Families Warwickshire May/June 2024 PRINT

14–18MAY

30Apr–4May

31MAY–1JUNE

30Apr–4May

29MAY

17–19JUNE p y

21–22JUNE

30Apr–4May

28–29AUG

Hello!

Afterawetandwindyspring,summeris almosthere!So,ifyouhaven’torganised yourchildcareyet,we’vegotyoucovered withallyouneedtoknowaboutsummer campsandwhytheycanbesomuchmore thanchildcare!

OurWhat’sOnguideispackedfullofgreat eventsandactivitiesthroughoutCoventry&Warwickshireforyouto enjoyasafamilyandincludessomereallyfunthingstododuring MayHalf-Term.

Didyouknowswimmingistheonlyactivepursuitthatcansaveyour child’slife?SwimEnglandtellusallaboutthevitalskillsyourchildwill learnbothatschoolandprivateswimmingclassesinourLearningto Swimfeature.

Whatbirthdaytraditionsdoyouhaveasafamily?It’ssolovelyto developandmaintaintheseasawayofmarkingspecialdayseach yearandwehavesomegreatsuggestionsastohowyoucandothat. Plus,getinspirationforsomeEcobirthdaygiftswhicharekinderfor theplanet,andforyourpocket,andwillbeevenmorespecialto unwrap!

There’salsosomegreatarticlesoninvolvingyourkidsinsocialaction, developingskillsforgoodschoolperformance,supportingyourchild’s memoryretention,choosingareadingbookandrecommendationsfor thetopnewchildren’sbooksfromaroundtheworld.

Finally,inthisissue,wehavea SmobyFlowerMarketCreationsKit togiveaway!Applyinsideandbydoingsoyou’llalsoensureyou receiveourFREEdigitalmagazinewithlotsmorecontentandgoodies onoffer.

Enjoythemagazine!

Learningtoswim

Learningtoswimistheonlyphysicalactivitywhichcansave yourlife.

Inrecognitionofthis,allschoolsmustprovideswimminglessons inKeyStage1or2(ages5to11),asastatutorysportwithinthe PhysicalEducation(PE)curriculum.

Inparticular,pupilsshouldbetaughttoperformsafeselfrescueindifferentwater-basedsituations;swimcompetently, confidentlyandproficientlyoveradistanceofATLEAST25 metresandusearangeofstrokeseffectively,forexample,front crawl,backstrokeandbreaststroke.

However,SwimEnglandrecommendsthatyourchilddoesn’t giveuponregularprivateswimminglessonsoncetheystart swimmingwithschoolasthesearecrucialtotheircontinued developmentandultimatelysafety.

TheaimofschoolswimmingandwatersafetylessonsduringPE aretoteachyourchildtobesafeinandaroundwater,withthe emphasisonwatersafety.

Atprivatelessons,yourchildwillbetaughtmorein-depth skillsandtechniquesthantheywillatschool.Regularprivate lessonsprogresswaypasttheminimumnationalcurriculum requirementsandyourchildcontinuestheiraquaticeducation towardsanactiveandhealthyfuture.

Whatwillmychildlearnduringschoolswimming?

Aswellaslearningtoswimthebasicstrokes,yourchildwill learnhowtobesafearounddifferentwaterenvironments e g beaches,lakes,canals.Yourchildwillbetaughthowthe skillstheylearnintheirswimminglessonscanbeusedinan emergencysituation.

Packingaswimmingkit

Swimwear. Checkschoolguidelinesontheswimwearpermitted. Towels. Twocanbegood!

Swimmingcap. Keepslonghairoutofthefaceandreduces ‘drag’tomakeswimmingeasier.

Goggles. Ideallypupilsneedtoexperienceswimmingwithout goggles;ifyourchildfallsintoalaketheywon’thavegoggles andmaypanic.Ifyouthinkyourchildneedstoweargoggles, discusswiththeirschool.

Toiletries. Packshampoo,conditioner,showergeletctowash offpoolchemicals.

Hairbrush/Comb. Hairclips/bandsareusefulifswimming withoutacap.

Lockercoins. Iflockerswillbeused,askwhethertheyrequire coinsoratoken.

Water. Inapool,childrenwon’tnoticehowmuchtheysweat. Givethemawaterbottle,remindthemtokeepitpoolsideand takeregularsips.

Snack. Dependingonschoolrules,asmallsnacklikeabanana foraftertheirlessonwillhelpreplaceenergy. Jewellery. Thisshouldideallyberemovedforsafety.

Asaparent,guardianorcareryouplayavitalrolein encouragingyourchildtoswimandlearnaboutwatersafety, survivalandlifesaving.Youcanhelpyourchildgrowtheirwater confidencethroughenjoyingfunfamilyswimmingsessions togetherandalsotalkingaboutwatersafetyknow-how.

Makesureyourchildhaseverythingtheyneedtotakepartin theirswimminglessonsandalsofindoutwhattheircurrent attainmentlevelisandwhattheyshouldbeachieving.

IfyouareinaParentTeacherAssociation(PTA)

Youhaveanimportantroletoplay.Childrenwhodon’tlearnto swimatschooloftenneverlearnatall.Inyourregularmeetings, youcanencourageandsupportyourschooltosignuptothe Charterandtakeswimmingandwatersafetyseriously,aswell asmakingsureitstaysontheagenda.

Forfurtherinformation,visitwww.swimming.org

Homeschooling?

AccordingtolatestBBCfigures,home-schoolingintheUK hasincreasedfortypercentinthepastthreeyears.Parents whohomeschoolmustensuretheirchildrenreceiveabroad andbalanced,full-timeeducationfromage5.Whilstyou don’thavetofollowthenationalcurriculum,youwillalmost certainlywantyourchildtolearntoswimtoitsrequired standards.

SwimEngland recommendsyourchildcompletesthe Swim EnglandSchoolSwimmingandWaterSafetyCharter, to becompetentandconfidentinallwaterenvironmentsand proficientinalltheswimmingstrokes.

Thiswillensuretheycanswimtheminimumrequiredtwenty fivemetresbythetimetheywouldnormallyleaveprimary school.SwimEnglandalsosuggestsenrollingthemin regularlessonsthatfollowthe SwimEnglandLearntoSwim Programme, aswellasparticipatinginwatersafetycampaigns suchas SwimSafe. Talktoyourlocallessonprovidersaboutthe potentialfortakingpartinbespokeschoolswimminglessons. FormoreinformationaboutthePEcurriculum,visit www.gov.uk/national-curriculum.

