INTHISISSUE
Education
SpringWhat’sOn
EasterHolidayCamps
Isthereatouchofspringintheair?If notquiteyet,thendefinitelyverysoon. It’stimetocomeoutofhibernationand re-embracethegreatoutdoorsas naturecomesbacktolife.Tohelpyou dothat,wehavesomegreatnature activitiesyoucanusetomotivateyourkidstoenjoywalking!
Makesureyougetoutyourcalendar,gothroughourWhat’sOn sectionandmakeaplantoenjoysomeofthegreateventsand activitiesgoingonthroughoutCoventry&Warwickshire.
Easterisjustroundthecornersoaswellasplanningegghunts, we’vegotyoucoveredforHolidayCampsanddon’tforgettocut outandkeepourEastercraftsoyoucanhaveanactivityforthe kidstodoastheygetreadyfortheEasterBunny.
Wealsohavesomegreatparentingarticlesforyou,including howtoengageyourkidsineducationwithpackagedlearning, thepositivesandnegativesofgaming,tacklingtweenchallenges andourguidetothebestfamily-friendlypodcasts.Plus,wehear fromateacherallaboutthebenefitsofForestSchool.There reallyissomethingforeveryone!
Finally,inthisissue,wehaveSeaMonkeysprizebundlesto giveaway!Applyforsixinside.Bydoingso,you’llalsoensureyou receiveourdigitalmagazinewithlotsmorecontentandgoodies onoffer.
Enjoythemagazine!
OlliesessionsandtheOllieandhisSuperpowerbookshelpchildren whostrugglewithemotions,anxietyorself-esteem.
Belinda,anOlliecoachatHelpMyChild,offerscoursesforschoolsand parentstohelpchildrenthrive.
TheWholeClassandOllieKidsGroupSessionsforschools,areone houraweekprogrammes,wherechildrenlearnsomereallycoolstuff, tohelpthemtakecontroloftheiremotions,ratherthanbeingcontrolled bythem.Theylearncommunicationskills,emotionalresilience, empathyandhowtohelpthemselvesandotherswithanxietyand self-worth.
Parentscanbookone-to-onecoachingwithBelindafortheirchild. Formoreinformationandamazingreviewsbothfromprivate sessionsandfromOlliesessionsatarecentschool,visit www.HelpMyChild.co.ukorcallBelindaforaninformalchaton 01926650149or07485120444.
BelindaisrunningsomeFREEinformal,noobligation, Zoomsessionsforparents,whereyoucanfindout moreabouttheOlliemodelincludingtipsandadvice foryoutotakeawaytohelpbothyouandyourchild.
Theimpactofnatureonwellbeingiswelldocumentedand gettingchildrenoutsideisproventoboostboththeirphysical andmentalhealth.Buthowdoyouincentivisethemwith different,exciting,lowcostandeco-friendlyoutdooractivities allyearround?Thinkcrafts,scienceexperiments,scavenger hunts,beachandcampinggamesandsomuchmore.
Herea justfewnatureactivitiesyoumaywanttotakewith youtolivenupyournextoutdooradventureasafamily.
Popanobjectortwoinyourbackpackasyouwalkandhave therestofyourgroupaskquestionstotryandguesswhatitis. Youcantellthemthefirstletteroftheobjectandtheygetten questionstoaskaboutit-towhichyoucanonlyanswer‘yes’or ‘no.’
Willtheyworkitoutorwillyouhavetotellthem?Bestnotto takeanythingtooheavyoritwillfeellikealongwalk!
Atthestartofyourwalkfind along,slimbutstrongstick. Asyouwalk,threadonthe bestleavesthatyoufind.You mightwanttogoforalllarge leavesorallorangeleavesor maybeamix.Encourageevery memberofyourfamilytodo thesame–you’llbesurprised howdifferentallyourwands look.Onyourreturn,arrange yourleafwandsintoavasefor abeautifuldisplay.
Ifyouhaveaneighbouror olderrelativewhodoesn’tget outmuch,considergifting themaleafwandtobringabitofnature’streasureintotheir home.
Eachpersonchoosesaletterfromthealphabetandtriesto spotthingsbeginningwiththatletter,astheywalk.Tallyup howmanythingsyoufindandseewhospotsthemost.
Becausethiscanbetrickyforyoungerchildren,itisfinetouse descriptivewordstoosoifyouhavechosenBforexample,you couldsay‘bluesky’or‘bigtree.’Orjust‘bench’ifeveryone’s readyforasit-downrest!
Youmaywanttospecifythateachdescriptivewordcanonly beusedonce,aswellastakinganotebooktokeeptrackof yourspots.
Foreachchallenge,makesureyouagreeona‘base’before youstart.
Findfivestones,thenbringthembacktobaseandseeifyoucan usethemtobuildatowerthatdoesn’tfallover.
Chooseamarkersuchasaparticulartree.Balanceyourpaper cuponyourheadandwalktothemarker,thentrywalkingback tobasewithoutthecupfallingoffyourhead.
Findsometwigs,bringthembacktobaseandusethemtoform thefirstletterofyourname(oryourwholenameifyouwanta biggerchallenge).
CatherineHughesandBeckyGoddard-Hillareco-authors of AYearofNatureWalksandGames, abookpackedfull ofideastokeepkidsentertainedinthegreatoutdoors allyearlong.Itfeaturescrafts,scienceexperiments, scavengerhunts,beachandcampinggamespluslotsand lotsofideasonhowtomakethegreatoutdoorsinspiring. Availablefromgoodbookstoresandonlineretailers.
Seeingthe childrenbeing happyand settledisreally rewarding.”
Accordingtoarecentsurvey,astaggeringninetyonepercent ofchildrenages3to15playvideogamesonadevice.This givesrisetoconcernsaboutpotentialgamingaddiction, theimpactonchildren’ssocialskillsandthepresenceof seeminglyviolentorinappropriatecontent,allofwhich contributetoparents’uneaseabouttheirchildren’sgaming behaviours.Butwhatifwechallengedthenotionthatgaming isthevillain?
Inourview,thereareoften-overlookedadvantagesofgaming forchildren.Herearesomeofthe keybenefitsforyoungminds andsomeguidanceforparentsonensuringasafeandenjoyable gamingexperience.
