Families South East London September/October 2024 Digital
Welcome
Well, it’s back to school already and soon the nights will start drawing in! So make haste while there are still pleasant days and plenty of daylight left and enjoy some family adventures. To entertain the kids, why not pick a family wild-life spotting walk to make the most of the great outdoors.
Don’t miss our article on apps and platforms to help your child with spelling as well as our selection of great graphic novels for reluctant – and other – readers.
Halloween is a favourite time of year for many children so to get them in the mood, don’t forget to download our spooky craft activity and take a look at our Halloween food, craft and sciencethemed special effects pages too!
Finally, in this issue, we have four great giveaways for our readers. Apply inside.
Education
Kids’ classes and camps
Early years
School Open Events
What’s On Autumn make n’ do’s
Best family walks for wildlife
spotting
Giveaways
Halloween spooky science
Fun Halloween craft projects
Delicious Halloween delights Entertainment
Get in touch
Competition winners from our May/June issue
Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE
Apps and platforms to help your child with spelling
Spelling isn’t easy – sometimes even for grown ups! Luckily there are a wealth of tools available to help you and your kids with spelling.
First Words Deluxe
Ideal for toddlers who are just beginning to master letter sounds. Ages 3+. ios
Sir Linkalot
Helps memorise and recall the spelling of high frequency words. Ages 5+. ios & android
Spelling Shed
Popular in schools and great for competition between friends. Ages 5-11. ios & android
DoodleSpell
Tailors spelling exercises to suit a child’s strengths and weaknesses. Ages 5-11. ios & android
Squeebles Spelling Test
Create spelling tests with your choice of words. Ages 5-11. ios & android
Word Wizard for Kids
Great app for independent practice of spelling words. Ages 4-10. ios & android
Your Spelling
Focuses on the words needed for KS1 and KS2 SATs. Ages 5-11. ios
Night Zookeeper
Fun, engaging online programme that increases vocabulary and improves spelling. Ages 6-12. web
Spelling Hangman
Great for challenging your child and makes weekly spelling fun. Ages 4+. ios
Future Forward at Blackheath High Junior School
Preparing students for the future is a priority at Blackheath High School. The school equips every student, from Nursery to Sixth Form with the key skills, knowledge and confidence they need to flourish and succeed in the world. This is particularly important for girls – the school teaches them the skills to succeed in future environments where they may need to shout a little louder than their male counterparts to be heard.
As part of its comprehensive Futures Programme, the school recently created the innovative Future Forward event, introducing girls in Years 4 to 6 to a wide range of careers and inspiration for the future.
The age-appropriate morning included a speed networking session, an introduction to a range of dream careers and bitesize careers presentations from parents representing different types of job, including banking, management consultancy, law, software engineering, hydrogeology, architecture and museum curation. There was even a Royal Opera House singer and a Royal Academy trombonist!
Head, Natalie Argile, says: ‘At Blackheath High Junior School, we focus on qualities and attributes like resilience, creativity, collaboration
and problem-solving - things recognised as essential in the workplace by the World Economic Forum. Our Futures programme runs across the whole school and identifies the traits employers value.
‘We’re incredibly lucky that so many parents took part, talking passionately to small groups of girls about their careers in a speed networking event. Year 5 and 6 pupils took part in a Careers Workshop carousel, while Year 4 were treated to presentations, including a glorious aria from La Boheme, wonderful trombone playing and an incredible display of stop-motion animation’.
READ MORE
For a glimpse into your daughter’s future, visit the school’s Nursery and Junior School Open Morning on Saturday 28 September. You can also experience the school on a normal day at School in Action on 8 October. More information and booking HERE
Helping children with theory of mind
By Usha Patel
Back in 2007, a mum called Sarah told me of an incident involving her then 8-year-old son, Albi. Sarah had fainted in the bathroom of their small flat. As she was coming round, she called out for her son. He said: ‘Yes, I saw you.’ Sarah reported that Albi carried on playing without concern.