Yourrole

BabySwimming: Startyourjourneyright

Thebenefitsofbabyswimminginearly childhooddevelopmentareabundant. Fromenhancingmotorskillsand coordinationtopromotingsocial interactionandbuildingconfidence,the aquaticenvironmentservesasafertile groundforholisticchilddevelopment. Moreover,thejoyandexcitement experiencedduringthesesessionslaythefoundationforalifelong loveofswimmingandphysicalactivity.

Findingtherightlessonsandtherightteachercanprovideyour familywithacomprehensiveandimmersiveexperiencethatextends farbeyondjustaswiminthepool.

Chooseaswimschoolthatisaccreditedbyrecognisedswimming associationsorgoverningbodies.Accreditationensuresthatthe swimschoolmeetsspecificstandardsofinstruction,safety,and professionalism.

Itisalsoessentialtoverifythattheswimschool’sinstructorshold relevantcertifications,suchascertificationsinlifeguarding, teachingswimming,safeguardingandvalidDBSchecksand Insurance.

Specialisinginchildrenaged0-5yearsold,WaterBabies Warwickshireoffersacaringspaceforyoungonestoexploreand learn.Ledbyworldclassinstructors,babiesarewelcomedintoa worldthatblendssafety,enjoyment,andskill-building.Expert teachersfocusonthewell-beingofeachchildandinfuseevery sessionwithplayfulelements,transformingeducationintoathrilling journeyforyourfamily.

Findaclassnearyouatwww.waterbabies.co.uk

It’stimeforsummer camps

ByEllieMalt

Ioncespentafreakishlyhotweekinthesummerholidays learningtosailneartheIsleofWight.Asatween,Iwas dazzledbytheteenagedsailinginstructorswhoseemed endlesslycool.I’mnotsayingmysailingskillswereOlympian butitfeltlikeamodernversionofSwallowsandAmazons.The senseoffreedomandadventurewasamazing.Mypoint?Any programmerunwithexperienceandenthusiasmcanbemore thanjustachildcaresolution.

Holidaycampscanbedauntingandmychildrenenjoythem moreiftheygowithafriend.Perhapsthepandemicmadethem cautious?Havingaskedaround,itseemstheyarenottheonly ones.

Jenny,amotherofa7and9-year-oldtoldme: ‘Mykidsweren’t interestedingoingatallbutthreehoursatatenniscamp turnedouttobeagoodfirststep.’ Half-daycampsareagreat introductiontocamplife.

It’salsoimportanttothinkcarefullybeforeautomaticallysending siblingstothesamecamp. ‘Choosecarefully!’ warnedMaggie, whohastwogirlswithverydifferentinterests. ‘Isentbothof mineofftothesamesportscamp.Attheendofthefirstday,one camehomeontopoftheworld,theotherrefusedtogoback.’

Ifitisyourchild’sfirsttimeatasummercamp,youcanease theirworriesbychoosingsomethingthatreallydovetailsnicely withtheirhobbiesandpersonality.

Ifyouthinkatechcampmighthitthemark,trysomethingwitha morespecialistfocusonrobotics,codingandinventions. NextThingEducation runprogrammesacrosstheUKled

Budget-friendlyoptions

Ifyourchildisunder11-years-old,youmayqualifyfora Tax-FreeChildcareaccount(whichyoucansetuponthe GovernmentGatewaywebsite).Thegovernmentcontributes £2forevery£8youputintotheaccount.Tospendthemoney onasummercampyouwillneedyouruniquereference numberfromyouraccount.

Manycampsstillacceptchildcarevouchers.Theschemesare closedtonewapplicantsbutarestillvalidifyoujoinedonor before4October2018.

TheSummerCampsTrust (www.summercampstrust.org) charityaimstomakeresidentialsummercampasnormalforUK childrenasitisforkidsintheUS.Offeringaccesstokidsfrom allbackgrounds,theirTryoutcampsofferreducedratesforfirst timers.

TheHolidayActivityandFood programme(HAF)isa government-fundedholidaycampprogrammeofferingfree placestoanychildwhoiseligibleforfreeschoolmeals.Headto yourlocalauthoritywebsiteandsearchforHAF.Notethateach areahasadifferentnameforitsHAFfundedprogrammes.

byprofessionalcreators,inventorsandtechenthusiasts.The childrenlearncreative,technicalandlogicalskills.See www.nextthing.educationfordetails.

Foroutdoorsykids,summeristheperfectopportunityto immersetheminthemostinspiringlocalscenery.

Doyoulivenearawoodland? ForestSchools areidealfor naturelovingkids,encouragingplayalongsidelearning bushcraftskills,allinanaturalsetting.Youcanfindyournearest bylookingonthedatabaseofthe ForestSchoolAssociation whichensuressiteleadershaveForestSchoolL3qualifications orequivalent.Visitwww.forestschoolassociation.orgfordetails.

Ifyouareheadingtothecoastforaholidayorevenashort breakandyourchildcanswimandenjoysbeinginthewater,a surfschool isagoodoptiontoconsider. SurfingEngland (www.surfingengland.org)hasalistofmorethanfiftyaccredited surfschoolsandcoaches.They’vealsocreatedtheGromSquad programmeforkidstolearnaboutprotectingtheenvironment andseasafety.

Ellieisamumoftwodaughters,livinginSurrey.

Questionstoask

Herearesomeimportantquestionstoaskwhenchoosinga camp.

IsitOfstedregistered? Ifitrunsformorethanfourhoursinone day,Ofstedregistrationiscompulsory.

Whatistheratioofstafftochildren? Forchildrenages3to8, thecampshouldhavea1to8ratio.Forchildrenages8+,a1to 10ratioisrecommended.

AskifstaffareenhancedDBSchecked (DisclosureandBarring Service,formerlytheCriminalRecordsBureauorCRB)andwho isthedesignatedsafeguardinglead.

Ifhigh-riskactivitiesareincluded, doublecheckthecampis accreditedbytherelevantassociation.