Despitethecommonperceptionofgamingasamerepastime, recentresearchunderscoresthesignificantimpactofstrategic andpuzzle-solvinggamesoncognitivefunctions.Byenhancing problem-solving,criticalthinkingandspatialawareness,these gamesaremorethanentertainment.Theyactivelystimulate creativityandimagination,withmanytitlesencouragingplayers toconstructtheirownvirtualrealmsandnarratives.These activitiesleadto cognitiveadvantagesthattranslateintoreallifeproblem-solvingandcreativethinking, providingamental exercisewithpracticalapplications.
Withtheriseofonlinemultiplayergames,ourchildrenhavethe opportunitytointeractandcollaboratewithpeersfromdiverse backgrounds.
Manyvideogamesinvolvemultiplayermodesoronline communities,enablingsocialinteractionandcollaboration. Engagingwithothersinavirtualenvironmentcanhelpchildren developsocialskills,teamworkandasenseofcamaraderie,
Innumerousgames,itisnowtypicaltofindin-app purchasesandmicrotransactions.Itisessentialtoinitiate openandpositiveconversationswithyourchildregarding responsiblespendinginthesegamingscenarios.Prompt themtograspthesignificanceofmoneyandrecognisethe possiblerepercussionsofunauthorisedin-gamepurchases.
Establishboundariesontheirspendingoverspecificperiods andemphasise theimportanceofseekingpermission beforemakinganypurchases. Thisapproachensuresthat gamingremainsanenjoyableandeducationalexperience whileinstillingvitalfinanciallessonstosafeguardagainst unforeseenexpenses.
Aswellasdiscussingresponsiblespendingwithyourchild, educatethemonthe conceptofvirtualeconomies within games.Explainhowin-gamecurrenciesworkandthe importanceofdistinguishingbetweenvirtualandreal-world money.Emphasisethesatisfactionofpatienceandearning rewardsthroughgameplayratherthanresortingtoinstant purchases.Byinstillingthesevalues,youempoweryourchild tomakeinformeddecisions,fosteringfinancialresponsibility andenhancingtheiroverallgamingexperience.
whilebeingpartofgamingcommunitiescancreateasenseof belongingforchildren,especiallythosewhomayfeelisolatedin otheraspectsoftheirlives.
Despitethebenefits,protectingyourchild’sonlineexperiences isatoppriorityasaparent.Creatingasecureandenjoyable gamingenvironmentforyourkidsiscrucialtothemgaining fromtheadvantages.Likefilms,gamescomewithageratings. The PanEuropeanGameInformation(PEGI) systemprovides detailedageratings tohelpparentsdeterminethesuitabilityof avideogamefortheirchild.
Aslongasparentsensurechildrenareengagingresponsibly, gamingcanbemorethanahobby.Itservesasavaluable avenueforchildrentolearn,developandforgeconnectionsin today’sdigitallandscape.
DrSraandMrBehlareownersoftheyouthesportsarena Valhallan(www.valhallan.com),whichoffersasecureand nurturingenvironmentinwhichchildrencanfostertheirlove ofgaming.
Videogamesoftenreceivecriticismfortheirperceived impactonourchildren’smentalhealthbuttherealityis thattheirinfluenceonchilddevelopmentisfrequently misunderstood.
Beyondmereentertainment,gamingisapowerfultrainingtool forarangeofessentialskills.Engaginginvirtualadventuresor competitivegamechallengesprovideschildrenwithaunique opportunitytorelaxanddevelopemotionalresilience.
Immersivegameplayallowschildrentoescapemomentarily fromreal-lifepressuresandchallenges,providingasenseof relaxationandescapism.Certainvideogamesofteninclude objectivesandrewards,teachingchildrenthevalueofsetting goalsandworkingtowardsthem,whileachievingin-game milestonescanboostself-esteemandmotivation.
Somegamesgoastepfurtherbyofferingplayersachanceto improvetheiremotionalregulationanddecision-makingskills inhigh-pressuresituations;skillsthateasilytransfertoreal-life scenarios.Inessence,gamingprovidesaconstructivewayfor yourchildtorelievestress,givingthemspacetounwindand acquirecopingskillsthatwillbesignificantfortheiroverall personaldevelopment.
25-28March&2-5
ActiveCamps
Rugby
Funforeveryonewithlotsofactivitiesforchildrenaged4–14 atBiltonGrangefromdrama,tosportorartsandcrafts. www.oxfordactive.co.uk
CoolSportz
Warwick
Sociableandactiveholidayclubforchildrenaged5-16featuring arangeoffun,game-based,multi-sportactivitiesinasafe indoorandoutdoorenvironment. www.coolsportz.co.uk/warwick
CVLife
Coventry
Funfilledrangeofactivitiesandeventsforchildrenaged5-11 runningatCentreAT7,TheAlanHiggsCentre,XcelLeisure CentreandMoatHouseLeisureandNeighbourhoodCentre. www.cvlife.co.uk
KitsAcademy
Coventry,Rugby,Warwick,Nuneaton Dance,multi-sports,trampolining,gymnastics,archery& fencingorfootballcoursesduringtheschoolholidaysfor childreninYear1toYear8.Seevenuesfordetails. www.kitsacademy.com
Leamington&WarwickGymnasticsClub
Leamington
Activeandfunpackedgymnasticsholidayclubforchildrenfrom ReceptiontoYear11.Non-memberswelcome.FulldaysforYear 2andabove.1/2daysavailableforReceptionandabove. www.thegymnasticsclub.co.uk/holiday-clubs
OnsideCoaching
Warwick,Stratford,Kenilworth,Rugby,Coventry&Alcester Football,danceandactivekidscampsfor5–11yearoldstokeep childrenactiveanddevelopnewskills. www.onsidecoaching.co.uk
SuperCamps
Stratford-upon-Avon
Dailyandweeklymulti-activitycampsofferingavarietyoffun, age-appropriateactivitiesdesignedtofuelimaginationand encouragelearningforchildrenaged4-12. www.supercamps.co.uk/Venue/the-croft-preparatoryschool
WarwickHolidayCamps
UniversityofWarwick
Aninspiringrangeofeducationalandculturalactivitiesfor childrenaged5-12.Discoverawiderangeofexperiencesthat offerssomethingdifferenteveryday. www.warwick.ac.uk/services/holidaycamps/multi-activity
WarwickSchool
Warwick
Extensiveprogrammeofholidayactivities,opentoallchildren fromReceptiontoYear7(uptoandincluding12-year-olds). Afunwaytoexperienceneworfavouriteactivities. www.warwickschool.org/holiday-activities
Nolongerachildbutnotyetateenager;8-to-12-year-olds changequickly.