READ MORE
Overcoming failure and disappointment
By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble
Whilst studies show that children learn better when they experience failure, no parent likes seeing their child upset or disappointed. It feels right to help them avoid anything seemingly harmful they encounter, whether that be through distraction, bargaining or a quick credit-card swipe.
READ MORE
Dulwich College wins Headteacher of the Year
Dr Joe Spence, Master of Dulwich College, has been awarded Independent Headteacher of the Year at the Tes School Awards 2024.
These prestigious awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars of education’ are judged by a panel of experts from long-serving head teachers to heads of educational organisations.
Judge Julie Robinson said: ‘Dr Joe Spence has demonstrated an amazing social mission in his time at Dulwich College. He has widened access, built meaningful and effective partnerships locally and he’s been really active in inclusion, having achieved a huge amount in a long tenure.’
Dr Joe Spence said: ‘The irony of the Independent Headteacher of the Year award is that it is a tribute to everyone in the Dulwich School community, rather than a personal award. Thank you.’
More information HERE
Aim High at Sydenham School
Sydenham School is a successful, diverse and inclusive girls’ community secondary school with a co-educational sixth form, established in 1917.
The school provides a nurturing environment in which students feel safe, confident, happy and achieve academic excellence. The motto of the school is ‘Aim High’ reflecting its commitment to instilling the Sydenham Characteristics of ambition, determination and respect.
The school encourages ambitious goal-setting, exploration of passions, resilience-building, selfrespect, respect for others and the development of empathy. Students are equipped with the grit to persist through challenges and reach desired outcomes.
Sydenham School’s curriculum is designed not only to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum but to also go beyond it. This approach aims to instil a genuine passion for learning in
every subject among its students. Teachers at the school believe that by ensuring students enjoy learning they will also want to dig deeper, explore further and develop their own interest and motivation to learn more.
Celebrating each subject’s discipline, its creativity and the use of active learning, problem solving and collaboration in the classroom, Sydenham students know more, remember more and become more confident and engaged. As an inclusive school, it is rightly proud of the results of all its students and believe that every student can achieve highly regardless of their starting points.
The extensive extracurricular opportunities of the school, including clubs, trips, sports and programmes such as The Duke of Edinburgh Award, enrich students’ experiences and unlock their potential.
READ MORE
Graphic novels for reluctant readers
Graphic novels can really encourage those kids who don’t embrace reading – and are great for those who do too! Take a look at our selection below.
Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson
Follows the friendship between an awkward girl and a unicorn. Ages 7+.
InvestiGators by John Patrick Green
Comic strip format. This is a wordplay-packed cartoon! Ages 7+.
Wonder Woman by Lisa Yee
Female friendship and bravery in this riproaring, crime-fighting adventure. Ages 9+.
Bumble and Snug and the Angry Pirates by Mark Bradley Great for independent reading Ages 5+.
Cowgirls and Dinosaurs by Lucie Ebrey Crime fighting adventure. Ages 9+.
The Pavee and the Buffer Girl by Siobhan Dowd Great sensitivity and storytelling. Ages 10+.
Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth by Judd Winick Well-told, gripping scifi story, colourful action and comedy. Ages 6+.
Dog Man by Dav Pilkey Explores empathy, kindness and persistence. Ages 7.
Meesh the Bad Demon by Michelle Lam
First story in a fantasy graphic series. Fun and fast-paced. Ages 8-12.
Recognising a good state secondary school
By Melanie Sanderson
Choosing a secondary school is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make for your child. Very likely, your two priorities are whether your child will reach their academic potential and whether they will be happy there. Here are my tips on what to look for.
Hot-house or greenhouse?
Is the school educationally aspirational and how does this manifest? Look for relaxed and respectful teacher-pupil relations. They are key to successful learning. Is the library well-stocked and busy? Teacher recruitment and retention is challenging all schools. Ask pupils how often they have cover teachers.
Are pupils regularly assessed?
Performance measures such as Progress 8 are good indicators of how a school adds value as they measure academic attainment rates over time. Are there programmes to stretch the more academic children? What about those with special educational needs and disabilities?