Checktheinstructorsandstaffhavetherelevant qualificationsfortheactivities. Manycampsemployteenswho addafundimensionbuttheyshouldalwaysbeoverseenby professionallyqualifiedstaff.

Howdoesithandlemedicationsandfoodallergies?Whatare theproceduresifyourchildbecomesillorinanemergency? Willtherealwaysbeatrainedfirstaideronsite?

Involvingyourkidsin socialaction

ByAnoushkaFreeman

Inaworldwherecompassionandempathyareinvaluable qualities,parentsplayacrucialroleinshapingtheirchildren intoresponsibleandcaringindividuals.Engaginginsocial actionwithyourchildrenhelpstoinstiltheselifelongvalues andmore.Plusitcanbeagreatwaytospendqualityfamily time.Here’showyoucanmeaningfullyinvolveyourkidsin socialaction.

Nevertooyoungtotalk

Startconversationsearly.Whileyoungchildrenmightnot graspcomplexglobalissues,introducingtheconceptof kindness,empathyandhelpingotherssetsthefoundationfor acompassionatemindset.Useage-appropriatelanguageand sharestoriesthatillustratethepowerofpositiveactions.

Maximiseeverydaykindness

Useeverydayactivities.Teachyourchildrenthesignificanceof smallactsthatmakeadifference,likepickinguplitterorturning offlights.Thesesimpleactionshelpnormaliseactivecitizenship.

Leadbyexample

Childrenlearnbestthroughexample.Showcasethevaluesyou wanttoinstilbyactivelyparticipatinginsocialactionyourself. Whethergivingtoacharity,helpinganeighbourorvolunteering yourtime,youractionsprovideapowerfulmodelforyourkids toemulate.Whereverpossible,taketheopportunitytoinclude yourchildrenintheactivity.Forexample,ifyouaredonatingto charity,explainwhyyouchosethecharityandwhatimpactyour donationmayhave.

Exploredifferentwaystohelp

Exposeyourchildrentoavarietyofsocialactionopportunities suchasgoingonlitterpicksorwritingtoMPsaboutcauses theycareabout.Thisnotonlybroadenstheirunderstanding ofsocietalneedsbutalsoallowsthemtodiscoverwheretheir passionslieinmakingapositiveimpact.

Empowerchildrentochoose

Inviteyourchildrentochooseacausethatresonateswith them.Supporttheminresearching,investigatingandexploring differentareasofinterest.Thisempowersthemtotake ownershipoftheirsocialactionandenhancestheircritical thinkingskills.

Committoit

Establishadedicatedtimeforsocialactioninyourfamilyroutine. Thiscommitmentcanbereinforcedthroughaccountability

Getinspired

10-year-oldLiamHannon’sdadsethimthechallengeof doingsomethingtogivebacktohiscommunity.Aftersome discussion,Liamsettledonhelpinghomelesspeople.He enlistedhisdadtohelphimmakeanddistributesandwiches, eachwithaspecialhandwrittennoteordrawing.

Byspreadingthewordtofriends,familyandthroughsocial media,donationsandoffersofhelppouredin.Theduohasgone fromdistributingfortybagsintheirfirstweektohundredsof bagsperweek!

measures,suchascreatingacharityjarthataccumulatesfunds inresponsetohelpingwithchoresaroundthehouse.This encouragesconsistencyandalsoreinforcesthevalueofsharing one’stime,treasureandtalenttohelpothers.

Maketraditions

Incorporatesocialactionintofamilytraditions.Whetherit’s creatingChristmasshoeboxes,donatingtoafoodbankor includingacharitybirthdaywishlist,thesetraditionsinstila senseofpurposeandgivingthatextendsbeyondindividual actions.

Reflectandcelebrate

Socialactionshouldnotbeaone-offevent.Keepthe conversationalivebydiscussingongoinginitiativesand celebratingtheirimpact.Thiscontinuousdialoguehelpschildren understandthelong-termimpactoftheiractions.

Spendingtimeworkingtowardsasharedgoalisabrilliantway tostrengthenfamilyconnection.Whenthatsharedgoalhelps others,suchasinthecaseofsocialaction,youarealsohelping tonurturecompassionate,responsibleandsociallyaware individuals.Thesevalueswilllastforlife;researchshowsthat youngpeoplewhoengageinmeaningfulsocialactionaretwice ashabituallyphilanthropicinlaterlife.

Sobyfollowingthesepracticalsteps,youareactivelyshaping thenextgenerationofchange-makers!

AnoushkaFreemanrepresentswww.superkind.org,the socialactionandcharityplatformforyoungpeoplewho wanttobechange-makers.Findfreeresourcestohelp youngpeoplelearn,beinspiredandgetempoweredtomake apositivedifferencetotheircommunitiesandtheworld.

Studieshaveshownthatsocialactionhasavastarray ofbenefitsforyoungpeoplewhotakepartinit.Itbuilds empathy,resilience,leadershipandteamwork.Ithasbeen linkedtohighergradesandlowertruancyandcanhelphugely withemployability.

ResearchfromtheCabinetOfficeshowedthatengagingin socialactionloweredanxietylevelsinyoungpeoplebyover twentypercent.It’sevenbeenshowntochemicallycontribute tohappinesslevelsthroughthereleaseofendorphins–thesocalled‘helpers’high.’

Funforallthefamily

AguidetoWhat’sOninCoventryandWarwickshire

DON’T MISS!