Theresultisthatparentsfacelotsofshifts,includingtheirtween wantingmoreprivacyandindependence.Noneofthesewillfeel asdauntingonceyouknowthedevelopmentalreasonsandsee theworldthroughyourtween’seyes.Takethiscommonreal-life scenario:
Yourtweensays: ‘DadsaidIcould’. Scenario: Yourpartnergoes againstyourrulesandletsyourtweenplayvideogamesona schoolnight,sparkingarowwhenyougethome.
Whatyourtween’sthinking: ‘I’veworkedoutthatdadislaxer aboutgaming,soI’mtakingadvantage.Iknowmumwillbe angrybutfornow,allIcareaboutismorescreentime.However, whenmyparentsdisagree,IfeelI’mtoblame.Whenthey contradicteachother,itmakesmefeelunsafeandlikethe grown-upsdon’thaveaclue.’
Whatyoumightbethinking: Ifyou’veworkedhardtomaintain thisboundary,youmayconcludethatyourpartnerdoesn’t respecthowharditistosticktotheserules.Youmayalsobe angrythatbeingsolaxwillmeanyourtweenwillnowwantto playvideogameseveryschoolnight,makingyourjobharder. Youmayalsoresentyourchildfortakingadvantage.
Howyoucouldrespond: Beforesayinganything,takeafew deepbreathstohelpyoucalmdown.Onceyoufeelready, speaktoyourco-parentoutofyourchild’searshotandagree onaunitedfronttojointlygivenoticetoyourchildthatit’stime
Scenario: Yourtweenhasputasignonthedoorsaying: Keepout!
Whatyourtween’sthinking: ‘Myroomisnolongerjusta placetosleepandkeepmytoys.NowIwantmoretimeto think,IwantittobemykingdomwhereIcanhaveprivacyand alsouseittoshowoffsomeofmydevelopinginterests.’
Whatyoumightbethinking: Youmaystruggletotakethis newboundaryseriouslyandworrythesignisgoingtobea redflagtoanysiblingswhowillseeitasachallenge.
Howyoucouldrespond: Tweensareusing‘magicalthinking’: abeliefthatiftheythinksomething,itwillhappenandthe signreallywillstoppeoplecominginwithoutpermission.
Asfaraspossible,respecttheirwishesandstartknockingif theyaskyouto.Seeitaspartoftheirpersonaldevelopment andhowtheychoosetodecoratetheirdoorasaguidetotheir developinginterests.
towinddowntheirgame.Updateyourchild:‘SometimesDad andIdothingsdifferentlybutnowwebothagreeit’sbedtime.’ Afteryourtweenisasleep,keeptalkingtoyourco-parent.Keep anopenmind,ratherthangoingontheattack.Forinstance,is gamingtheirwayofconnectingandhavingfunwithyourchild? Couldtherebeslightlydifferentrulesonthenightswhenthey areincharge?
Keepinmindtoothatparentingisaboutteamwork,which requiresdifferentstrengths.Themost importantthingisthatyoubothstay consistenttowhatyoueachdecideand don’tundermineeachotherinfrontof yourchild.
TanithCareyisco-authorwithDr AngharadRudkinofanewhandbook fortweenparents What’smyTween Thinking?PracticalChildPsychology forModernParents, availablenow fromwww.bookshop.org
Scenario: Yourtweenpleadsforasmartphonebecause‘all theirfriends’haveone.
What’syourtween’sthinking: ‘NotallmyfriendsdobutI’lltell myparentsthatanywaysothey’llthinkthey’rebeingunfair.’
Whatyoumightbethinking: Whileyoumaybelievethey’re tooyoungtohaveaccesstosuchavastonlineworld,their requestmaytapintoyourfearsthey’llgetleftoutbytheir peers.
Howyoucouldrespond: Acknowledgetheirwishandexplain thatyouunderstandwhilestandingfirm:‘Iknowaphone wouldmakeyoufeelgrown-upbutIwantyoutogrowup experiencinglifeintherealworldfirst.’
Asyourchildgetsolder,youcouldalsocompromisebyletting themuseanoldfamilyphoneortabletthatyouALLaccess andonlyinthecommonareasofyourhome,afterhomework. Neverinbedrooms.Makeitaruleyourchildcanonlypost toclosedgroupsofschoolfriendsandfamily,notinpublic forums.
Podcastshavebecomeahugepartofmanypeople’s lives,offeringawiderangeofinteresting,informativeand entertainingaudiowhichcanbelistenedtoforfreeatatime thatsuitsthem.Thisappliestochildrentoo,withmanyhigh standardpodcastsavailablethatparentswillalsoenjoy sharing.
Podcastsareabrilliantwayforkidstoabsorbinformationand canbeplayedinthecar,beforebedtowinddownorwhiledoing ajigsaworcolouring.
