean Egg

£11.95 250g

Belgian milk chocolate decorated with chocolate drizzle and candy beans.

Toast & Marmalade Easter Sandwich

£10.95 135g

Two slices of luxurious chocolate with a chocolate egg.

M&S Chocosaurus Rex

£6 135g

T-Rex shaped hollow milk chocolate surprise.

H!P Oat M!lk Salted Caramel Egg

£10 160g

Chocolate oat milk egg with salted caramel and chocolate buttons.

Moo Free Strawberry Sundae Egg

£4.50 85g

White choc alternative. Strawberry flavour & marshmallows.

Chocolate Gonks

£15 230g

Colourful characters made of milk, white and dark Belgian chocolate.

Bryn the Welsh Dragon

£8.99 180g

Fuses together sweet milk chocolate with Welsh legend.

Make Your Own Chocolate Easter Egg

£14 300g

Plastic moulds, chocolate for melting and sweets for decoration.

Thorntons Unicorn Egg

£4.50 151g

Milk chocolate egg with unicorn decoration.

Fabulous buggy-friendly walks

Our friends at The Outdoor Guide are passionate about making the great outdoors accessible to all. Check out their buggy-friendly walks.

Monsal Trail, Peak District

Following the old route of the Midland Railway Line, this walk takes you along one segment of the trail, which is all fully accessible - perhaps you’ll want to do more another day?

READ MORE

Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire

The largest monastic ruin in the country and a designated World Heritage site, Fountains Abbey is a truly special place. The accessible paths are great for your buggies and there’s a great play area for little ones after your walk.

READ MORE

Golders Hill Park Sensory Walk, London

This walk really is a delight for all the senses - the sound of bird song, the smell of the flowers, beautiful woodlands to see - and tasty cake at the end! What more could you possibly want?

READ MORE

SW Coast Path, Mt Edgcumbe, Cornwall

This is a great circular walk that offers views out across The Sound towards Plymouth. There’s also wide open spaces for your littles ones to run around and a beach for some rock pooling fun. During summer months, there’s also a lovely cafe serving delicious refreshments.

READ MORE

Fabulous buggy-friendly walks

Our friends at The Outdoor Guide are passionate about making the great outdoors accessible to all. Check out their buggy-friendly walks.

River Ness & Ness Islands, Inverness

Experience a walk full of nature with some city sights along the banks of the River Ness, taking in Ness Islands. You may be at the gateway to the Highlandsbut you don’t need to go further for a lovely walk.

READ MORE

War Memorial Park, Coventry

This 48.5 hectare park is just a stone’s throw from the centre of Coventry and offers buggy friendly pathways, open space for little ones to run free and a cafe to grab an ice cream. Make sure you take a moment to enjoy the Japanese Peace garden on your walk.

READ MORE

Arundel Park, West Sussex

This lovely walk, just a short distance from the centre of Arundel, takes you into the West Sussex countryside. The boating lake at the start gets busy but you’ll soon feel like you’re miles away from anywhere.

READ MORE

Cliveden House, Buckinghamshire

The National Trust managed grounds at Cliveden House are great for a buggy-friendly family walk. The Story Book Den is bound to capture the imagination of your little ones. Plus there’s the all-important cafe at the end of the trail for a well-earned cuppa and snack.

READ MORE

Sea Monkeys Mini Pet Activity Bundles

Ages 6+

Everything you need to hatch, grow and nurture your own swimming pets!

Bundles include:

Sea Monkeys Ocean Zoo

Sea Monkeys On Mars Tank

Sea Monkeys Magic Castle Tank

Sea Monkeys Instant Life Mystery Egg

Ages 6+

Outdoor activities for spring

Spring is in the air! Time to choose an activity and head outdoors with the kids….

Go on a bluebell walk

Find your closest bluebell wood using this Wildlife Trust list.

Fly a kite

Learn how to fly a kite in just 3 minutes.

Spring stargazing

Top tips for spring stargazing from the National Trust.

Grow sunflowers

Grow these spectacular flowers easily with this kit. £5.59

Raise tadpoles at home

Learn how to care for tadpoles and raise them into frogs.

Build a den

Check out this handy guide from the Woodland Trust.

Spring scavenger hunt

The thrill of a treasure hunt combined with learning.

Grow butterflies

Watch the magic of a butterfly’s metamorphosis in your own home. £21.

Go paddling

Find a paddle-friendly route on a nearby canal or river.

Adventure travel for families

We asked Ashley Lutz from Travel Counsellors for her recommendations for those who have a sense of adventure.

New Zealand

Think volcanoes, thermal springs, beaches, cityscapes and offshore islands

Sri Lanka

Think exotic wildlife, ancient forts, captivating culture, peaceful villages, safaris and beaches.

Pyrenees

Think hiking, cycling, zip-lining, rafting, horseriding and fishing – off the beaten track.

Switzerland

Think action - rope parks, toboggan runs, swimming/boating, mountain hiking and biking.

South Africa

Think ‘big five’ safaris, cosmopolitan Cape Town and even Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Iceland

Think one of the most impressive wonders of the natural world .

Canada

Think outdoors - Niagara Falls, the Rockies, whale/ bear spotting round Vancouver Island.

Bali

Think rainforests, gorges, rice paddies, snorkelling, white water rafting, delicious street food.

Costa Rica

Think national parks, unspoilt landscapes, cloud forests, volcanoes, sandy beaches.

Essential family travel accessories

Heading away for an Easter break? Don’t miss these essentials when you pack!

Hanging wash bag

Lightweight. Sits flat in your luggage. Unzip and hang. £36.

Family document organiser

A must-have to ensure a smooth journey to your destination. £30.

Compact travel cot

Compact and lightweight, this cot can double as a playpen. £45.

Electronic accessories organiser

Ensure your family’s cables and chargers are not lost. £16.99

Travel First Aid kit

Essential for scrapes, bumps and burns. £12.

Travel game set

Travel-sized 3-in-1 version of classic games. £16.

Travel towels

Soft microfibre towels. No soggy towel, no odour, no bulk. £42.

Reusable bamboo drink straws

For cans, bottled soft drinks, smoothies and milkshakes. £6.95.

Travel toddler & child booster seat

Transforms into portable carry bag. Store bottles, nappies, snacks and more. £26.