MidlandsAirFestival RagleyHall,Alcester 31May–2Jun2024

TheMidlandsAirFestivalreturnsforasixthyearoffamilyfun!This spectacularaviationeventwillonceagainconsistofNightfire,airdisplays andhotairballoonlaunches.Plus,therewillbegreattradestands, children’sridesandmoreentertainmentthaneverbefore!Theeventwill alsofeaturethelegendaryRoyalAirForceAerobaticteam,TheRed Arrows,whowilldisplayonall3daysintheirfullnineshipconfiguration. Showcasingthisseason’snewdisplayfortheveryfirsttimeintheUK, includingsomeclassicfavouritemanoeuvresfromthepast,intheir60th anniversaryyear.Thisisdefinitelyanopportunitynottobemissed! Formoreinformationortobuytickets,pleasevisit www.midlandsairfestival.com

StratfordLiterarySpringFestival CrownePlazaHotel, Stratford-upon-Avon 1-5May

Withbest-sellingauthors,lively paneldiscussions,workshopsfor writersandeventsforfamilies. www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk

FREEFamilyEvents WarwickArtsCentre

FromFamilySinging (19May), MusicalPicnics (12May&9Jun) to FamilySundays (5,12,19,26May; 2,9,16&23Jun) there’salways somethinggoingonforfamilies here.Justdropinandjoinin. Suitableforall. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

FamilyFunDay

MillGardens,LeamingtonSpa 4May

FREEfamilyfundaywithlivemusic andopenmicsessions,streetfood andkidsactivities. www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk

FamilyFunDay WarwickRacecourse 6May

Experienceamazinghorseracing actionandexcitingentertainment forallthefamilyplusdeliciousfood andFREEkidsactivities.Picnics welcome.Bookingessential. www.thejockeyclub.co.uk /warwick

AlcesterFoodFestival TownCentre,Alcester 18May

FillingtheHighStreet,Church StreetandHenleyStreetthefood festivalexhibitorswillhaveawide rangeofdeliciousfoodanddrinkon offer.Allwelcome! www.alcesterfoodfestival.org.uk

Museums&History

BritishMotorMuseum Gaydon

Exploreover400Britishclassiccars, takepartinthemedtrails,experience touchscreenexhibitsandunderstand howacarworks.Funforallthefamily! www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

CoventryTransportMuseum Coventry

Visitthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehiclesonthe planetandlearnabouthowCoventry changedtheworldthroughtransport. www.transport-museum.com

HerbertArtGalleryandMuseum

Coventry

Theperfectplacetodelveinto Coventry’shistoryandengagewithart andculture.PLUSvisitDippythe DiplodocusfromtheNaturalHistory Museum. www.theherbert.org

LuntRomanFort NrCoventry

ExploretheuniqueRomanFortress, takinginthesitesoftheramparts,the granarybuildingandtheworld’sonly knowngyrus!Thefortisopentothe publicatselectdates&timesduring theschoolholidays. www.luntromanfort.org

Events

ComicConMania

CoventryBuildingSocietyArena, Coventry 25May

Spectacularone-dayeventpacked withpopculture,gaming,and entertainment–funforallthefamily. Ticketsonline. www.coventrybuildingsociety arena.co.uk

SustainableShakespeare

CommunityDay

Shakespeare’sNewPlace, Stratford-upon-Avon 8Jun

PartoftheGreatBigGreenMonth, exploretheGreatGardenand celebratetheactionbeing undertakenlocallyandregionallyto tackleclimatechangeandprotect ournaturalenvironment. Handson-activities,liveacoustic musicandmore. www.shakespeare.org.uk

WolfRunJunior LeamingtonSpa 9Jun

Childrenandteenagerscangeta tasteoftheactionandenjoywild runningandobstaclesatWolfRun Junior.Opento7-17 yearolds.The juniorcourseis3kmlongandcan becompletedonceortwice. www.thewolfrun.com

DozeunderDippy

HerbertArtGallery&Museum Coventry 15Jun

Experienceasleepoverunlike anythingyou‘Ever-Saur’!Stay overnightinthemuseum,snoozing underthefeetofa26-foot Diplodocus!Anighttorememberfor alldinosaurloving6-11yearoldsand theirgrownups. www.dippyincoventry.co.uk

ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust Stratford-upon-Avon

Discoverthefascinatingstoriesbehind theworld’sgreateststorytelleracross hisfamilyhomes. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Shakespeare’sSchoolroom& Guildhall Stratford-upon-Avon Visitthe600-year-oldbuildingwhere WilliamShakespearesatinthe1570s andwrotehisfirstworksand experienceTudorschoollife,dress,art andstories. www.shakespearesschoolroom.org

St.Mary’sGuildhall/TalesofTea Coventry

Visitthishistoricalgemintheheartof theCity.Discoverits700yearold historythentreatthefamilyto AfternoonTeainthestunningvaulted Undercroft. www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk

WarwickCastle Warwick

Explorethecastletowersandramparts andover64acresofbeautifulgrounds andgardens.Withliveshows,events andextraordinaryentertainmentplus overnightstaysavailable.Warofthe RosesLive!andZogLiveShowboth returnfrom25May. www.warwick-castle.com

Daddy’sDensandS’mores RytonPoolsCountryPark 16Jun

ThisistheperfectgiftforFather’s Day,getthewholefamilyoutside, playinthedensandroast marshmallowsoverthecampfire. Pre-bookingessential. www.eventbrite.co.uk

WarwickPursuitsFestival

StNicholasPark 22-23Jun

FREEtwo-dayeventthatfocuseson history&literature,music&dance, theatre&artandsports& wellbeing.Livemusic,food,drinks, workshops,demonstrationsand localinformationplusvarious activitiesforfamiliestoenjoy. www.pursuitsfestival.co.uk

GodivaFestival

WarMemorialPark,Coventry 5–7Jul

Threedaysofgreatmusicandfamily entertainment.SundayisFamily DayheadlinedbyBeverleyKnight MBE.Alongsidethemusictherewill beawholehostofactivitiesand performancesdesignedforfamilies. www.godivafestival.com

WarwickThaiFestival WarwickRacecourse 29-30Jun

Experiencethetasteandcultureof Thailandwithworldclassfoodand performances.Agreatdayoutforall thefamily.Ticketsonline. Under15sFREE. www.magicofthailand.co.uk

Theatre

BelgradeTheatre

Coventry

TheBoyattheBackoftheClass

Tue14–Sat18May

AgeRecommendation:7+

Sing-a-Long-aMatilda Wed29May (Moviescreening)