StoryPirates Ages5+
Storieswrittenbychildrenaregivensomepolishbutnottoo much,sotheycanbebroughttolifebyadultactors,comicsand musicians.Performerssuchas ClareDanes and JulieAndrews totallycommittothekids’ideaswhichareoftenoffthewalleg I Don’tThinkSoDay and TheSquirrelAstronaut. www.storypirates.com
RebelGirls Ages5+
Anoffshootofthebest-sellingbookofthesamename,this podcastisallaboutchampioningcleverandtenaciouswomen fromacrossallareas,includingthearts,civilrightsandsport. Eachepisodeisabouttwentyminuteslongandfocusesonone extraordinarywoman,withtheepisodedeliveredbyanother extraordinarywoman.Despitethegenderedtitle,theseare storiesforeveryone. www.rebelgirls.com/podcast
OnceUponaTimeinZombieville Ages9-12
Anaward-winning,BBCsci-fiadventurepodcastwithfunnybits! Featuringleadcharacterswithvisualimpairmentanddyslexia, Zombievilleisforthosewhomightstruggletoreadbutstilllove agreatstory.Withlotsofaction,expressivevoiceactorsand real-lifesoundtracks,it’slike‘acomicbookfortheears.’ www.bit.ly/BBCZombieville
WowintheWorld Ages5-12
Agoofball,award-winningsciencepodcastthattacklesserious scientificenquiriesandmakeslearningfun,evenforparents. HostedbyMindy,aklutzwithatimemachine,Guyandaneverexpandingcastofwackycharacters,thepodcastsharesstories aboutthelatestnewsinscience,technologyandinnovation. Storiesthatgivekidshopeandwillmakethemsay‘WOW!’ www.bit.ly/WowInTheWorld
HistoryStorytimeforKids Ages5-11
Sophie(age7)andEllie(age5)andtheirdaddytellthestories anduselotsoffunnysoundeffects.Hearamazingstoriesof animalsinhistory,stirringhistoricalstoriesofloveandbetrayal andstoriesofstrongwomenandhowtheychangedthecourse ofevents.Uniquely,itstarsthecharmingchildrenthemselves whorecountthestorieswithsurprisingfluidityandhumour. www.historystorytime.com
WhatifWorld Ages5-12
HostedbyMrEricwhousessillyvoicesandcrazycharactersto answeranew‘Whatif’questionsentinbyaninquisitivechild everyepisode.Thescenariosaretypicallyfanciful:think‘what ifeveryoneworethesamecolour?’or‘whatifsnowgotonthe moon?’Thesearethekindofquestionsthatinspirethequirky storiesforthisimaginativepodcast. www.whatifworldpodcast.com
ActivityQuest Ages5-12
Aweeklypodcastpackedwithstufftodo.Joinpresenters fromchildren’sradiostation, FunKids, astheyvisitlocations nationwidetofindoutwhattheyoffer.They’vetriedeverything fromarcherytoheritagerailwayrides,rock-climbingtomuseum visits-evenfeedingtigers!Thepodcastisfilledwithfunwaysto spendyourweekend. www.bit.ly/ActivityQuest
TheWeekJuniorShow Ages8-14
Eachweek,Bexfrom FunKids isjoinedbymembersof TheWeek Junior teamtodiscusstheirfavouritestories,debatetheweek’s hottopicanddiscoverwhethertheRealorRubbish?report isfakenewsortherealdeal.RecentnewstopicsincludeDo animalshaveimagination?Shouldfireworksbebanned?How areheadlicehelpinghistorians? www.bit.ly/WeekJunior
TheAlienAdventuresofFinnCaspian Ages5-8
Thisserialised,science-fictionstory,toldinfifteentotwenty minuteepisodesisperfectfordrivingaround,onroadtripsor evenatbedtime.Thestorycentresonan8yearoldboylivingon aninterplanetaryspacestationwithhisfriendsAbigail,Eliasand Valewhoexplorethegalaxy,helptheoccasionalalienandsolve mysteries. www.bit.ly/FinnCaspian
TheUnexplainableDisappearanceofMarsPatel Ages8-12
Award-winning,serialisedmysteryseries(startwithepisode1) withavoicecastofactualkidsandasuspensefulplot,thiswill keepyourtweenhookedforhours.Listenalongas11yearold MarsPatelandhispalsJP,ToothpickandCaddiesetoutonan audaciousadventureinsearchoftwomissingfriends. www.bit.ly/MarsPodcast
ShakespeareWeek
ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust
Stratford-upon-Avon
21–27Mar
Joinschoolsandfamiliesupand downthecountrytocelebrate Shakespeare.Discoveraseriesof unmissableevents,atthe Shakespearefamilyhomesin Stratford-upon-Avon,onlineand acrossthecountry. www.shakespeare.org.uk
BrandonMarshNatureReserve Coventry
21–27Mar
Joininwithsomeoutdoorfunthis Easter!There’slotsofadventures tobehadhereovertheholidays fromDenBuildingtoPondDipping, BugHuntingtoOutdoorSurvival plusaspecialEasterintheWoods eventon25Mar(10:00–11:00).Full detailsonline.
www.warwickshirewildlifetrust .org.uk
CoventryTransportMuseum Coventry
Tinker|Make|Play:Eggcellent Experiments
23,25,28,30Mar&1,4,6Apr
EggbasedSTEMchallengesawait thisEaster.Gethands-onmaking creativetransportforeggs. Suitableforallages.FREE,drop-in sessions(10:00-15:00).
www.transport-museum.com /events
DraycoteWater
Rugby
23Mar–14Apr
TheEasterBunnyhasleftatrailof eggsaroundtheCountryParkat DraycoteWater.Followtherouteto findtheeggsandanswerthe questions.Oncecompletedreturn totheVisitorHubtoreceiveyour prize!Don’tmisstheAlicein WonderlandAfternoonTeaon 27Mar.Fancydressencouraged! www.stwater.co.uk/our-visitorsites/
HattonAdventureWorld
NrWarwick
23Mar–7Apr
Springtimefunandfrolicsatthe farmthisEaster.TheSpring ArrivalsMarqueewillbepacked withbabyanimalsandifyouwait patiently,youmightevenwitnessa birth!Comerainorshinethere’s plentytodowithindoorand outdoorattractionsand entertainmentforallthefamily. www.adventure.hattonworld.com
HerbertArtGallery&Museum
Coventry
23Mar-6Apr(excludingSundays) ExploreCoventrythroughcreative artsandimmersiveexperiences thisEaster.Twoweeksofexciting craftingactivitiesincludingPosca woodeneggs,jarlanterns,totes andwhitestones.Designedforage 3+butallwelcome.£2.50perchild, payontheday,drop-insessions. www.theherbert.org
KenilworthCastle
Kenilworth
23Mar–14Apr
Getreadyforacrackingadventure questatKenilworthCastlethis Easterholiday.Huntforcluesinthe castlegrounds,trackdownthe Eastereggsandgetrewardedwith atastychocolatetreat.£2perchild ontopofentry.Bookonlineand save15%.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
LuntRomanFort
NrCoventry
25Mar–4Apr
TheSpoonWarriorshavereturned, andthey’retakingoverthewhole museum!Craftyourownbrave spoonwarriorandjointhefray. Allmaterialsprovided.Booking essential.