Breadth of curriculum
The best state schools offer and value a broad liberal arts education beyond the standard curriculum. For instance, Bohunt School in Hampshire ‘blew the socks off’ the Good Schools Guide with immersion classes in Mandarin. Some of the best state schools
invest in top notch sports facilities and coaching, others have outstanding creative or performing arts spaces.
READ MORE
Boost your child’s confidence with a FREE Perform class
As the buzz of the new school year begins, why not enrich your child’s after-school routine with something truly special?
Perform’s dynamic classes are expertly crafted to enhance your child’s confidence, concentration, communication and co-ordination – skills that complement their academic journey beautifully. Sessions are packed with dramabased games and activities which allow reserved children to come out of their shell and give energetic children the perfect outlet to express themselves.
Parents talk about the transformative experiences their children have had with Perform:
‘My son is extremely shy, socially anxious and self-conscious but he LOVES Perform. I’m so grateful to the teacher for making my little boy feel so happy and valued!’
‘The teaching team are truly amazing. They have had such a positive impact on my children’s confidence levels.’
This term, kids ages 4 to 7 are off to Outer Space on an intergalactic adventure with the Sparkly Spaceman and the Man on the Moon! Meanwhile, kids ages 7 to 12 will enjoy a groovy Greek extravaganza in The Hercules Beat, where Hercules gets everyone dancing to stay fit.
Classes are held in Beckenham, Bexley, Bermondsey, Blackheath,
Brockley, Bromley, Chislehurst, East Dulwich & Dulwich, Eltham, Forest Hill, Greenwich, Herne Hill, Hither Green, Kidbrooke, Lee, Orpington, Peckham Rye, Petts Wood, Sidcup, Surrey Quays, Waterloo.
Every child is welcome to try a FREE class. Book HERE
Holiday fun with Aladdin and friends this October half-term
Step onto Aladdin’s magic carpet and prepare to be swept away on an Arabian adventure in Perform’s threeday drama, dance and singing holiday course for 4-10s this October half-term.
The course runs Monday 28 October to Wednesday 30 October (10am to 3pm) in Herne Hill and Blackheath.
More info and booking HERE
FREE Trial Music Lesson with Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes
Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes return this September with fun-packed weekly classes and themed half term workshops. New pupils enjoy a FREE TRIAL and 10% off the first term’s fee.
Funky Monkey teaches small group of beginners, ages 4 to 8, to play the electronic keyboard and read and write music, leading to a recognised grade. It offers well-balanced lessons of group work, interactive games and quizzes. Children learn with their peers developing confidence, co-ordination and a love of music.
More info HERE
Enjoy My Aerial Home Circus Skills Classes
Do you have a child aged 2 to 16 who loves to climb and hang upside down? Are you looking for local after school or weekend activities in Sydenham? My Aerial Home offers a range of regular classes for kids during school term time.
Classes include Monster Munchkins, weekly parent and child classes for ages 2 to 6; Monster Club, weekly after school and weekend classes for ages 6 to 12 and Teen Programme, weekly after school and weekend classes for ages 12 to 16. Friendly, experienced coaches will teach your child a range of circus skills including Hoop, Sling, Rope, Silks, Static Trapeze and more. Classes are open to all and no experience is needed!
www.globalcamps.co.uk
Monster Munchkins: Fri 9.3010.30am & Sat 9.15-10.15am; Monster Club runs Mon-Thu 4.15-5.30pm, Fri 4.30-5.45pm; Sat 2-3.15pm & 3.30-4.45pm and Sun 10-11.15am & 11.30am-12.45pm; Teen Programme runs Thu 5.307.00pm & Sat 12.30-2pm.
Book HERE
DOWN CROSS OGUNJOBI GEORGE
Maths learning in the early years
Children begin understanding numbers and quantity, spatial reasoning and problem-solving in the early years.
Counting, subitising and grasping that numbers represent quantities requires the understanding of challenging and abstract concepts. Young children often recite numbers with little understanding of what these represent and need support to make connections, e.g. that six oranges refers to quantity.