Spot’sBirthdayParty Fri31May&Sat1Jun

AgeRecommendation:2+

JuliusCeasar

Mon17–Wed19Jun

AgeRecommendation:7+

IntheNightGardenLive! Fri21&Sat22Jun

AgeRecommendation:1-4 www.belgrade.co.uk

TheAlbanyTheatre Coventry

HorribleHistories–RottenRoyals

Wed1–Fri3May

Agerecommendation:5+

SchoolofRock–TheMusical(YOG) Wed8–Sat11May

TreasureIsland Sun26May

Agerecommendation:5+ Claytime–APlaywithClay Tue28May

Agerecommendation:3-6

TheTigerWhoCametoTea Fri31May–Sun2Jun

Agerecommendation:3+ www.albanytheatre.co.uk

WarwickArtsCentre Coventry

RubbishShakespeare:Romeoand Juliet Sun26May

DragonsandMythicalBeastsLive! Sat1–Sun2Jun

Agerecommendation:3+ www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

DaysOut

AllThingsWild Honeybourne

Interactwithfascinatinganimals, learnfromexpertkeepers,enjoya rideontheDinoTrainandexplore thewonderfulworldofDinosaurs. www.allthingswild.co.uk

HattonAdventureWorld NrWarwick

Fantasticdayoutforallthefamily. Comerainorshinethere’splentyto dowithindoorandoutdoor attractionsandentertainmentforall thefamily. www.hattonworld.com /adventure-world

RedwingsHorseSanctuary Oxhill Hometo80rescuedhorses,ponies anddonkeys.Visittheanimalsand enjoythecafé/giftshop.FREEentry andparking,donationsappreciated. Bookingrequired. www.redwings.org.uk

GetActive

AckersAdventure Birmingham

Getinvolvedwiththeactionat Ackers,includinglearntoski lessons(4+),tubingor tobogganing,discgolf,sessionsfor homeschoolersandmore. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk

AdventureZone Rugby

SoftPlaycentreforchildrenaged 0-12.Plus10pinbowling,ARdarts, CrazyGolf,Pooltablesand ShuffleboardsinStrikesBar. www.theadventurezone.co.uk

AirHopTrampolinePark Warwick Jumpintohappy,theultimateplay experienceforkidsandbigkids. CheckouttheAfterSchooldeal Mon-Thu,it’sgreatvalue! www.airhop.co.uk

GoApe Coventry

Thebestofhighropeantics,axe throwingandmini-LandRoversat CoombeAbbeyforthrill-seeking adultsandfun-seekingchildren. www.goape.co.uk

StratfordButterflyFarm Stratford-upon-Avon HandlingandDemonstrations* 25May–2Jun(excluding28May) MeettheMini-Beasthandling sessionsandButterflyLife-Cycle expertdemonstrationsdailyat11:00 plustheopportunitytohandlea varietyofstickinsects.Don’tmissthe PupaePreparationdemonstrationat 11:00on29May.Findouthowthe pupaeistransportedfrombutterfly farmersinthetropicstothebutterfly farmandpreparationfortheEmerging Case.*Subjecttochangedepending onavailabilityandwelfareofthe animals.Formoreinformationandto bookticketsvisit www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

BrandonMarshNatureReserve Coventry Joininwithsomeoutdoorfunoverthe holidaysintheMagicalForestorArtin theWildeventson29Mayorthe WilderFamiliesFeston15Jun.Plus regularNatureTots,WildlifeWatch AfterSchoolClubandSaturday NatureClubs.Fulldetailsonline. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

KidsRule! KenilworthCastle

ExploretheArmourytentanddiscover medievalweaponsandarmour,then testyourskillsinfoamswordfighting games.FREE(includedinentry). Bookonlineandsave15%. www.english-heritage.org.uk

PlayandMakeZone

CoventryTransportMuseum

DiscovertheworldofScience, Technology,EngineeringandMaths (STEM)inaplayfulwaythroughbig playandavarietyofcraftstoenjoyat yourownpace.Suitableforallages. FREE(Includedinadmission),drop-in sessions. www.transport-museum.com/events

PlayfulProcessArt HerbertArt Gallery&Museum,Coventry 25May–31May(excludingSundays) Experimentwiththewondersof makingthroughprocessart,giving childrentheopportunitytodiscover thejoysofmakingandhaving freedomtoexploreandexperiment withthematerialsprovidedforthem. Dailyactivities,Dropin,£2.50per childover2.Designedforages3+but allwelcome. www.theherbert.org

JuniorParkrun

Stratford-upon-Avon,Leamington, Rugby,Coventry

AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly2K eventforjuniors(4-14yearsold)

EverySundayat9:00.Children mustbeabletocompletethe coursewithoutanadult. 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

SpotOnWake Henley-in-Arden

TheUltimatewatersports destination!With3custom designedlakes,trywakeboardingor SUP(6+)ortheAquaJungle(8+). Learnsomethingnewtogether. www.spotonwake.co.uk

TheWave Coventry Grabyourgogglesandenjoya familydayoutatoneoftheUK’s award-winningindoorwaterparks intheheartofCoventryCityCentre! www.thewavecoventry.com

CircusCortexUK BroadstreetRugbyFootballClub, Coventry 22May–2Jun Thecircusisbackintownwiththeir brand-newshowMasquerade! Preparetobeamazedbytheskillsand costumesasthejollyjokertakesyou throughthestoriesbehindthemasks. www.circuscortex.com

GiantTopTrumpsTrail TwycrossZoo BrandNEWthisMay,areyoureadyto play?Fromthemostendangered speciestothemostelusive,explore andcollectthehighest-rankingcards tobecometheultimateTopTrumps championandearnthenext‘Zoo Crew’badge.Until9Jun. www.twycrosszoo.org

ReturnoftheDinosaurs

HattonCountryWorld 25May–31May(excludingSundays) GetreadyforaROAR-someWhitsun! Meetthebabydinosaursinthepetting zoo,seethedinoshowandwatchout fortheraptorencounter.Allincluded inadmission. www.hattonworld.com /adventure-world

RugbyArtGallery&Museum RugbyTownCentre 28–31May

Unleashsomecreativitythisholiday andenjoyearlyyearsplay, monoprinting,makeyourown magnifyingglassplusrelaxedhourfor neurodivergentchildrenandadults. Low-cost,accessiblebookable workshopsandartadventures. www.ragm.co.uk

Developingskills forgoodschool performance

ByGailHugman

Manyparentsworryabouttheirchildrenunderachieving ornotreachingtheexpectedlevelbythetimetheyleave primaryschoolorsit11+examsbutthereisgoodnews.By developingyourchild’sskillsitmaybeeasiertoimprovetheir performancethanyoumightthink.

Researchhasshownthattobeourmosteffectiveaslearners, weneedtodevelopaspecificsetofskillsknownas executive function skills.