www.luntromanfort.org
RugbyArtGallery&Museum RugbyTownCentre
23Mar–6Apr
Unleashsomecreativitywith pom-pomanimalmaking,colourful craftsinspiredbyspringtime blooms,excitingart-based challengesandanEasteregghunt. Low-cost,accessibleworkshops andartadventures,perfectfor childrenupto12years.
www.ragm.co.uk
St.Mary’sGuildhall/TalesofTea Coventry
23Mar–7Apr
Exploretheenchantingworldof FairyFolkandFearlessKnightsat thishistoricalgemintheheartof theCity.ImmerseyourselfinTudor livinghistoryandKnightsschool (selecteddatesonly)thenvisit TalesofTeainthestunningvaulted UndercroftforatastyEastertreat. Bookingrequired. www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk
StratfordButterflyFarm Stratford-upon-Avon 23Mar–7Apr
ThisEasterthewholefamilycan enjoytherelaxingpleasureof walkingamongstsomeofthe world’smoststunningand colourfulbutterfliesinatropical rainforestsetting,completewith fish-filledpools,splashing waterfallsandbeautifulblooms.
ThepopularMeettheMini-Beast andButterflyLifeCycle demonstrationswilltakeplacedaily intheDiscoveryZoneat11:00 throughouttheEasterHolidays (exceptGoodFriday,EasterSunday andEasterMonday). www.butterflyfarm.co.uk
TwycrossZoo
Atherstone
23Mar–7Apr
Help!Araresetofeggshavegone missingatthezoo.Bookafun, familydayoutthisEaster,solvethe mysteryandcollectaprize!Explore theanimalworldandenjoyexciting encounterswithover500animals, from125differentspecies. www.twycrosszoo.org
WhipsnadeZoo
Dunstable
29Mar–14Apr
VisittheUK'sbiggestzoo,setin 600acresofbeautifulparklandand hometomorethan10,000animals, manyofwhichareendangeredin thewild.Discoverallkindsof amazingegg-layinganimalsthis EasterwithWhipsnadeZoo’s ZoonormousEggHunt. www.whipsnadezoo.org
BritishMotorMuseum
Gaydon
Exploreover400Britishclassiccars, takepartinthemedtrails,experience touchscreenexhibitsandunderstand howacarworks.Funforallthe family!
www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk
CoventryTransportMuseum
Coventry
Visitthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehiclesonthe planetandlearnabouthowCoventry changedtheworldthroughtransport. www.transport-museum.com
HerbertArtGalleryandMuseum
Coventry
Theperfectplacetodelveinto Coventry’shistoryandengagewith artandculture.PLUSvisitDippythe DiplodocusfreshfromtheNatural HistoryMuseum.
www.theherbert.org
MADMuseum
Stratford-upon-Avon Interactwithartworks,contraptions andmachinesattheUK’sonly
MechanicalArtvenue.Animpressive collectionofeccentricandingenious creations.
www.themadmuseum.co.uk
MidlandAirMuseum
Baginton,NrCoventry
Experiencetheworldofaviationina friendlyandinformalenvironment. Visittheuniqueaeronautical collectionandlearnaboutlocal aviationhistory.
www.themadmuseum.co.uk
ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust
Stratford-upon-Avon
Discoverthefascinatingstories behindtheworld’sgreateststoryteller acrosshisfamilyhomes.
www.shakespeare.org.uk
Shakespeare’sSchoolroom &Guildhall
Stratford-upon-Avon
Visitthe600-year-oldbuildingwhere WilliamShakespearesatinthe1570s andwrotehisfirstworksand experienceTudorschoollife,dress, artandstories.
www.shakespearesschoolroom.org
WarwickCastle Warwick
Explorethecastletowersand rampartsandover64acresof beautifulgroundsandgardens.With liveshows,eventsandextraordinary entertainmentforallthefamily includingLegendoftheTrebuchet, theHorribleHistories®mazeandThe Falconer’sQuest!Eastershort-break packagesavailable.Bookonline. www.warwick-castle.com
AdventureZone Rugby
SoftPlaycentreforchildrenaged 0-12.Plus10pinbowling,ARdarts, CrazyGolf,Pooltablesand ShuffleboardsinStrikesBar.Funfor allthefamily!
www.theadventurezone.co.uk
GoApe Coventry
Thebestofhighropeantics,axe throwingandmini-LandRoversat CoombeAbbeyforthrill-seeking adultsandfun-seekingchildren. Bookonline. www.goape.co.uk
JumpIn Warwick
JumpintoSpringandgetthefamily bouncingforfunandfitness.Check outtheAfterSchooldealMon-Thu, it’sgreatvalue!
www.gojumpin.com
JuniorParkrun
Stratford-upon-Avon,Leamington, Rugby,Coventry
FREE,funandfriendlyweekly2K eventforjuniors(4-14yearsold) EverySundayat9:00.Childrenmust beabletocompletethecourse withoutanadult. www.parkrun.com
MrKarting Warwick
Junior&FamilyArriveandDrive KartingplusChildren’sKarting parties.Perfectforcompetitivekids aged8+(andtheirgrown-ups!) Open7daysaweek. www.mrkarting.co.uk
PlanetIce Coventry
Skateforfun,learntoskate,booka partyortakethefamilytowatchan IceHockeygameandsupportthe CoventryBlaze.Fixturesand bookingonline. www.planet-ice.co.uk www.coventryblaze.co.uk
RedKangaroo Coventry
BouncerightintoRedKangaroo trampolineparkthisSpring!There’s somuchtodoalongsidejumping funtokeepthekidsentertainedfor hours!
www.redkangaroo.co.uk
SpotOnWake Henley-in-Arden
TheUltimatewatersports destination!With3custom designedlakes,trywakeboarding orSUP(6+)ortheAquaJungle (8+).Learnsomethingnew together.