Play-based opportunities to learn mathematical concepts are plentiful at London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) nurseries. Children count the number of items when setting the lunch table, are helped to identify and create patterns when using construction resources and explore the sand or water tray and learn about volume.
Research shows that moving, ordering or turning small items like the stones or shells provided at LEYF nurseries, ignites curiosity and develops early mathematical thinking. More information HERE
Peppa Pig and family at Blackheath Halls
Peppa Pig and friends are making their way to SE London this autumn with their brandnew live show, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out! Families can enjoy a choice of four shows over two days on 9 and 10 November. With all the usual favourite characters, expect a show packed with singing dancing and of course…. plenty of muddy puddles!
Not to be outdone by other pigs, puppetry regulars Garlic Theatre bring their version of the classic fairy tale of magic beans and giants, Jack and the Beans Talk, to the theatre for two shows on 2 November. Jack and the Beans Talk is an interactive, fun retelling of the much-loved story, perfect for introducing younger children to live theatre.
Come and hang out at Blackheath Halls during the day and enjoy its new and improved outside area following renovation works last year, making it an ideal space to enjoy a drink or just a rest before or after any of the performances! More information HERE
Dealing with toddler tantrums in public
Understanding toddler tantrums better
Recognise tantrums are a normal part of child development. Identify triggers like hunger, tiredness or frustration.
Know that toddlers lack the emotional regulation skills to handle intense feelings.
Understand that public settings can be overwhelming for toddlers.
Managing tantrums in public
Stay calm and composed; don’t react emotionally.
Acknowledge your child’s feelings and offer comfort.
Use distraction techniques, like showing them something interesting.
Keep interactions brief and avoid lengthy explanations. Move to a quiet place if possible.
What’s the best way to deal with tantrums?
A guide from the NHS on the best way to handle a troublesome toddler.
Preparing for public outings
Plan outings around your toddler’s schedule.
Bring snacks and toys to keep your toddler occupied.
Set simple rules and expectations before going. Be prepared to leave if necessary.
Practise patience and stay calm.
Post-tantrum strategies
Praise good behaviour once they calm down.
Discuss the tantrum calmly at home later.
Reinforce positive behaviour with rewards.
Teach emotional regulation skills through practice.
Maintain consistency in your responses.
End a toddler tantrum in 30 seconds
Quick effective method principles of gentle parenting, respectful parenting and positive discipline.
School Open Events Autumn 2024
Autumn make n’ dos
How about some great autumn activities that truly celebrate the wonderful colours and beauty of this season? From playing with shiny conkers to leaf rubbing, there’s something for everyone!
Conkers
Acorn owl
MAKE HANGING PUMPKINS FOR A TWIG TREE
We asked our friends at Hobbycraft for a spectacularly spooky Halloween craft activity for parents to do with their kids and they’ve come up with these cute pumpkins to hang on a twig tree.
DOWNLOAD HERE
Feed, clean, play with and look after your pet – and see what character you develop
5 bundles available –2 pets per bundle
Best family walks for wildlife spotting
We asked our friends at The Outdoor Guide to recommend some of the best UK ‘walks on the WILD side!’
Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset
Brownsea Island is a haven for wildlife including red squirrels. Dorset Wildlife Trust also has some hides on the island where you can get glimpses of the resident and visiting birdlife that migrates here during winter.
Blakeney Point, Norfolk
Show your kids wild seals - the Norfolk coastline is a great place for it!
There are colonies of grey and common seals that can be seen on the tidal sands, as well as migratory birds including redshanks, oystercatchers and avocets. This is a long walk though so best for older children.
National Trust Charlecote Park
The grounds of Charlecote Park, on the outskirts of Stratford upon Avon, has been home to a herd of fallow deer for centuries. Legend has it that William Shakespeare was prosecuted for poaching deer from here!
Richmond Park, London
During the autumn, male deer show prowess by clashing antlers with their rivals. Watch the deer rut in Richmond Park in London, home to fallow and red deer. Remember, keep a respectful distance and ensure dogs are on leads. This is a 7-mile circular walk so will only be suitable for older children.