Don’tbeputoffbythename!Youhavealltheseskills.Someof youwillbebrilliantatthem,otherslesssobutyouwillnotbea strangertothem.

Weareallbornwiththepotentialtodeveloptheseskillsover timebuttheyarenotspecificallytaughtaspartofthecurriculum inschool,eventhoughtheyare criticalforeffectivelearning andforeverythingwedoinlife.

Wheredoyoustart?Self-control,focusandattention, organisation,memory(especiallyworkingmemory),planning, timemanagement,criticalthinking,taskinitiation,perseverance andflexibilitycanallbetaught.

Asabasicminimum,whenchildrengotoschool,theyneedto beableto controlthemselves,concentrateandlisten. Ifany oftheseskillsareweak,itislikelytobeflaggedupinthechild’s schoolreport.

Beingabletoboilaneggdoesnotmeanyoucanproducea gourmetmeal!Likewise,beingableto‘situpstraight,look attheteacherandfoldyourarms,’donotalonemakeyoua goodlistener.Eachskill-gourmetcookingANDlistening-isa complexseriesofthingsweneedtoco-ordinatetoaccomplish aresult.

Byunderstandingtheskillsasaprocess,wecanbreakdown everythingthatneedstohappen.Forexample,tobeagood listener,weneedtobeableto stopwhatwe’redoing,focusand makeeyecontact. Thislastmaynotbeeasyforchildrenwho areoverwhelmedbyeyecontact,sousediscretion.

Teachingconcentration

Primaryagedchildrenneedtofeeltheskill: Filltheicetray(oraglass)withwater.Askyourchildtocarryitto thefreezer(oracrossthekitchen)withoutspillingadrop.When youseetheyarecompletelyconcentrating,tellthem‘whatyou arenowfeelingiscalledconcentration.’Thishelpstheirbrain recognisewhentheyaredoingitcorrectly.

Tellyourchildwhentheyneedtoconcentrate(egwhenthe teacheristalking)andaskhowconcentrationwenteachday.

Properlisteningalsoinvolvescognitiveskills:toconcentrate, wait,reflect,makeconnectionswithreference,takeinandsort informationandfinally,torespondappropriately.

Canyourchildstopwhatthey’redoingwhenthey’reasked?If not,workonitforaweekandtellthemthat’sthetarget.Take eachpartoftheprocessandfocusonituntiltheygetit.

Stagestoencourageskilldevelopment

Definewhatyourchildisaimingtoachieve; Explainthebenefitsofgrowingthatskilltoyourchild; Explainthedownsideofnothavingtheskillinlife; Createopportunitiesforyourchildtogetfeedbackonhow they’redoingwithit; Congratulatesmallsuccesses!Thefeedbackyougiveyourchild helpstheirbraintogetitrightandconsolidateit.

Supportyourchild’sindependencebyfocusingondeveloping theircoreskillsastheyprogressthroughprimaryschool.Find waystoworktogetherwithyourchildtouseeverydaylifefor workingonthegrowingskills.

Plan homework time activities organise spelling practise self-control

GailHugmanisproprietorofLessonsAlive (www.lessonsalive.com)andauthorof AShortandSimple BookfortheWhy’s,100ThingstoLearnbeforeyou’re10,plus thesoontobepublished MakingthePenniesDrop, which showsparentsexactlyhowtoteachkeyskillstotheir children.

Preparingtheground

Ingeneral,yourchild’sskillswillnaturallydevelopasthey matureduringthesecondaryeducationyearsbutyoucan preparethegroundearlier.Herearesometipstohelpyou:

Criticalthinking: askquestionsaboutwhatthey’redoingand whattheyproduce.Encouragediscussionaboutwhatthey think.

Taskinitiation: explaintheneedtogetthingsdonewhenyou areteachingthemtimemanagement.

Perseverance: pointout‘thebiggerpicture’andthestepsto keepinggoing.

Flexibility: demonstratebeingadaptabletochange.

Topnewchildren’sbooksfrom aroundtheworld

BySarahCampbell

FrombustlingAfricancitiestotheAustralianOutbackviaAsianhighseas,theseextraordinarystorieswilltransport childrenaroundtheworld,broadeningtheirhorizonsandinspiringempathyandunderstandingalongtheway.The followingrecommendationsareforyoungreadersages5to12.

TooSmallTola MakesItCount byAtinuke

Tolamaybe smallbutshe’s verydetermined! Thiscollectionof threeconnected, funstories featureTola’s lifeinbustling Lagoswithher cleversister, speedybrotherandbossygrandmummy. Discoverhowtherereallyisnoproblem toobigforTooSmallTola. Ages5+.

TheLast Mapmaker byChristina Soontornvat

FollowSai,a 12-year-old heroinewhois seekingtochart herowndestiny inaworldof secrets.Taking offforathrilling high-seas expedition,thisisavividadventuresetin aThai-inspiredfantasyworld. Ages8+.

OneChance Dance byEfuaTraor

Lagosisnoplace foraboyanda bushbabybut thingsstartto lookupwhen youngJomimeets acrewofstreet kidsandtogether theycomeup withaplan.A heart-warmingstoryoffriendship,wonder anddancesetinlivelyNigeria. Ages8+.

SonaSharma, WishMeLuck byChitra Soundar, illustratedbyJen Khatun

SonaSharma livesinIndiawith herbusyfamily, whereshelearns abouttheupsand downsoffamily, friendshipand life.Awarmandgentleillustratedchapter booksetincolourfulIndia,packedwith empathyandhumour. Ages5+.

SavingSorya:ChangandtheSun BearTrang byTrangNguyen&JeetZdung

Writtenbyscientistandenvironmental activistTrangNguyen,thisinspirational graphicnovelisbasedonatruestory aboutayoungconservationistwho overcomestheoddstosaveasunbearin Vietnam. Ages8+.

TheBoyWho SavedaBear byNizrana Farook

Aboyandabig, hairybearmeet, becomefriends andhavethe adventureoftheir lives,thwarting theplansofsome verydangerous thieves.Young animalloverswillbegrippedbythis adventuresetinafictionalSriLanka. Anotherbrilliantescapadefromthe authorof TheGirlWhoStoleanElephant. Ages8+.