www.spotonwake.co.uk
TheWave Coventry Grabyourgogglesandenjoya familydayoutatoneoftheUK’s award-winningindoorwaterparks intheheartofCoventryCityCentre! www.thewavecoventry.com
WarwickSportClimbingCentre WarwickUniversity Schoolagechildrenandadultscan tryclimbingorboulderingin Coventry.JuniorPay&Play, InstructorledsessionsplusKids Parties.
warwick.ac.uk/services/sport /climbing/junior/
BelgradeTheatre
Coventry
ZogandtheFlyingDoctors
Tue26–Thu28Mar
AgeRecommendation:3+
PiedPiper
Wed17–Sat20Apr
AgeRecommendation:6+ AMidsummerNight’sDream Wed24–Sat27Apr www.belgrade.co.uk
RoyalShakespeareCompany Stratford-upon-Avon AMidsummerNight’sDream
Tue30Jan–Sat30Mar
FirstEncounters:Romeo&Juliet Thu21–Sat30Mar
AgeRecommendation:7-13 www.rsc.org.uk
RoyalSpaCentre LeamingtonSpa
Spot’sBirthdayParty Thu7–Fri8Mar
Agerecommendation:2+ DearZoo:Live! Thu14–Fri15Mar www.royalspacentreandtownhall .co.uk
TheAlbanyTheatre
Coventry
TheMagicBookmark–MamaG Sun24Mar
AliceinWonderland
Tue2Apr
Agerecommendation:4+ FiremanSamLIVE!TheGreat CampingAdventure
Thu4Apr
Goose
Sat27Apr
Agerecommendation:Under5 www.albanytheatre.co.uk
WarwickArtsCentre Coventry
CharlieCook’sFavouriteBook Thu4–Sun7Apr
Agerecommendation:3-8 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
Compton Verney NrWarwick
Stunning parklandand lake,and woodland adventure playground. Award-winningartgallery. Restaurant and giftshop.Easteractivitiesinclude Leapthen Look –open studios, Get mucky,getmaking! andAnimation Camp.ClosedMondaysexceptBank Holidays. www.comptonverney.org.uk
Coombe AbbeyCountry Park Coventry
JuniorWolfRun LeamingtonSpa
Sun28Apr
With 500 acres of beautifulgardens, woodland,lakeside walks,andbird hides,there’splentytoexplore. With great outdoorplay areas, acafé anda variet yofactivities frompottery to pond dipping,plus regulareventsin thepark andat the Hotel,it’sa great place forafamilytrip, ascenic strollor a bike ride. www.coombeabbey.com
Countr yParks Warwickshire
Foundry Wood
LeamingtonSpa
An urban communitywoodland inthe heartofLeamington Spaand Warwick. Learn about woodland habitats, wildlife conservation, traditionalwoodlandcraftsand more. Regularevents for familiesand wellbeing eventsforadultsthroughout the year. www.foundrywood.co.uk
HillCloseGardens Warwick
Rare Victorian Gardenstoexplore with Children’strail and specialeventsand workshops throughouttheyear.Plus, specialchildren’sgarden withmud kitchenwhere kids canplant,water, weed andharvest fruitand vegetables, so go prepared toget stuck in! www.hillclosegardens.com
NationalTrust Warwickshire
Freshtrailsandthickmudawaitwithamixofnewandclassicobstacles totestandthrillyou.TheSpringWolfkicksofftheseasonandit'sthe perfecteventtotrainforafterthewinterbreak.
TheJuniorWolfis3km(or6kmifyoudoittwice!)witharound15 obstacles,suitableforages7to17.Thisisachancefortheyounger generationtogetstuckinandenjoywildrunningandobstacles. Supervisionrequiredfor7to11yearolds(accompanyingadultmust purchaseaticket).
Allrunnersgetamedalandevery5thrunnergoesFREE(mustbe bookedtogether).Who’sinyourWolfPack?
NotquitereadyforSpring?Don’tpanic!There’saJuniorSummerWolf (Sun9Jun)andaJuniorAutumnWolf(Sun15Sep).
NEW for2024 - WolfTrails UmbersladeEstate,Solihull Sun24Mar
Notupforobstacles?Laceupyourrunningshoesandtryoutthebrand new,carefullycrafted5km/10kmroutes,offthebeatentrack,inthe beautifulEnglishcountryside.Opentoparticipantsaged7+.Ages7–11 mustbeaccompaniedbyapaidadult. Formoreinformation,pleasevisit www.thewolfrun.com
Warwickshire countryparksoffer a diverse portfolio ofgreenspaces with five countr yparksand three greenways covering over1,200 acres forfamilies to enjoy. Takea spring walk ,a bikeride ormakea dayof it with family andfriends. Plusplentyof Easter activitiesavailableover the holidays.Bookonline. countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk
E xplore the outdoors thisspringatour localNational Trustproper ties: Baddesley Clinton;Coughton Court; Packwood House;Charlecote Park; UponHouseand Gardensand FarnboroughHall.Each property has itsown uniqueEastertrail, so why not visit them all.See individualwebsites fordetails and prices www.nationaltrust.org.uk
BenjaminFranklin’sfamousquote ‘tellmeandIforget,teach meandImayremember;involvemeandIlearn’ capturesthe essencebehindtruelearning.
ThismaybewhyencouragingyourownchildtoWANTto sitdowntolearncanfeellikeanimpossibletaskattimes, withparentsoftenquestioninghowtheirchildisabletosit, concentrateandlearnatschool.
Covidlockdownsthrusthomeschoolingontofamilies. Parentshadtotakeontheroleofteachers,experiencingthe complexitiessurroundinglearning,whilechildrenfacedtheneed toresponddifferentlytotheirparentsasteachers.
Beinginaclassroominaschoolsetting,ratherthanathome, helpschildrengraspthatadifferentsetofrulesapply.Infact,in schools,theyconformsimplybecausethemajoritydo-children areexcellentatpolicingeachother!
Therehasbeenariseinthenumberoffamilieswhochooseto homeschool,manyofwhomhavedevelopedeffectivestrategies tocreatealearningenvironmentathome.Whetheryouwant tohomeschool,supporthomeworkorjustnurturealovefor learning,adeepdiveintotheworkingmindofachildcanoffer waystopackagelearning.