We asked our friends at The Outdoor Guide to recommend some of the best UK ‘walks on the WILD side!’
Somerset Levels
Later this year, one of the wonders of the natural world will return to the Somerset Levels - the starling murmurations. Thousands of starlings come to roost here amongst the reedbeds. The peak season is November to February.
The Needles, Isle of Wight
With views out across the English Channel, you may glimpse a pod of dolphins that have become regular visitors here. Surrounded by the sea, this walk also gives you the chance to see marine birds including gannets and shearwaters. This is a longer walk so do consider your child’s age and capabilities.
Regency Walk, London
Even in the heart of London you can go for a walk to see some amazing wildlife. The Regency walk takes you past St James’s Park - well worth a detour to observe the abundant birdlife living on the lake - you might see the pelicans that live there too!
Petworth Park, West Sussex
The deer park in Petworth, West Sussex, is home to between seven and eight hundred fallow deer. The lake also offers the chance to see various ducks and geese.
If you’re a National Trust member, pop into the cafe afterwards for a well earned cuppa and slice of cake.
Create some ghostly, glowing and ghoulish Halloween effects at home with these simple science ideas.
Ghost rocket
Made with simple ingredients which react to propel your ghost to fly.
Halloween lava lamps
Use simple ingredients which react eerily to create magical lamps.
Dancing ghosts
Learn about static electricity by creating ghosts that move by themselves.
Make a galaxy in a jar
Recreate the wonders of the night sky in a jar of magic.
Luminous drinks
Discover the weird effect on some drinks when exposed to UV light.
Ghostly glowing eggs
Examine the spooky reaction that occurs between vinegar and egg shells.
Ghost slime
Make slime that is icycold to touch with just a few ingredients.
Blow up a pumpkin balloon
Using simple science, blow up a pumpkin balloon without touching it.
Fake blood
Add authenticity to a Halloween costume with this concoction.
Fun Halloween craft projects
So much of the excitement of Halloween is in the anticipation, in choosing a costume and decorating the house. Here are some great Halloween craft ideas which will add to the fun.
Halloween sensory surprise box
Ghost leaves
paper plate spider’s web
CBeebies Trick or Treat bags Rock Skulls
Halloween fuse beads decorations
Easy paper craft ghosts
Threading
Halloween bat
Pumpkin pinata
Delicious Halloween delights
It’s not Halloween without some themed food and there’s as much fun in the making of it, as in the eating! Get the kids in the kitchen helping with some of these ideas.
Watermelon Jacko’-Lantern
Scary Halloween jelly
Sticky toffee apples
Spider pizzas
Skeleton biscuits
Mummy hot dogs
Frozen banana ghosts
Pumpkin Rice Krispie treats
Monster burgers
Funny videos to get the kids laughing
In the often-stressed lives of parents it can be challenging to be playful and share laughter with our kids. So, for the moments when you can’t do this, keep these funny videos up your sleeve!
Kids’
jokes
The Bounce Patrol gang tell family-friendly jokes for kids of all ages.
Topsy and Tim funny moments
Topsy and Tim pick favourite funny moments from the popular CBBC show.
The Great Cookie Caper
Children’s soft toys play characters in this humorous tale of missing cookies.
The Terrible Plop Funny rhyming story by Ursula Dubosarsky, read aloud.
Farm
animals
A video with farm toys playing, jumping and making silly, funny sounds.
Tiny Dog, Big Stick Watch Bosco the Dachshund navigate a park in London.
The
Duck Song Funny story about an annoying duck and a lemonade stand.
Talking
twin babies
Your kids (and you) will be in hysterics watching these chatterboxes.
If You Laugh I’m Starting this Book Over
Riotous read-aloud book that insists listeners must not laugh.
2025 Top family holiday destinations
We asked Ashley Lutz from Travel Counsellors to pick some family holiday ideas for 2025 and here’s what she came up with.