The Midnighters byHanaTooke, illustratedby AyeshaI.Rubio

Aghostlytale abouttwo friends,one murdermystery andaworldof intrigue.Ilove themysterious, richlygothicinspiredEuropeansettingofthis entertainingandmagicaladventure. Findoutwhatittakestofindthe couragetobeextraordinary. Ages5+.

TheSong Walker byZillahBethel

Agirlisfound wandering throughthe Australian outbackwith mismatched shoesanda violincase.This greatadventure withatwist isanextraordinary,spiritualstoryof friendship,discoveryandcourage. Ages8+.

Momo Arashima Stealsthe Swordofthe Wind byMisa Sugiura

Momojust wantsan ordinarylife butsheishalf human,half Shintogoddess andevilspiritsarethreateningto escapeanddestroyhumanity.Athrilling Japanese-inspiredfantasyadventurefull ofaction,adventureandevenatalking fox. Ages9+.

SarahCampbellisco-founderofParrotStreetBookClub(www.parrotstreet.com),anonlinechildren’sbookshopoffering ahandpickedcollectionofhigh-qualitychildren’schapterbooks,plusanaward-winningmonthlybooksubscriptionfor ages5to14.

Choosingareading book

ByZuzuJordan

‘Idon’tlikereading’ arewordsparentsdreadtohearand battletochangeandinsuchhouseholds,readingcan becomeanon-negotiable,timedandrecordedhomework chore.Yetweallstrivetomouldchildrenwhowanttoread, forpleasure,whichbecomesincreasinglydifficulttoachieve whenwehavetocompetewithmoderndevices.

Sohowdoweencouragealoveforreadingandbooks?

Itstartswithknowinghowtomatchreadingmaterialtothe child.Whenchildrenaregivencompletefreereininchoosinga book,sometimesitcanbeoverwhelming.

Forgivetheclichébuttheyoften‘judgeabookbyitscover’or pickabooktheyfindtoochallengingtoactuallyreadandendup givinguponitalltogether.Childrenneedjustasmuchsupport inchoosingabookastheydoreadingone.

Trysomeofthesetechniquesnexttimetheyseemstuckin choosingsomething:

Fivefingerrule. Askthemtoreadthefirstpageofabook.If theystruggletoreadmorethanfivewordsonthatpagethenthe bookdoesn’tsuitthemYET!

Trydifferentgenres. Notallreadinghastobefictional.Expose childrentonon-fictionintheformofchild-friendlynewspapers orinformationtextonasubjecttheymightbeinterestedin.

Findanauthoryourchildlikesandresearchotherworksbythe sameauthor.

Listentotheaudioversion. Listeningtosomeoneelsereadcan motivatechildrentoreadthebookthemselves.

Useorganisations like BookTrust and CLPE (Centre forLiteracyinPrimaryEducation)whichhavecreated recommendedbooklistsfordifferentagegroups.

Findoutwhattheyarereadinginschool. Whatotherbooksare similar?Whichotherbooksdidthesameauthorwrite?

Meettheauthor. Gettingasignedcopyandmeetingtheauthor canencouragechildrentoread.Lookoutforeventsatyourlocal bookshop.

ApplyfortheBluePeterBookBadge whichrequireschildrento readabookandsubmitareview.

ZuzuJordanisaMasteryforMathsspecialistwhohastaught primaryagedchildrenforsixteenyearsandisinterestedinearly yearsandhomelearning.Forfreehomeworkandhomelearning resources,findheronInstagram@edumate_uk

Supportingyour child’smemory retention

ByErinMiller

Doesyourchildstruggletorememberthingstheyhavelearnt atschool?Cognitivesciencecanhelpustounderstandhow ourchildren’sbrainsworkandhowtheywilllearnbest.

Inordertoremember,weneedtostoreinformationinourlongtermmemory.Aroundthirtyyearsago,Australianpsychologist JohnSwellerpublishedapaperwhichhassignificantlyadvanced ourunderstandingofhowinformationpassesfromtheworking memoryintothelong-termmemory.Thetheorythatcame fromhisworkiscalled CognitiveLoadTheory(CLT) anditis worthhavingabasicunderstandingofthetheory,sothatwe cansupportourchildrenwhentheyarestrugglingtoremember informationtheylearn.

Whenachildfirstlearnsnewinformation,itisheldintheir workingmemory.Theworkingmemoryislimitedandifitis overloaded,itbecomesverydifficulttotransferthatinformation intothelong-termmemory.

Swellerestimatedthat onlyfivetonineitemscanbeheldin theworkingmemory atanyonetime.Interestingly,itisthought thatthelong-termmemoryisunlimitedinitscapacity.So,togive yourchildthebestchancesofsuccessinbothformalexams andinbeingcreative,wemusthelpthemtoshiftinformation intotheirlong-termmemories.Onceinformationisstoredthere, itcanberetrievedwhenitisneededandhasthereforebeen learnt.

Thegoldenruleistonotoverloadachild’sworkingmemory.A teachingmethodcalled‘chunking’isnowhelpingchildrento

retaininformationforlonger. Chunking involvesbreakingdown informationintosmaller(bitesize)chunks.Byfocusingonjust oneideaatatime,childrenareabletodigestandrecallthe information.

Whilstthismaysoundsimpleandevenobvious,breakingdown informationintochunkscanbetricky,astheyoftenneedtobe evensmallerthanyoumightimagine.Forexample,inanswering aquestionabouthistory,considerhowmanybitsofmicro informationthatyourchildwillneed. Trytokeepinformationin thefivetoninerange.

Ultimately,CLThashelpededucatorstodesignlearningto supportthewaythatchildren’sbrainswork.Thisis,ofcourse, largelythejobofyourchild’steacher.However,whenparents understandandarmthemselveswiththisknowledge,theycan useittosupporttheirchild’slearningathomeandhelpthem flourishatscho

ErinMillerisateacherwithakeeninterestinhowresearchcan beusedintheclassroomtoimprovelearning.