Understandingthatlearningissomethingthatoccursthrough experiencesoracquiringknowledgeandskills,wecanusefully engineersituationsandscenariostofacilitatethis.These techniquescanpackagelearningasinvitingandexciting.
Usetoys. Thisappliesforchildrenofallages.Forexample,Nerf gunsaregreatatfiringatanswerstotimestablequestionsor spelling.Scrabbletilesarealsofantasticforpractisingspelling. Foamlettersornumbersinthebatharefunforbothspellingand mathsquestions.
Gointothewild. There’ssomuchlearningtobedoneinthe greatoutdoors:makingraingauges,followingmaps,gardening, studyingwildlifeandclassification.
Questionoftheweek. Toencourageindependentthinking,at thestartoftheweekposeaquestionwhichdoesn’thavean obviousanswer.Forexample:‘Whobuiltthestrongestbuildings -RomansorSaxons?’Developingcuriosityinchildreniskeyto packaginglearning.
Thisisthefun,rewardingandessentialpartofparenting, increasingself-esteemandmotivatingchildrentokeep learning.Trythese:
TheTateModern allowschildrentouploadtheirownartwork fordisplayintheonlinegallery(www.tate.org.uk/kids).
Somemathsappshavepre-madecertificates.Forexample, Whiterose1MinuteMathsApp (www.whiteroseeducation. com/1-minute-maths)
BluePeterBadges arefantasticwaytocelebratechildren’s work.Thereareanumberofbadgesyourchildcanapplyfor andtheyevengetyourchildintosomeattractionsfor
Computergames. Thesettingsandcharactersinwelldevelopedcomputergamesaredesignedtoenticechildren.This canbegoodforenhancingcreativewritingskills.
Emailingexperts. Considersettingyourchildupwithanemail addresssothattheycanemailan‘expert”inachosentopicto findoutmore.Forexample,iftheyarelearningaboutvolcanoes, theycouldemailavocanologist.
Bookandmoviecomparison. Turnamoviesessionintoa learningopportunity.Watchthefilmandthenreadthebookor viceversa.Comparetheirsimilaritiesanddifferences.
Readingdogs. There’salotofresearchthatsuggeststhat children’sreadingimprovesiftheyreadtopets.It’sassimpleas that!
Treasurehunts. Childrenlovefindingthings.Plantwords, numbers,sentences,objectsandquestionsaroundthehouse andsendchildrentofindthem.
Boardgames. Alotoflearningcancomeoutofplayingboard games.Createyourownboardgamelinkedtoyourchosen topic.
Currentissues-whetherenvironmental,socialorpolitical. Findsomethingthatyourchildispassionateabout.Writeletters, research,devisefundraisingevents.
ZuzuJordanisaMasteryforMathsspecialistwhohastaught primaryagedchildrenforsixteenyearsandisinterestedin earlyyearsandhomelearning.Forfreehomeworkandhome learningresources,findtheFacebookpageEdumateuk.
Witharichhistoryspanningover100yearsandnestledamidst55 acres,WarwickPreparatorySchoolislocatedjustafewminutes’ walkfromthehistorictownofWarwick.
Theschoolbenefitsgreatlyfrombeingpartofsomethingbigger. TogetherwithKing’sHighSchoolandWarwickSchool,itformsthe WarwickSchoolsFoundation,givingaccesstofurtherexceptional facilitiesincludingaworld-classMusicSchool,anenchantingForest School,theBridgeHouseTheatre,a25-metreindoorswimmingpool, andmuchmore.
Withfourmainentrypoints,childrencanjoinTheSquirrelsNursery (age3+),Reception(age4+)orthePrepDepartment(Years3to Year6).
HellenDodsworth,Headmistresssaid: “Thesuccessofourschoolis firmlybuiltaroundthepursuitofexcellenceinallwedo.Ourpupils followabroad,variedandchallengingcurriculumtaughtbymultitalentedandexceptionallycommittedstaff.Weareveryproudofour tremendousacademicreputationbothlocallyandfarbeyond,enabling childrentofulfiltheirpotentialandbethebesttheycanbe.
Whiletheyarewithus,wealsowantthemtoenjoythemostrounded learningexperiencepossible.Tothatend,weoffergreatstrengthand depthinbothteamandindividualsports;weproviderichanddiverse musicalopportunities;weorganiseabroadandengagingprogramme ofvisitsandextra-curricularactivitiesdesignedtowidentheirinterests andskills.Werecognisetheuniquetalentsandskillsofeachindividual childandaimtofosteralifelongloveoflearningenablingthemtorun, play,imagineandthrive.”
FindoutwhatmakesWarwick PreparatorySchoolsucha vibrant,dynamic,happy,and specialplaceattheirOpen MorningonSaturday16March, 9.30am-12.15pm.
Bookatwarwickprep.com/openmorning
ArnoldLodge LeamingtonSpa (Ages4-18)
T:01926778050
www.arnoldlodge.com
ReceptionOpenMorning: Fri8Mar09:30–11:00
BiltonGrange Rugby (Ages3-13)
T:01788810217
www.biltongrange.co.uk
TheKingsleySchool LeamingtonSpa (Ages3-18)
T:01926421368
www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat27Apr 09:15–12:45
PrepandJuniorSchools
BablakeandKingHenryVIII
PrePrep Coventry T:02476271190
www.bablake.com
www.kinghenrys.co.uk
BablakeJunior Coventry T:02473271248
www.bablake.com
OpenHouse:Wed13Mar 09:00–10:30
CrackleyHallSchooland LittleCrackersNursery
Kenilworth T:01926514444
www.crackleyhall.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat9Mar 10:30–12:30
CrescentSchool Rugby T:01788521595
www.crescentschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat16Mar 10:00–12:00
KingHenryVIIIJunior Coventry T:02473271190
www.kinghenrys.co.uk
StratfordPreparatorySchool Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789297993
www.stratfordprep.co.uk
OpenDay:Sat2Mar 10:00–13:00
TheCroftPreparatorySchool Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789293795
www.croftschool.co.uk
OpenDay:Wed6Mar 10:00–12:00
WarwickJuniorSchool Warwick T:01926776418
www.warwickschool.org
WarwickPreparatorySchool Warwick T:01926491545
www.warwickprep.com
OpenDay:Sat16Mar 09:30–12:15
SeniorSchools
BablakeSenior Coventry
T:02473271248
www.bablake.com
KingHenryVIIISenior Coventry T:02473271190
www.kinghenrys.co.uk
OpenHouse:Wed20Mar 09:30–11:00
King’sHigh Warwick
T:01926494485
www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk
PrincethorpeCollege Rugby
T:01926634201
www.princethorpe.co.uk
OpenMorning:Thu18Apr 10:30–12:30
WarwickSeniorSchool
Warwick
T:01926776400
www.warwickschool.org
Registerforopen eventsonline
‘Howwasschooltoday?’aparentaskedtheirchild.‘Itwas amazing:weallworkedtogethertobuildaden;weplayed hideandseekinthewoodsandtoastedmarshmallowsona realfire!’thechildenthusiasticallyresponded.