IndependentSchools Coventry&Warwickshire

ArnoldLodge LeamingtonSpa (Ages4-18) T:01926778050 www.arnoldlodge.com

OpenDay:Sat11May 10:00–13:00

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PrepandJuniorSchools

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SummerOpenEve:Fri21Jun 17:00–20:00

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Rugby

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SummerOpenEve:Tue14May 17:00–19:00

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OpenMorning:Sat8Jun 09:30–11:00

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StratfordPreparatorySchool

Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789297993 www.stratfordprep.co.uk

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WarwickPreparatorySchool

Warwick T:01926491545 www.warwickprep.com

SeniorSchools

BablakeSenior Coventry T:02476271200 www.bablake.com

SummerOpenEve:Fri21Jun 17:00–20:00

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Registerforopeneventsonline

Ecobirthdaygifts

ByTamsinRyan

Atatimewhenwearealltryingtoreducetheamountof plasticweconsume,itseemstoymakersandourlittleones areagainstuseverystepoftheway,fillingourhomeswith plastictoysandgadgetseverywherewelook.Moreover,these colourfulandjoyouspiecesofplasticoftenprovideprecious littlefunbeforetheyarepushedasideforthenextinline.

Whentheinevitablebirthdaypartyseasoncomesalong,gifting somethingthatisalittlekindertotheplanetmightalsoprovide somelongerlastingfun.

Gardengames arealong standingfavouritegift.They aregreatforgettingkids outsideandprovidethe opportunityforlotsoffamily fun.Lovelywoodengames suchasquoits,Jengaand skittleswillprovideyearsof funandlastalifetime.

Booksareoftenoverlooked butcanbesuchmeaningful andenjoyablegifts.Favourite storiescanbereadand lovedagainandagainand thenpassedontosiblings, friendsorthenextgeneration. Alternatively,abooktoken giveschildrenthefunof browsingarealbookshop.

Nopresents! Ifyouarehaving apartyforyourchild,you mayjustwanttoaskforno presentsatall,ifyoufeelyour childhasmorethanenough. Alternatively,askeveryoneto bringalongabookthatthey haveenjoyedreadingandthen doabookswap,soeveryone goeshomewithagift.

Prelovedgifts arealsoa greatoption.Aschildrenoften outgrowtheirtoysbeforethey reallygetachancetoplay withthem,youcanfindplenty ofprelovedtoysthatarelike new.Yousavemoney,kids barelyknowthedifference betweennewandpreloved andaren’tbotheredanyway. Trynearlynewsales,charity shopsorschoolfairs.Ifyou’re shortontime, www.rumage. com cansearchallyour favouritemarketplacesforyou andfilterbylocationsoyou canfindasellernearby,saving onpostage.

Lastinggifts. Asubscription isagiftthatkeepsongiving, perhapsamonthlymagazine oracraftbox.

Non-physicalgifts. Insteadof stuffandmorestuff,consider afundayoutoranexperience thatthewholefamilycan enjoyorsomedance,music orsportsclasses.Another ideaisanannual(family) membershiptoalocal amusementpark,museum orsimilar,whichmeansyour giftcanbeenjoyedagainand againthroughouttheyear.

‘Fiver’parties arealsorising inpopularityandit’seasy toseewhy.Theyreducethe pressureonparentstosearch fortheperfectgiftandalso meanthebirthdaychildcan usethecombinedmoniesto buyameaningfulgiftthatthey wouldreallylike.

Handmadeandupcycled presents addareally personaltouch.Youcan makesomethingbespoke thatwillbeuniquetothe luckyrecipient.Previously I’veupcycledascooteranda guitarformydaughter,which havebeenlovedandadored. Whatevergiftyoudecide togowith,byconsciously avoidingnewplasticand makingsustainablechoices, yourbiggestgiftwillbetothe planet-andthusthefutureof thebirthdaychild.Whatmore couldtheyaskfor?

Birthdaytraditions

ByTamsinRyan

Thelovelythingaboutbirthdaytraditionsisthattheydon’t havetobebigandexpensivetobereallyfunandmeaningful. They’reallaboutcreatinglastingmemoriesandprovidingthe perfectopportunityforafamilyphoto,capturedeveryyearto seeyourfamilygrowandchange.

Inourhousehold,wehavea‘birthdaybook’forourdaughter. Everyyearwefilloutanewpagewithwhatmakesherspecial; fromherfavouritefoodortoy,towhatshewantstobewhen shegrowsup.It’sgoingtomakealovelybooktolookbackon inyearstocome!Shealsoopensherpresentsfirstthinginthe morning,beforewe’veevengotoutofbed.Later,we’lleatout withwiderfamilymembers,atthefavourite‘fancy’restaurant thatwealwaysgotoforbirthdaycelebrations.

Anothergreatbonusoffamilytraditionsisthattheycan potentiallyreplacetheneedforanall-singing,all-dancing birthdayparty.Sometimesqualitytimewiththeonesweloveis morethanenoughandpartiescantakeabackseat.

Hereareafewfunideasforyou:

Adddecorationsandleavetheirpresents attheendofyour child’sbed,whiletheysleep.Alovelysurprisewhentheywake!

Writeyourchildaletter everyyearfortheirbirthday, foralovelykeepsakewhen theyareolder.Ortheycould writesomethingeachyearfor atimecapsuleoftheirletters anddrawings.

Writelittlepost-itnotesfor thebirthdaychild andhide themroundtheirroom,the house,intheirschoolbagand theirlunchbox.

Askthebirthdaychildtodonateatoyoftheirstocharity beforetheyreceiveanynewgifts.It’salovelywayforthemto acknowledgehowluckytheyaretoreceivegiftsontheirbirthday andalsoclearssomespacetoaccommodateanynewgifts.

Prepareafantastic birthdaybreakfastfeast, suchaspilesofpancakes coveredinfruit,syrup andcream.Ormaybe juststarttheday thebestway-with birthdaycake!

Somethingtheywant, somethingtheyneed, somethingtowearand somethingtoread. Gifting thebirthdaychildwiththese isalovelywaytocelebratea birthdayinamoregroundedway.

Planascavengerhunt aroundthehouseandgardenandask thebirthdaychildtosolvecluesinordertohuntdowntheirgifts.

Offera‘yes’day, whereyou agreetoallrequestsfromthe birthdaychild.Youmaywant tohaveafew‘safety’caveats forthisday,toensurecertain requestsareoutofbounds.

Sendtheirbirthdaycardin thepost, evenifyouareall athome;it’salwaysfunto receivemail.