ThiswasaconversationIoverheardintheplaygroundaftermy firstForestSchoolsessionwithmyYear3class.Nomention ofthenewmethodofadditionthatwehadworkedsohardon usingmanipulatives;norenditionofthefunnypoemthatwehad beenreadinginEnglishthathadusalllaughingasweactedout thedifferentverses.
WasIdisappointed?Notonebit.
Myclasswasthefirstclassattheschoolto‘doForestSchool’ andthey(andtheadults)lovedeveryminuteoftheafternoon.
Somepeoplemightquestion‘losing’anafternoon’slearning withinapacked,timetabledcurriculum.I’drespondthatrather thanloss,theexperiencewasinfactverybeneficialtohelping thesechildren,preparingthemingeneralforlifebeyond education.
Teamwork,communicationskills,riskanalysis,tryingthings outsideyourcomfortzone,resilienceandindependenceare justafewthingsthatmyclassof7and8-year-oldslearnedthat afternoonandtheycontinuedtolearnandmakeprogressin theseareasthroughouttheirtimeatprimaryschool.
Yourchild’sschoolmaynothaveForestSchool opportunitiesonoffertoallchildrenbuttherearelotsof privateprovidersouttherewhorunenrichingafterschool andholidayclubs.Youmayevenfindthemadvertising inthismagazine!Alternatively,aquicksearchonlinewill usuallyyieldalistofprovidersinyourlocalarea.
Evensimpleactivities,liketakingawalkinyourlocalpark, canofferoutdoorlearningopportunities:yourkidscantake noteofthedifferentleavesonthetreesandresearchthem whenyougethomeorusinganapponanadult’sphone.They cantakephotosofthedifferentcoloursofnatureatdifferent timesofyear,lookoutforanimalfootprintsandplay‘hideand seek’withtheirfriendsandfamily-Ibetthechildrenaremuch betteratthisthantheadults!
Beingoutdoorsofferssomuchlearningpotentialandlikeall goodlearningopportunities,whenachildishavingsomuch funthattheydon’trealisetheyarelearning,allthebetter.
Forsomechildren,ForestSchoolandlearningoutsidethe classroomcanseemscaryandunfamiliar.Theymaynothave asmuchaccesstotheoutdoorenvironmentasprevious generationsandthisneedstobehandledsensitively.Such childrencanstilllearntheskillsandalsoenjoyeverythingthat theenvironmenthastooffer,whenledbyadultswhoareaware ofandrespondtohowtheyarefeelinginawaythathelpsthem getthemostoutoftheopportunity.
Noteveryschoolhasaccesstoaforestorwoodlandareabut theycanstillembracetheethosofForestSchoolanditcanbe adaptedinsomanyways.Youdon’thavetohavearealfireto singsongsintheroundandyoucanbecreativeinanartor musiclessonandtakeitoutside!
JemmaZSmithisDirectorofTheEducationHotel.Forfurther advice,visitwww.educationhotel.co.uk
Theseareahighlightofachild’sschoollife,allowingthem toempathisewithhowotherpeopleliveorlived,giving themachangeofsceneryandachangeofadultteachers. Notallchildrenlearnbestwhensatatatable;being interactiveandhands-oncanhavesomuchmoreimpacton long-termmemoryandknowledgeretention.
WhenYear6reduceusalltotearsattheirleavingassembly everyJuly,itisthemomentwhensomeonefelloutofthe canoe(andgotbackinsafely),whensomeonesuccessfully abseiledorwhentheteachergotcoveredinmud(truestory) attheendoftheobstacleracethattheywanttoshare.These experiencesteachchildrensomuchmorethanacademic skills:theyteachthemlifeskills.
Intoday’sfast-paced,busyandtech-drivenworld,itcanbe difficulttotakeastepbackandembracewhatnaturehasto offerbutitisincreasinglyimportanttodosoforeveryone’s well-being.
HopintotheEasterspiritwiththisdelightfulcraft! Unleashyourlittleone’screativityandrecycle cardboardtubestomakebunny-shapedbinoculars. Areyoureadyforthehunt?
Letthecraftingadventurebegin!
Youwillneed:
•Loorolltubes(x2)
•Cerealboxcard
•Tape
•Scissors
Whattodo:
•PVAglue
• Colouringmaterials
•Printedtemplate(scan QRcodetodownload)
Step1:
Gluethetwotubestogetherto makebinoculars.Leavetodry.
Step3:
Gluetherestofthetemplate tocerealboxcard.Oncedry, askagrownuptohelpyoucut outthenoseandears.
Step2:
Askagrownuptohelpyou cutoutthebandfromthe printedtemplate.
Step4:
Usegluetoattachthenoseto oneendofthebinoculartubes. Leavetodry.
Thisactivityhasbeenprovidedby toucanBox (www.toucanbox.com)whoseall-in-onesubscriptioncraft boxesforkidsmakeplaytimeeasy-peasy.
Step5:
Colourinyourband,thenwrap aroundthebinocularsand gluetabtosecure.
Step6:
Askagrownuptohelpyou cutasmallslitforeachear, about1cmawayfromtheend ofthetube.
Step7:
Insertthebunnyeartabsinto theslits.Foldthetabstowards youandtapetotheinsideof thetube.
